Uganda is gearing up to host two significant international summits in the same week, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit from January 15th to 20th and the G77 summit from January 20th to 23rd. The events are expected to attract over 120 and 135 countries, respectively. This is a major coup for Uganda, which is seeking to establish itself as East Africa’s capital for global meetings, incentives, and tourism.
The country has made significant preparations for the events, including the completion of the new Speke Resort Convention Centre, which can accommodate 1500 people. The modified terminal building at Entebbe International Airport has also been opened for public use, featuring a new underpass road and pedestrian bridges to enhance pedestrian safety.
The NAM summit is a significant event, with the movement comprising 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. The G77 summit is a coalition of 135 developing countries designed to promote their collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
Uganda’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, described the events as “huge gatherings” comparable to the UN General Assembly. The country’s hosting of these events demonstrates its commitment to becoming a major player in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry.