Uganda has reinforced its role in shaping international legal discourse by hosting the 63rd Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The event, officially opened on Monday, signaled the country’s rising influence in multilateral and legal diplomacy.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, extended a warm welcome to delegates from the 49 member states.
This marked the second time Uganda has hosted the high-level gathering, the first occasion being in 1993.
In her keynote remarks, Speaker Among described the assembly as “a gathering of custodians of a shared vision rooted in solidarity, equality, and the transformative power of international law.”
She emphasized that the guiding principles of the Bandung Spirit, which gave birth to AALCO in 1956, remain central to the organization’s mission.
The Speaker highlighted the urgent global challenges facing both continents, naming climate change, economic inequalities, armed conflicts, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity among the most pressing.
She underscored the need for Asia and Africa to assert stronger voices in shaping international legal frameworks, instead of being passive recipients of rules crafted elsewhere.
Among proposed four pillars to define AALCO’s future trajectory: strengthening engagement among member states, building legal capacity within nations, promoting inclusivity in global governance, and addressing new issues through innovative and anticipatory frameworks.
“The challenges before us are daunting, but AALCO is uniquely positioned to ensure that Asia and Africa are not merely reacting to global developments but actively shaping them,” she declared.
The session drew participation from legal experts, diplomats, and senior government leaders from across Asia and Africa.
It is being held under the theme of renewing the Bandung Spirit and advancing the cause of a fairer and more inclusive international legal order.
For Uganda, hosting the 63rd AALCO session brings both prestige and practical benefits.
The event positions the country as a bridge between Asia and Africa in tackling global challenges through law and diplomacy.
It also provides a platform for Uganda to showcase its commitment to international cooperation and to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties with participating states.
Beyond diplomacy, the conference boosts Uganda’s visibility as a venue for global events, generating economic opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and related sectors.
Most importantly, Uganda’s active role in shaping the agenda reinforces its long-standing pursuit of justice, equality, and collective progress in the global legal order.
