Munyonyo – Uganda’s Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has officially assumed the presidency of the Asian–African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) as the 63rd Annual Session opened at Speke Resort Munyonyo, drawing delegates from across Asia and Africa to discuss pressing global legal issues.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Kiwanuka emphasised the need for a unified voice in shaping international law and addressing global challenges.
“This week, States from Asia and Africa will come together to share experiences and develop common positions on key global issues,” he said. “Our goal is to build consensus on areas where we have shared interests and common principles, so we can present a unified voice to the world.”
He highlighted the priority issues for discussion, including the Law of the Sea, international law, human rights, aggression, transboundary conflicts, and refugee crises.
“Once we develop this consensus, we will channel it through the United Nations and other global platforms to ensure that our voices and principles are recognised and respected internationally,” Kiwanuka added.
AALCO Secretary-General Hails Uganda’s Role
Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO, reflected on the organisation’s growth and the significance of returning to Kampala.
“Kampala holds a special place in our history, as the city where the Kampala Declaration on Human Rights was adopted in 1993,” he noted. “Today, more than three decades later, AALCO returns to Kampala at another critical crossroads of international law and cooperation.”
He said AALCO had grown from seven founding members in 1956 to 49 states, calling it the only permanent intergovernmental forum uniting Asia and Africa on matters of international law.
“Our diversity is our strength; the enduring legacy of AALCO rests upon solidarity and trust,” he stressed, urging delegates to reaffirm the organisation’s role as the collective voice of Asia and Africa.
Outgoing President Welcomes Uganda’s Leadership
H.E. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, the outgoing President of AALCO, expressed confidence in Uganda’s leadership, saying the handover comes at a time when the organisation remains vital for shaping international law.
“From addressing colonial legacies to guiding today’s digital, trade, and climate challenges, AALCO has proven itself an indispensable platform for dialogue and cooperation,” Tang said in a speech read by Thai diplomat, Songchai Chaipatiyut.
Tang called for renewed solidarity and practical outcomes. “Our handover to Uganda is made with confidence that Kampala will carry forward continuity, deeper cooperation, and practical outcomes for member states,” she noted.
South Africa Reaffirms Commitment to AALCO
Representing South Africa, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Nkhensani Mmamoloko Kubayi delivered the vote of thanks and reaffirmed her country’s support for the organisation.
“For South Africa, AALCO remains an indispensable platform—a forum that reflects the evolving priorities of our member states while reaffirming the organisation’s relevance in addressing both long-standing and emerging issues in international law,” she said.
Highlighting South Africa’s previous hosting of AALCO in 2007, she added: “We remain firmly committed to supporting AALCO in employing the collective voice of Asia and Africa to shape the progressive development of international law, strengthen multilateralism, and enhance global cooperation.”
About AALCO
Founded in 1956, the Asian–African Legal Consultative Organisation is headquartered in New Delhi, India, with a permanent observer mission to the United Nations in New York and Vienna. It remains the only permanent intergovernmental forum for Asia and Africa to deliberate on international law, with membership open to all Asian and African states.
The 63rd Annual Session in Kampala is expected to produce consensus positions on key global legal challenges while strengthening Asia–Africa cooperation in shaping a just and inclusive international order.
