Kampala, Uganda – Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for International Affairs, accorded a courtesy call to Mr. Chaloka Beyani, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 17th April 2026. The meeting aimed at exchanging views on regional peace and security, and the imperative of consolidating mechanisms that facilitate the pacific settlement of disputes and the prevention of armed conflict, which usually leads to genocide.
The Minister apprised the Special Adviser of Uganda’s steadfast commitment to conflict prevention and its continued advocacy for practical and results-oriented preventive measures. He noted that, notwithstanding Uganda’s constructive engagement, notably in Somalia and South Sudan, certain quarters within the international community have mischievously propagated narratives that do not accurately reflect the country’s contributions. He reaffirmed, however, that Uganda remains resolute in advancing these efforts within the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as well as through bilateral cooperation with friendly States, as may be mutually agreed upon.
They further reviewed the situation in Sudan and the ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and ultimately a peaceful settlement. In this regard, they underscored the primacy of inclusive dialogue among the parties to the conflict and reiterated the importance of lending unequivocal support to regional mechanisms in order to bring about a sustainable resolution. They also addressed the necessity of enhancing domestic and regional judicial capacities to ensure accountability for war crimes and to guarantee access to justice for victims.
Mr. Beyani is based at United Nations Headquarters in New York and was appointed to this position by António Guterres the United Nations Secretary-General in August 2025, and is currently on a regional mission to hold consultations with key stakeholders involved in peace processes.
