Writes Leo Odera Omolo
THE African Union (AU) delegates meeting at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala have lauded Uganda for her resolve to fight terrorism on the continent.
The AU also sent condolences to the Government and families that lost relatives during the July 11 terrorist attacks. This was during the screening of the finals of the World Cup at Ethiopian Village restaurant in Kabalagala and the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo.
Speaking during the opening session of the permanent representatives committee, officials said the AU stood in solidarity with Uganda.
The delegates observed a minute of silence for the over 70 victims who died in the bomb attacks and prayed for the quick recovery of those who got injured.
The chairperson of the permanent representatives committee, Dr. Isaac Mbuya Munlo, observed that the AU recognises the leadership and sacrifice the Government of Uganda was making for Africa.
“We had to express our condolence because as we match towards integration of our continent, an injury for one is an injury for all of us. So, we share the pain with you (Uganda),” Dr. Munlo said.
Foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa said the terrorists cannot be allowed to hold the continent hostage.
“We cannot allow terrorists succeed to instill terror in the people of Africa. It’s the reason we are here to deal with the socio-economic problems hindering the development of Africa,” Kutesa said.
The minister thanked the AU for its sympathies to Uganda.
“That you are here in great numbers after the attacks shows you are in solidarity with the Government of Uganda. I hope your heads of government will show solidarity and turn up in big numbers.”
Uganda and Burundi are the only African nations that have contributed troops to the AU-backed AMISOM peace-keeping mission in Somalia. Militants opposed to the transitional federal government in Somalia, led by the Al-shabaab militia, have demanded that Uganda and Burundi withdraw their troops or face attacks.
After the July 11 terrorist bomb attacks, Al-Shabaab proclaimed that it was the beginning of their retaliatory attacks on Uganda for deploying in Somalia.
“Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry makes us happy. May Allah’s anger be upon those who are against us,” an al-Shabab commander, Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, told The Associated Press after the attacks.
Security in Kampala is tight and the Police have so far arrested 20 suspects believed to be responsible for the bomb attacks.
Kutesa observed that the continent needed to deal with the challenges of integration and to eradicate the mass poverty through socio-economic transformation.
The chairperson of the AU commission, Jean Ping, urged AU members to show a united front, promote the use of one language and exhibit reciprocal trust on matters dear to the continent.
“When conditions require, we have shown that Africa can respond to defend our interests,” Ping remarked.
He saluted Africa on hosting the 19th edition of the football World Cup, the first on the continent, played from June 11 to July 11, in South Africa. He also congratulated Nelson Mandela, the iconic father of South Africa, on his 92nd birthday.
Ping announced that Libya will host the Afro-Arab and the Africa-Europe summits in in October and November respectively. Uganda last hosted the AU, then the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU), in 1975.
The theme of the AU summit convening in Munyonyo is “maternal, infant and child health and development in Africa”.
Ends