The Republic of Uganda successfully concluded the 19th Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo. The four-day meeting was characterised by constructive dialogue, unity, and a renewed commitment to a fairer and more inclusive global order. Held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” the meeting reaffirmed the enduring relevance of NAM and recognised Uganda’s exemplary leadership as Chair of the Movement since the 19th NAM Summit in January 2024. Over 120 Member States, Observer Nations, and Partner Organizations participated, joined by representatives from the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the Group of 77 and China all of whom commended Uganda’s dynamic stewardship and commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation.
The meeting was officially opened on 13 October 2025 by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chair of NAM. In his address, he reminded delegates of the Movement’s mission to safeguard national independence, sovereignty, and dignity. He urged Member States to harness science, technology, and innovation as tools for liberation from dependency and underdevelopment, stressing that the prosperity of one nation should be a catalyst for the prosperity of others. He further called for reforms to the global economic and financial systems to ensure equal opportunities and shared affluence.
Throughout the four days, ministers and senior officials engaged in substantive discussions that produced a forward-looking outcome document. Deliberations focused on global governance reform, South–South cooperation, the right to development, support for Palestine, unilateral coercive measures, climate change, sustainable development, peace and security, debt relief, gender equality, youth empowerment, and economic transformation.
Representing the African Union, the AU Representative praised Uganda’s effective coordination of the Movement and reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to work with NAM in promoting a new global political and economic architecture grounded in shared responsibility. The AU emphasised the limitations of traditional development aid and highlighted the importance of reform-oriented diplomacy and self-reliance within the Global South.
On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Representative expressed gratitude to Uganda for its warm hospitality and organisational excellence. The statement paid tribute to NAM’s founding fathers and acknowledged the Movement’s continued role in promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The UN also lauded the contributions of NAM Member States to peacekeeping and their steadfast commitment to multilateralism.
The meeting concluded on 16 October 2025 with closing remarks from Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, who thanked all delegations for their active participation and praised the professionalism of Permanent Representatives, Senior Officials, and the NAM Secretariat. “This meeting has reaffirmed our shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism and pursue the right to development as a universal human goal,” he said.
A motion of thanks was proposed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua and seconded by Egypt, delivered by Venezuela on behalf of all NAM Member States. It expressed deep appreciation to Uganda for its hospitality and efficiency in hosting a meeting that fostered consensus and cooperation. Delegates congratulated Uganda’s Chairmanship for its pivotal role in achieving consensus on the Kampala Final Document and Declaration, which reaffirmed NAM’s unity and solidarity in addressing global challenges.
The Kampala Midterm Ministerial concluded with a renewed call for unity and shared purpose among Member States. The adopted outcome document will guide NAM’s priorities for the next two years, reinforcing its commitment to global justice, peace, and sustainable development.
“Our collective voice remains the strongest instrument of change,” Hon. Odongo noted. “Together, we can build a world that respects sovereignty, equality, and shared prosperity.”
