As the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit approaches in Kampala, Uganda, preparations are in full swing under the leadership of Mr Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Bagiire, with a diverse background in public service and leadership roles, is spearheading the NAM secretariat and conferencing coordination.
Bagiire, who previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, brings a wealth of experience to his current position. His roles also include being a Member of Parliament and leading organizations such as Busoga Rural Open Source and Development Initiative (BROSDI) for 19 years and Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) for five years.
The coordination team supporting Bagiire includes acting director for Regional and International Political Affairs at MOFA, Amb Phillip Odida; Foreign Service Officer at Uganda’s embassy in Ethiopia, Ms Anne Nabaasa; and Nkayivu Ssenabulya.
For a deeper insight into the preparations, let’s break down the coordination efforts across various key areas.
Protocol Coordination
The protocol coordination team consists of Amb Charles Ssentongo, the Chief of Protocol at MOFA; Amb Aisa Ismail, the deputy Chief of Protocol; and Michael Bulwaka from MOFA.
Aircraft and Arms Clearances
The responsibility for aircraft and arms clearances falls on Mr Richard Biribonwoha. Limited information is available about Biribonwoha, but records indicate his previous role as the head of Chancery at the Embassy of Denmark.
Accommodation Coordination
Coordination of accommodation is entrusted to Ms Laura Kahuga, Foreign Service officer at MOFA in Kampala; Harriet Kiiza, tourism officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities; and Ms Sarah Nakamya from MOFA.
Transport Coordination
Mr Tony Kavuma, chief mechanical engineer at the Ministry of Works, leads the transport coordination efforts. He is assisted by colleagues Mr Francis Keeya and Mr Anthony Agama from MOFA.
Visas and Immigration
Handling visas and immigration are Mr Robert Muwazi, manager-in-charge of Airport immigration; Mr Benon Kayemba from MOFA; and Mr Gilbert Kabuzire, principal immigration officer at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration.
Security
The security team is led by SCP Wilson Omoding, deputy director of operations at the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Assisting him are SCP Charles Asaba, Deputy Director of UPF; Col Paul Namawa, from the Special Forces Command; and Lt Col Moses Musinguzi, from the same unit.
Accreditation
Accreditation is divided into two categories: delegates and media. Delegates will be accredited by Ms Gwennie Kategaya, Mr Samuel Isiko, and Mr Godwin Asiimwe from MOFA. Media accreditation falls under Mr Suubi Kiwanuka from the Uganda Media Centre; Dr Sam Bhoi Omara from MOFA; and Sandor Walusimbi, head of the presidential press unit.
ICT
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) subcommittee is headed by Assistant Commissioner of Communication and Information Dissemination at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Ms Sylivia Biraahwa, along with Mr Charles Nabimara and Mr Patrick Dusabe from MOFA.
Entebbe Airport
Clearances at Entebbe International Airport will be managed by Mr Barungi Emmanuel, the facility’s general manager, and Ms Hope Barahire, manager of the Very Important Person lounge.
Spouses Programme
The spouses programme coordination is entrusted to Ms Irene Kauma and Ms Gloria Tugume, both from State House, and Ms Agnes Birungi from MOFA.
Business Forum/Summit and Exhibitions
Coordination of the Business Forum, Summit, and Exhibitions is in the hands of Mr Francis Kisirinya, director of finance at the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda, and Mr Brian Phenox Mwanika from MOFA.
Entertainment and Excursions
Ms Lilly Ajarova, executive director of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), leads coordination efforts for entertainment and excursions. Assisting her are Ms Ruth Muguta from MOFA and Mr Bradford Ocheng from UTB.
Medical Services
The health subcommittee, responsible for medical services, is coordinated by Dr Charles Olaro, director general of health services at the Ministry of Health, and Dr John Baptist Waniaye, director of emergency medical services at the same ministry.
