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Uganda Ready to Host African Union Summit

   Peter Clottey 18 July 2010
   Uganda  President Yoweri Museveni, with his wife who is also Member of
   Parliament,  Janet Museveni talk to a local in Ntungamo district about
   400km from Kampala, 14 Jul 2010

Photo: AP

   Uganda  President Yoweri Museveni, with his wife who is also Member of
   Parliament,  Janet Museveni talk to a local in Ntungamo district about
   400km from Kampala, 14 Jul 2010

   A  cabinet  minister  in  President  Yoweri Museveniâs government said
   Uganda  is  adequately  prepared  to  host  the  African  Union summit
   scheduled to begin Monday in the capital, Kampala.

   Hope   Mwesigye,   Minister   for  Agriculture,  Animal  Industry  and
   Fisheries,  told  VOA  Uganda will host a successful summit saying the
   government  is  unwavering, despite the recent al-Shabab-inspired twin
   suicide bombings that killed more than 70 people.

   âThe  theme  is  maternal  and  child  health.  And, of course, as you
   realize,  that  theme  is intertwined with food security and nutrition
   security. So, as the Ministry of Agriculture, we will be playing a key
   role,  especially  in the side events which we will be addressing food
   and nutrition. We will be having seminars and papers will be presented
   by (a) specialized nutritionist,â she said.

   The  theme  for  the 15^th ordinary session of the assembly of African
   heads  of state is, âMaternal, Infant and Child Health and Development
   in Africa.â

   Many   African   heads  of  state  and  government  are  scheduled  to
   participate  in the summit that is also expected to focus on peace and
   security, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and food security.

   Last  week,  the  Somali  hard-line  Islamic insurgent group al-Shabab
   claimed  responsibility  for  the  two suicide bombings that killed at
   least 76 people in Kampala.

   The  insurgents  further  warned  of  more attacks if Ugandan soldiers
   continue  to  serve as peacekeepers helping the internationally-backed
   Somali administration against the insurgents.

   Currently, both Uganda and Burundi contribute about 5,500 peacekeeping
   troops  under  the  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), helping
   President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmedâs Transitional Federal Government
   to stabilize the country.

   Described  as  a  terrorist organization with strong ties to al-Qaida,
   al-Shabab  has  refused to recognize the Somali administration and has
   vowed  to  overthrow the government to implement the strictest form of
   the Sharia Law.

   Some  observers have expressed concern saying the African Union summit
   could be another viable target for the Somali insurgents.

   But,  minister Mwesigye condemned the twin bombings and re-assured the
   African delegates scheduled to attend the summit of their safety.

   âThe  recent  bombings  have been extremely unfortunate and we condemn
   it.  But,  my country had already put in place extra measures like, in
   security, we have improved greatly since the attacks. I like to assure
   everyone  that  security is under control. Weâve done all that we can,
   weâve  had  support also from our partners and we believe that Kampala
   and Uganda will be safe,â Mwesigye said.

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