By Ismael Kasooha

New York

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah has held bilateral talks with two United Nations officials and discussed ways of strengthening relations and mutual benefit.

Nabbanja who was flanked by Hon. Nobert Mao the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority, met Ms. Joyce Msuya, the Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator at the G77 offices in New York.

PM Robinah Nabbanja (right) greeting Claver Gatete, the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Economic commission for Africa (UNECA)

The Premier and her guest discussed a wide range of issues, especially the urgent need for response to disasters in areas such as Mount Elgon, Kasese among others.

Nabbanja said that although the government of Uganda had developed mechanisms on disaster management there was a need for the United Nations Humanitarian affairs to support the country.

“We established mechanisms to manage disasters, but our resource envelope is inadequate, and we appeal for your urgent attention. The over 1.6m Refugees in the country over stretch our service delivery yet international support is dwindling,” said Nabbanja.

On her part Joyce Msuya, the Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator assured the Prime Minister that the United Nations was ready to support Uganda and the disaster-prone areas.

Ms. Joyce Msuya, (left) the Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and her team during the meeting with the Premier

Msuya said that their approach was changing to be accountable to the affected persons and government.

She said that they were broadening the donor base to include other countries such as South Korea, China, India among others so that they don’t entirely rely on traditional donors.

In a related development, Nabbanja held bilateral talks with Claver Gatete, the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Economic commission for Africa (UNECA).

Nabbanja lauded UNECA for the support they offer to Uganda, especially the assessment of performance of local governments to improve service delivery.

Nobert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs says that there was a need to address vulnerabilities for socio-economic transformation.

The Premier (centre) and her delegation meet Claver Gatete, the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Economic commission for Africa (UNECA) at the UN headquarters in New York

Claver Gatete, the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Economic commission for Africa (UNECA) said that Africa needs to come up with African solutions to address some of the issues affecting them.

Uganda took over the leadership of G77+China from the Republic of Cuba during the 3rd South Summit of the G77 plus China Heads of State and Government at Speke Resort Convention Center, Munyonyo, under the theme “Leaving No One Behind.”.

The meeting was also graced by Dr. Albert Byamugisha, the Head of the SDGs Secretariat in Uganda among others.

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