Uganda’s Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Obiga Kania, has urged the United Nations to grant Uganda a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, saying the country’s unmatched contribution to peace and stability in Africa, coupled with its progressive refugee policy, deserves global recognition.
Speaking in an interview during the NRM ongoing campaign trail in the West Nile Region of Northern Uganda, Kania, who is also Member of Parliament for Terego County and a former rebel, said Uganda’s transformation under President Yoweri Museveni from a nation once torn by war into one of Africa’s most stable countries is a model worth emulating.
“Uganda has done what even some of the world powers have failed to do,” Kania said. “We have restored peace at home, promoted peace across Africa, and hosted our brothers and sisters fleeing conflict. For that, Uganda deserves a permanent position on the UN Security Council.”
Kania recalled the turbulent years following the overthrow of Idi Amin in 1979, when many people in West Nile fled into exile after waves of revenge and political persecution.
“By 1986, nearly three-quarters of the population in West Nile lived in exile,” he said. “When President Museveni took power, he told us, ‘You are Ugandans; come back home.’ That marked the beginning of reconciliation and stability.”
He credited the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for spearheading a policy of inclusivity, which welcomed back former combatants and promoted national unity.
“President Museveni did not destroy those he fought,” Kania added. “He invited them to join hands in building the country. That’s how Uganda achieved lasting peace.”
According to the minister, Uganda’s approach to peacebuilding rooted in dialogue and reconciliation has not only healed internal divisions but also positioned the country as a regional stabilizer.
“Ugandan troops have maintained peace in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kania noted. “Where others have left, Uganda has stayed and delivered results.”
He said Uganda’s peacekeeping missions and humanitarian response have earned it global respect, but added that the level of international appreciation remains minimal compared to the sacrifices made.
“We thank the world for recognizing our refugee policy,” Kania said. “But the truth is, what Uganda does for peace in Africa is far more than what we are supported for. That’s why I say we deserve a permanent seat on the Security Council.”
Uganda currently hosts over 1.9 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world.
Kania said this generosity reflects Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to humanity.
“When we were in exile, our neighbours helped us. It is only natural that we now help others,” he said. “But the world must also do more to support Uganda. What we receive is peanuts compared to what we shoulder.”
While campaigning in Zombo District on Saturday, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s progress is built on the foundation of peace and unity that his government has sustained for nearly four decades.
“There is peace in Uganda for the first time in a long time because of the politics of the NRM,” Museveni told supporters. “We don’t believe in sectarianism of tribe or religion. We look at what you contribute to building Uganda.”
The President said Uganda’s ideology of national unity has enabled it to remain stable while contributing to peace efforts across the Great Lakes region and beyond.
“Our soldiers have brought peace where others failed,” he said. “From Somalia to South Sudan, the Ugandan army has stood firm. That is the strength of our ideology.”
Museveni added that the focus going forward is development and poverty eradication, saying peace has given Ugandans the opportunity to transform their livelihoods.
“Without peace, there is nothing we can do,” he said. “Now that we have it, we must use it to create wealth and transform our communities.”
At the same event, First Lady Janet Museveni reminded Ugandans to appreciate the peace they enjoy, warning against divisions that could undo the country’s progress.
“Do you see the refugees who come to Uganda?” she asked. “They come because they have no peace in their countries. We must value our unity and freedom and never take peace for granted.”
Kania concluded by urging the international community to recognize Uganda’s central role in regional peace and humanitarian work.
“What we have done; hosting refugees, maintaining peace in Africa and building unity at home is far more than symbolic,” he said. “Uganda deserves not just applause, but a permanent voice where global peace decisions are made.”
He reiterated that a permanent seat at the UN Security Council would be a fitting acknowledgment of Uganda’s long-standing commitment to peace, inclusivity and Pan-African solidarity.
“Uganda has earned it through sacrifice, vision, and leadership,” Kania said. “A permanent seat would not only honor our past it would strengthen the world’s pursuit of lasting peace.”
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