Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Conflict Prevention in Talks with UN Genocide Prevention Adviser

Kampala — Uganda’s Minister of State for International Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem, held bilateral discussions with Chaloka Beyani, underscoring the country’s diplomatic posture on regional peace, security, and conflict prevention. The meeting, convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on strengthening frameworks for the peaceful settlement of disputes, with particular emphasis on preventing the escalation of conflicts that can culminate in mass atrocities, including genocide. Both sides highlighted the urgency of reinforcing early warning systems and sustaining political will to address emerging crises before they deteriorate.

Minister Oryem reiterated Uganda’s long-standing engagement in regional stabilization efforts, pointing to its involvement in peace processes and security interventions across the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. He emphasized that Kampala remains committed to advancing practical, results-driven approaches to conflict prevention, even as it navigates what he described as “misleading narratives” that at times understate Uganda’s contributions to regional security. Uganda, he noted, continues to work through multilateral and regional platforms such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. These partnerships, alongside bilateral engagements, remain central to its foreign policy orientation on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Discussions also turned to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where both parties acknowledged the complexity of the conflict and the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts. They stressed that sustainable peace will depend on inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, backed by coherent regional and international support mechanisms. In addition, the meeting highlighted the importance of accountability in post-conflict settings. Strengthening judicial systems at both national and regional levels was identified as critical to addressing war crimes, deterring future violations, and ensuring justice for victims.

Mr. Beyani, appointed by António Guterres in August 2025, is currently undertaking a regional mission aimed at consulting key actors involved in peace processes. Based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, his mandate focuses on advancing strategies to prevent genocide and related atrocities through early engagement and policy coordination.

Following his engagements in Kampala, Mr. Beyani is expected to continue to Juba in the South Sudan, where he will meet senior government officials and other stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce regional peace initiatives. The Kampala discussions reflect a broader alignment between national and international actors on the necessity of proactive diplomacy in addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges.