28/10/2026
UGANDA HIGH COMMISSIONER ATTENDS BRIEFING OF HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS OF ICGLR MEMBER STATES ON THE FIRST WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE 2026
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 27 October 2026
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador (Rtd) Col. Fred Mwesigye, attended a briefing of Heads of Diplomatic Missions of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), held on 27 October 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
The briefing focused on Tanzania’s preparations to host the First Women Parliamentary Conference (WPC) 2026, scheduled to take place from 2nd to 5th November 2026. Participants were informed that invited delegates and guests would begin arriving on Saturday, 31 October 2026, ahead of the conference.
The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Tobia Makoba and the Secretary-General, Ambassador Dr. Deo Nwapinga. It brought together Ambassadors and representatives of various diplomatic missions from ICGLR Member States to discuss the conference and preparations for the participation of their respective countries.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Deo Nwapinga informed the meeting that H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, would be the Guest of Honour at the conference. He further highlighted the expected participation of several countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, the Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Sudan and Uganda, among others.
During the discussions, Ambassador (Rtd) Col. Fred Mwesigye emphasised the importance of unity, solidarity and collective action among African countries in addressing the continent’s shared challenges. He underscored the need for African nations to strengthen their cooperation and consider establishing and adequately funding a standby African force to safeguard the continent’s resources, protect its interests and enhance its capacity to respond to emerging security threats.
The High Commissioner’s remarks highlighted the importance of African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges, particularly through stronger regional cooperation, collective security arrangements and the effective protection of Africa’s natural and strategic resources.
The briefing provided an opportunity for diplomatic missions to receive updates on Tanzania’s preparations for the conference and to strengthen coordination ahead of the gathering. The First Women Parliamentary Conference is expected to provide a platform for parliamentary engagement and dialogue among participating countries, with an emphasis on women’s participation and leadership in governance and regional development.
Uganda’s participation in the briefing reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to regional cooperation, African solidarity and constructive engagement with ICGLR Member States.