The election of Hon Sam Kutesa as President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday afternoon received acclamation from EALA.The motion moved by Hon Mike Kennedy Sebalu and seconded by Hon Abubakar Zein received overwhelming support when debate resumed. Members called on Hon Kutesa, Uganda’s Foreign Minister to use his experience and to tackle issues including hostilities and conflicts afflicting the world with a view to finding lasting peace.
Hon Kutesa, was elected as the 69th President of the UNGA on 11th June 2014 at a time when the Assembly was on recess.
The Resolution avers there is need to foster co-operation between the United Nations and the regional and sub-regional organisations as key to development and the achievement of the UN’s cardinal ideal for the maintenance of peace.
Prior to the election, the EAC Heads of State supported the application of Hon Sam Kutesa. His bid also received a positive nod from the Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Co-ordination.
Hon Kutesa is a distinguished public servant and wide-ranging experience as a Lawyer, Member of the Constituent Assembly and a Parliamentarian. He has in the past served as Minister of Justice and the Attorney General and as the Minister of Finance.
According to Hon Sebalu, Hon Kutesa shall preside over the UNGA at a time when the post 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Agenda is been debated.
Hon Sam Kutesa is the 11th African to head the UNGA. He takes over from John William Ashe from Antigua and Barbuda. The only other East African to have held the position is Ahmed Salim Ahmed who was elected in 1979. Salim, a former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania was also the Secretary General of the Organisation of Africa Unity between1989-2001.
When debate was opened, Hon Dora Byamukama termed Hon Kutesa a Pan-Africanist who has realized a number of accomplishments in his public life.
“He has a rich legacy and his contribution to various Protocols including that of the Peace and Security is laudable”, Hon Byamukama said.
“We can ensure a number of areas/issues key to our region’s development and stability now come up on the UN agenda”, she added.
Hon Christophe Bazivamo termed the Minister, a leader with great diplomatic acumen.
The EAC Secretary General, Amb Richard Sezibera noted that Hon Sam Kutesa was passionate about regional integration.
We have a number of prominent East Africans heading important organisations and they include Amb. Michael Kamau and Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, the Secretary General of the UNCTAD, Hon Sezibera said. “He is a statesman”, the EAC Secretary General added.
Hon Dan Kidega called on the region to market many more of its citizens to rise up to positions of international stature while Hon Nusura Tiperu remarked that the region and United Republic of Tanzania in particular had continued to nominate women into key positions in the global bodies.
“I want to hail the EAC Heads of Summit for having faith in appointing Hon Kutesa”, she said.
Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro remarked that Hon Kutesa has been a peace-builder who had contributed to conflict resolution in the region.
Hon Joseph Kiangoi termed Hon Kutesa a man capable of steering the continent to greater heights.
“He is capable of making viable contribution to address insecurity in the region,” he added.
The Counsel to the Community, Hon Wilbert Kaahwa said the Minister was effective and well informed in public service.
“His enriching experience in Parliamentary and legal fields has armed him with the necessary skills to ascend to the high seat at the UN”, he remarked.
The Deputy Minister for EAC, United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Abdulla Sadaala extended his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Council of Ministers.
“I personally believe that he shall present and reflect our very own African talent to the world”, the Minister added.
ENDS
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For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations
Officer, East African Legislative Assembly.
Tel: +255-27-2508240
Fax: +255-27-2503103,
Cell: +255-787-870945 +254-733-718036
Email: BOdiko@eachq.org,
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