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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday formally reaffirmed Uganda’s support for Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s candidature for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations during a meeting with representatives of members of the United Nations Security Council at State House, Entebbe.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the President to officially present Uganda’s nominee and reaffirm the government’s commitment to mobilising international support for Ambassador Otunnu’s bid to lead the world’s premier multilateral organisation.

Introducing Ambassador Otunnu to the diplomats, President Museveni described him as a distinguished Ugandan statesman and seasoned diplomat whose extensive experience within the United Nations system makes him well suited to lead the organisation at a time of mounting global challenges.

“He is really the type of person you will need in the UN system because he is very much aligned to it. I therefore hand over Olara Otunnu to you,” President Museveni said.

The President noted that he has known Ambassador Otunnu since their days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as Guild President. He also praised his fluency in both English and French, saying his multilingual ability and broad diplomatic experience are significant assets for the role.

“He speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent, so I hand Ambassador Olara Otunnu to you so that he can brief you himself,” the President added.

President Museveni observed that although Ambassador Otunnu has spent decades serving the international community, he has remained an influential figure in Uganda’s political landscape, having served as President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and previously contested for the country’s presidency.

The President also highlighted Uganda’s strong credentials within the United Nations, particularly its contribution to regional peace and security and its progressive refugee policy.

“Uganda’s credentials in the UN are many, but the uncontested ones are two: our contribution to regional security—I don’t think anybody will say Uganda is not known for that—and our support for refugees. Our candidate comes from that background,” he said.

“Of course, we are also excelling in democracy, although others may have different views, which I will not insist upon. But on refugees and our contribution to regional security, I think everybody will agree.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Otunnu thanked President Museveni for the government’s endorsement, noting that several members of the Security Council had sought assurances regarding Uganda’s commitment to his candidature following previous unsuccessful attempts.

He said he had informed them that the President was best placed to clarify Uganda’s position and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage the representatives alongside the Head of State.

Ambassador Otunnu outlined his distinguished international career, having served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, President of the International Peace Academy (now the International Peace Institute), and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.

He said his experience spans peace and security, humanitarian affairs, human rights and development, with a leadership approach rooted in consensus-building and dialogue.

According to Ambassador Otunnu, preventing conflicts, maintaining international peace, supporting peacebuilding and promoting post-conflict recovery should remain the United Nations’ foremost priorities.

He also unveiled his vision for strengthening the effectiveness and credibility of the organisation through institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency, coordination and accountability.

On development, Ambassador Otunnu said the Secretary-General should play a stronger convening role in mobilising long-term financing for developing countries with credible development plans but limited financial resources.

He further called for the United Nations to spearhead global cooperation on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, by bringing together governments, experts and the private sector to ensure technological advancement benefits all humanity.

Ambassador Otunnu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting transparency, merit and inclusivity within the United Nations, saying recruitment should reflect the organisation’s universal character while maintaining the highest professional standards.

He described the office of the Secretary-General as one founded on moral authority, humility, consensus-building and active engagement with member states in advancing peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.

Representatives of Security Council member states welcomed the opportunity to engage with President Museveni and Ambassador Otunnu, outlining the priorities that would guide their respective governments during the Secretary-General selection process.

They commended Ambassador Otunnu’s distinguished international record and welcomed his emphasis on peace and security, development, human rights, institutional reform and emerging global issues, including artificial intelligence.

The diplomats also acknowledged Uganda’s significant contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, as well as its internationally recognised refugee policy.

Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda reaffirmed Uganda’s determination to secure broad international backing for Ambassador Otunnu’s candidature.

President Museveni announced that Dr. Rugunda would lead a Ugandan delegation to engage governments in various capitals as part of Uganda’s diplomatic campaign.

“We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,” President Museveni said.

Dr. Rugunda described Ambassador Otunnu as a distinguished Ugandan statesman whose service at both the national and international levels has prepared him to lead the United Nations.

He noted that Ambassador Otunnu has remained an important national leader through his leadership of the Uganda People’s Congress and his participation in presidential elections.

“I am very happy that you have endorsed Ambassador Otunnu. We will give him our full support,” Dr. Rugunda said.

He added that Uganda believes the time has come for Ambassador Otunnu to realise his long-held aspiration of serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration,” he said.

Dr. Rugunda also appealed to the diplomats to convey Uganda’s message of support to their respective governments.

“I hope that the ambassadors will clearly convey the message to their respective governments.”

The meeting was attended by ambassadors representing both permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, including Somalia, Denmark, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and other member states.

 

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In a world increasingly defined by conflict, economic uncertainty and political divisions, the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) has emerged as a platform bringing together young people from Africa and the Arab world to champion peace, leadership and sustainable development.

Established on 9 March 2004 in Khartoum, Sudan, following the First Afro-Arab Youth Festival, the Council has grown from a youth movement into one of the leading international youth organisations promoting cooperation between the two regions. Rather than limiting itself to conferences and declarations, AAYC has positioned itself as a platform that translates dialogue into partnerships, policy engagement and practical opportunities for young people.

Connecting Two Regions:

Africa and the Arab world have long been linked through history, culture, trade and diplomacy. Today, they also share many of the same challenges. Youth across both regions continue to grapple with unemployment, limited access to quality education, climate change, conflict, digital inequality and barriers to meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making.

Recognising these shared realities, AAYC seeks to bridge the two regions by fostering collaboration among young leaders. Through international congresses, leadership forums, cultural exchanges, policy dialogues and capacity-building programmes, the Council provides platforms where ideas evolve into partnerships and partnerships lead to solutions.

Turning Dialogue into Action:

One of the Council’s landmark initiatives was the 5th Afro-Arab Youth Congress, held in Kampala, Uganda, which brought together more than 1,200 delegates from 45 countries under the theme, “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity.”

The congress addressed a broad range of issues affecting young people, including:

• Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• Youth participation in governance
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Climate action
• Mental health
• Employment and economic empowerment

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Kampala 10.10 Nalubaale Communiqué, a policy document outlining recommendations to governments, regional institutions and development partners on advancing youth priorities. The communiqué reflected the Council’s commitment to ensuring that youth engagements produce tangible policy outcomes rather than remaining symbolic gatherings.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Collaboration remains central to AAYC’s work.

Over the years, the Council has strengthened cooperation with institutions including the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Pan-African Youth Union, governments, universities and youth-led organisations across Africa and the Arab world.

Through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and joint programmes, AAYC continues to expand opportunities in education, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, leadership development and regional integration.

Recent collaborations with the Egyptian Youth Council and Uganda’s National Youth Council further demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to long-term partnerships that create lasting opportunities for young people.

From Conversations to Skills:

Recognising that meaningful youth empowerment requires practical competencies, AAYC regularly organises webinars, seminars and workshops focusing on emerging issues affecting young people.

One such dialogue on Skills Development for Youth Opportunities brought together policymakers, educators, researchers, employers and youth leaders to examine strategies for reducing unemployment through skills development, innovation and education reform.

These engagements continue to highlight the importance of aligning education with labour market needs while equipping young people with the knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Promoting Peace Through Leadership:

Beyond professional development, AAYC serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy.

Its programmes bring together young people from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds, creating opportunities for dialogue, networking and mutual understanding. Through leadership sessions, cultural exchanges and collaborative activities, participants challenge stereotypes, strengthen trust and build relationships that often extend well beyond the events themselves.

The Council’s approach reflects the belief that sustainable peace is built not only through political agreements but also through meaningful connections among ordinary citizens, particularly young people.

Giving Youth a Voice:

Over the years, AAYC has consistently advocated for youth inclusion in regional and international conversations on issues ranging from humanitarian crises and employment to diplomacy, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The organisation promotes dialogue, cooperation and collective action, ensuring that young people’s perspectives contribute to shaping policies and regional responses to shared challenges.

Measuring Impact:

While the true impact of youth empowerment cannot be measured by numbers alone, the Council’s growing reach illustrates its expanding influence across Africa and the Arab world.

To date, AAYC has:

• Secured more than 1,000 scholarships for young people across member states.
• Supported and engaged over one million youth leaders through its programmes and initiatives.
• Built networks spanning approximately 60 countries, including diaspora communities.
• Convened major international gatherings involving governments, development partners, civil society organisations, academic institutions and youth organisations.

Behind these milestones are thousands of young people who have gained access to education, mentorship, leadership opportunities and platforms to contribute to positive change within their communities.

Looking Ahead:

The future of Africa and the Arab world will be shaped largely by today’s young people. Investing in their leadership, education and cross-cultural cooperation is therefore essential to building peaceful, prosperous and resilient societies.

The Afro-Arab Youth Council continues to demonstrate that youth are not merely beneficiaries of development but active partners in driving it. Through its congresses, leadership programmes, policy dialogues, cultural exchanges and strategic partnerships, the Council is transforming youthful potential into practical action.

As Africa and the Arab world navigate complex economic, social and political challenges, organisations that unite young people across borders will remain increasingly important. By creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and shared purpose, AAYC is helping nurture a generation equipped to lead with vision, innovation and a commitment to lasting peace and sustainable development.

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What started with a viral dance video has grown into a bond that Shakira says she will never forget.

The global music icon has shared an emotional tribute to Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, revealing that the young dancers touched her heart during the days they spent together ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Shakira said one of her favourite memories was taking the children to the beach for the first time, describing them as a constant source of joy for everyone around them.

Now I love you like you are children of my own and this time with you has made me realize yet again that every child in the world should be treated and loved like our own.

She praised the troupe for showing her that love rises above nationality, language and culture, adding that they reminded everyone around them to open their hearts without fear.

The emotional message followed a remarkable journey that began when Shakira spotted a viral video of the Kampala-based dancers performing to Dai Dai, the official FIFA World Cup anthem.

She later invited them to join her and Burna Boy on stage during the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on July 19, where they performed before millions of viewers around the world.

Before the Ghetto Kids returned to Uganda on August 3, Shakira gifted them an official FIFA World Cup final match ball signed in her own hand, a gesture that capped an unforgettable experience.

By Brian Mugenyi

JINJA, Uganda — Away from the daily bustle of municipal offices, department heads and staff of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipal Council gathered at the Jinja Civil Service College with a single target: evaluate performance, strengthen teamwork, and chart a course for better service delivery.

Leading the retreat, Municipal Town Clerk Otimong Moses challenged staff to view the gathering not merely as another routine government meeting, but as a crucial opportunity to renew their commitment to public service.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this staff retreat,” Otimong said in his opening address. “Your presence reflects our shared commitment to improving our institution and the quality of services we provide to the people of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality.”

He reminded participants that stepping away from daily administrative tasks provides the space to reflect on achievements, confront institutional bottlenecks, and agree on practical strategies to elevate service delivery.

“Our greatest strength lies in our ability to work together, support one another, and pursue common goals,” Otimong emphasized, calling on staff to foster a workplace culture grounded in trust, mutual respect, and collaboration.

A Vision Beyond Administration

Throughout his address, the Town Clerk stressed that effective public service depends on institutional clarity.

Reaffirming the municipality’s vision to become “a well-planned, clean, and prosperous municipal council,” Otimong pointed to a mission centered on delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable urban services.

To translate that vision into reality, he urged every officer to embody the council’s core values: integrity, dedication, transparency, innovation, and determination.

“Every decision we make should contribute to better service delivery and sustainable development,” he added.

Translating Discussion into Action

Moving beyond standard presentations, the retreat zeroed in on measurable output and operational accountability.

Delegates reviewed performance across critical sectors, including administration, finance and planning, works and natural resources, education, production, community-based services, public health, trade, and local economic development. The agenda also covered key audit findings and set strategic priorities for the 2026/27 financial year.

Otimong urged staff to speak candidly, share field experiences, and put forward actionable solutions.

“The true measure of this retreat will not be the discussions we have here, but the positive changes we implement afterward,” he said, pushing officers to embrace continuous learning and adopt innovative governance methods to meet modern public service demands.

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Three years after the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) came into existence, Eddy Kenzo believes the organisation has plenty to celebrate.

The UNMF president took to social media to reflect on the federation’s journey, sharing an infographic that highlighted what he considers its biggest achievements since 2023.

For Kenzo, the biggest victory has been bringing musicians under one umbrella while pushing reforms that he says are beginning to reshape Uganda’s music industry.

He pointed to the amendment of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, the establishment of regional musicians’ SACCOs and closer collaboration with government as milestones that have strengthened the industry’s future.

Kenzo also credited UNMF with expanding its membership, organising training programmes and supporting systems designed to improve copyright management and royalty collection.

These achievements are a testament to the power of unity, purpose and collective action. Together, we are building a sustainable and prosperous future for every musician in Uganda.

Looking ahead, Kenzo challenged musicians to build on that momentum.

Since the start of UNMF, the journey has been fruitful. Look at some of the achievements we have accomplished. This should inspire us to take on more responsibilities to ensure we reach the promised land where all creatives are earning fairly from their works.

His message arrives as UNMF continues to attract mixed opinions across the industry.

While many musicians support the federation’s work, others, including Liam Voice, Lutty Neika, and Vyper Ranking, say they still do not fully understand its role and have chosen to stay away.

Since the start of UNMF the journey has been fruitful and look at some of the achievements we have accomplished.

This should inspire us to take on more responsibilities to ensure we reach the promised land where all creatives are earning fairly from their works. pic.twitter.com/5b3JYjYWCw

— Eddy Kenzo (@eddykenzoficial) August 4, 2026