NOT BIG: Govt says media lied about oversize UN Assembly delegation
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa while presiding over the sitting expressed concern over the media reports, calling it a public relations crisis.
The size of Uganda’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was informed by the agenda of the session and the need to be effectively represented and influence the final policy outcomes, the government has said.
In a statement presented to the House during plenary on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama said that media reports of the number of 71 were not only false but misleading.
She explained that the UN General Assembly provides a unique platform for multilateral discussion on the full spectrum of international issues and as such Uganda’s active participation in the debate and several bilateral meetings was crucial.
“Uganda highlighted progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and affirmed government’s commitment to poverty reduction, gender equality, inclusive development, promoting regional peace and security”, she said.
She added that Uganda also presented perspectives to debates relating to health, refugees, climate change and UN reforms among others.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa while presiding over the sitting expressed concern over the media reports, calling it a public relations crisis.
He advised the minister to ensure that responses to such allegations are prompt and timely to avoid more speculation among the public.
The District Woman MP for Kitgum , Lillian Aber stressed that representation abroad is necessary and the size of the delegation should not be of concern.
She instead urged the minister to provide information to the media in time, to prevent misinformation. “Whenever there is an outcry from the public, there should be immediate communication from the responsible officers,” she said.
Bufumbira East MP, Nsaba Buturo blamed the media for lacking research and implored government to continuously engage with the media.
“Can we spend time engaging the media regarding the importance of well researched stories, so that we collectively defend Uganda’s interests?” he said.
