CHOGM presents a unique opportunity to bring together Leaders and Ministers from throughout the Commonwealth to discuss issues which are not just of importance to the Commonwealth, but which are of global significance. The Government of Uganda, who are hosting the event, have chosen the theme “Transformation of Commonwealth Societies to achieve Political, Economic and Human Developmentâ€. Under that wider theme, we will be discussing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Climate Change, Trade, and Education. These are all key issues, which we believe need to be tackled head on if the poorest countries of the Commonwealth are to develop. And we firmly believe that the Commonwealth itself has an important role to play in these issues. As a unique grouping of countries from across the globe, with a fundamental set of principles in common, we, the Commonwealth, cut across traditional regional and economic groupings and can move the debate forward and take action on such issues of critical importance.
Civil society has an important role to play too. The Commonwealth People’s Forum, is an excellent opportunity to raise the visibility of civil society. Focussing on the theme of “Realising People’s Potentialâ€, Ugandan and pan-Commonwealth organisations will discuss key issues such as democracy and development. Their views will then be presented to Heads of Government at CHOGM.
My best wishes for a successful Forum. I look forward to hearing the outcomes.
Uganda’s Vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has said he is fascinated by the innovation of blogging as part of the media freedom that his country cherishes.
He added: The idea of blogging the Commonwealth People’s Forum is a good initiative. Those who cannot be here physically can still participate actively and share their experiences with the ones on the ground. One does not need to be here to take part thanks to the wonders of modern technology. Blogging is also the epitome of openness which encourages you to express yourselves freely but constructively or else you may not be heard..
The Vice President was opening the first ever People’s Space set up as part of this year’s Commonwealth activities in Uganda the British Council set up the blogging facility at the People’s Space to promote discussion and exchange of ideas even among those who are not attending in person the on-going Commonwealth activities.
Dr. Bukenya, obviously smitten by the innovations at the people’s forum, suggested that the idea of a People’s Forum should be replicated in subsequent CHOGMs. The Vice President had earlier inspected the various stalls at the People’s Space and been shown how the blogging technology worked, by Matt O’Neill, the coordinator for the blogging facility. While the Vice President was clearly fascinated by the process, Matt himself admitted that he was impressed by the fact that he was sitting next to the second citizen of Uganda.
The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in two years will be hosted by Trinidad/Tobago. So there you go, Trinidad/Tobago: Uganda has led the way in ICT usage, why don’t you take it up as the Vice President has suggested?
Vice President of Uganda Prof Gilbert B. Bukenya visited and officially opened the People’s Space at the Commonwealth People’s Forum a little while ago.
Naomi Kabarungi followed the VP with the camera:
VP visits the people’s space
In an interview with Joel
Anne Babinaga of British Council Uganda
The Vice President gives his keynote address
VP writes his message for the wall of greatness
Richard Weyers director British Council Uganda helps to put the VP’s messages up the Wall of Greatness.
HE the Vice President of Uganda Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has officially opened the People’s Space at Hotel Africana, Kampala. The space is set aside to allow the general public to get involved in the deliberations of the much awaited Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Dr. Bukenya moved around the different tents in the People’s Space and was mesmerized by what he saw. Notable was the cultural space which the Vice President said reminded him of his childhood days as he played with some of the instruments.
The Vice President had the opportunity of joining the conversation on the People’s Blog when he moved to the media section. He said he was sure that the people’s blog would be an important way for people to air their views on the discussions at the various forums.
In a short interview conducted by Joel Besekezi, one of the official bloggers, Dr Bukenya suggested that the People’s Space should be maintained even after CHOGM so that people can continue to interact freely about any topical issues. Being the first of its kind in any of the CHOGM events, Dr. Bukenya encouraged the next hosts of CHOGM to take a leaf from Uganda’s experience on how to bring the general public on board.
In his speech, the Vice President expressed gratitude to the organizers of the people’s space for the efforts put in to make it a reality. He also thanked the young talents for composing the CHOGM song, under the guidance of local artiste Halima Namakula. The song talks about the beauty of Uganda as the pearl of Africa.
An excerpt from the vice president’s opening in video. If you can’t see it, click here.
All are welcome to the People’s Space at the Africana Hotel at no cost, at any rime from 12 noon onwards.
attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) along with the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and three other members of the UK Government.
