Uganda Hosting NAM Ministerial Midterm Review: Kampala Poised for Global Spotlight
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda is hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Midterm Review Meeting from 13 to 16 October 2025, reinforcing its role on the international stage and consolidating its leadership within the Global South.
Theme & Venue
Themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” the four-day gathering of foreign ministers, delegates, observer states, and international organizations are convening at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala.
Background & Significance
This meeting follows Uganda’s successful hosting of the 19th NAM Summit in January 2024 — an event that convened heads of state and government from across the Non-Aligned Movement. Uganda currently holds the NAM chairmanship, making it a natural host for the midterm review.
As chair, Uganda is expected to provide stewardship and facilitate consensus among member states at a time of global uncertainty, revitalizing the movement’s relevance amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Agenda & Key Issues
Delegates will deliberate on a broad, ambitious agenda that reflects the pressing challenges facing developing countries and the Global South. Main issues include:
Relevance of NAM in contemporary geopolitics — assessing how the Movement can maintain influence as global power centers shift
The Palestine and Gaza crisis — reaffirming NAM’s long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination, calling for implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/27 (June 2025) including lifting the Gaza blockade, opening borders, and facilitating humanitarian assistance
Humanitarian responses and international law — especially in Gaza, including support for UNRWA and adherence to international humanitarian norms
Global governance reform — pushing for structural changes at the UN, in multilateral banks, and in financial institutions to better reflect the interests of the Global South
Poverty eradication & sustainable development — aligning NAM’s work with the UN 2030 Agenda, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and other frameworks to accelerate inclusive growth
Regional cooperation, trade & technology transfer — leveraging intra-NAM collaboration to spur industrialization, job creation, and resilience
Preparations for the 20th NAM Summit — setting priorities and common positions ahead of the next heads-of-state level gathering in Uzbekistan
The meeting is expected to culminate in the adoption of key outcome documents such as the Kampala Final Outcome Document, a Kampala Declaration, and a formal Declaration on Palestine.
Governance & Logistics
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with other relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, is said to be in advanced stages of preparation to host all invited delegations and ensure seamless arrangements. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has assured that final touches on logistics, security, protocol, and infrastructure are underway.
Given the high profile of the meeting, security and traffic control measures will be in place in and around the Munyonyo area, and the public is being urged to cooperate with authorities.
Expectations & Challenges
Observers see this midterm review as an opportunity for NAM to reclaim its voice in global affairs, especially at a time when diplomatic blocs and alliances are under strain. Uganda, as host and current chair, is expected to drive unity, articulate common positions, and bridge divisions among member states.
However, challenges remain: ensuring coherence among diverse member states; navigating entrenched global power interests; and translating declarations into actionable change at global institutions.
What This Means for Uganda
Hosting another high-level NAM gathering underscores Uganda’s ambition to be a diplomatic hub in Africa. It bolsters the country’s credentials in multilateral diplomacy, raises its visibility internationally, and offers the chance to highlight national priorities on the global stage.
For local businesses, media, and civic actors, the event offers opportunities (and disruptions). Hotels, logistics firms, and service providers are likely to see increased demand, while residents in and around Munyonyo may face mobility constraints due to traffic and security restrictions.
