Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has been elected unanimously as the chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The 120-member movement created in 1961 seeks to create an independent path in world politics that would not result in Member States becoming pawns in the struggles between the major powers.
Museveni was elected on Friday as Uganda took over the chairmanship of the forum from Azerbaijan during the NAM Summit held in Kampala.
“At the opening session of the meeting that is taking place in Kampala, Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni was elected unanimously as the Chairman of NAM. Uganda, which succeeds Azerbaijan, will serve for three years at the Forum that was established in 1961,” a statement from President William Ruto’s office said.
Ruto was among the heads of NAM member states present during the summit.
NAM membership consists of 53 counties from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and two from Europe accounting for 4.46 billion people.
“South Sudan is expected to be admitted into the 120-member countries group today,” the statement said.
In his speech, Museveni urged member states to use trade to enhance prosperity among member states.
“The strength of NAM should be used to exercise considerable influence, particularly at the UN for the effective transformative process for a better common future,” he said.
The 19th Summit was decided to be conducted in the capital of Uganda, Kampala at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Azerbaijan.