The high level 63rd session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) has opened in Uganda’s capital city Kampala with President Yoweri Museveni calling upon partner states in Asia and Africa to actively shape global legal developments to reflect AALCO’s priorities of sustainable development, sovereignty, and justice.
Museveni observed that the priorities are in line with AALCO’s mandate, as outlined in its Statutes to serve as an advisory body on international law; to facilitate cooperation on legal matters; to deliberate on issues referred by Member States, and to communicate the organisation’s iews to global institutions.
President Museveni in a speech that was read for him by the Speaker of Parliament ,Ms. Anita Annet Among , noted that over the years AALCO has addressed a wide range of topics, from the law of the sea and diplomatic relations to human rights, environmental law, and international trade.
“ Its contributions to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including concepts like the exclusive economic zone, and its role in shaping the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, demonstrate its impact on global legal frameworks,”he added.
Museveni told the audience that AALCO’s agenda remains as relevant as ever, tackling issues such as climate change, the protection of migrant workers, the fight against transnational crime, and the legal implications of emerging technologies.
“ By fostering dialogue and coordinating positions, AALCO ensures that our continents’ perspectives are not only heard but integrated into the global legal order. As we embark on this session, let us seize the opportunity to strengthen AALCO’s impact, through the member states, on the continents of Africa and Asia,” he stressed.
The President highlighted four specific areas of focus which include strengthening member engagement arguing that it will ensure respect of diversity, and inclusivity; Enhancing legal capacity that will support partner states in building the expertise and institutional frameworks needed to participate effectively in international law-making, ensuring that their legal systems are robust and responsive.
Other priority areas proposed by president Museveni are the promotion of inclusivity in global governance to facilitate advocacy for stronger representation of Asian and African perspectives in international legal fora -to ensure that partner states’ values, aspirations and perspectives are reflected in global frameworks.
“ Addressing emerging issues will help us foster constructive dialogue to develop legal frameworks that are forward-looking and responsive to the challenges of our time,” he added.
Justice Minister, Norbert Mao said that the Annual Session is the AALCO’ highest decision-making body. “It is in annual sessions that we, member states shape ideas, forge consensus, and chart the course for our collective efforts for the year ahead.”
‘This, therefore, is not an ordinary meeting; but rather a display of our shared vision of the AALCO, our collective aspirations, and our unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds between Asia and Africa through dialogue, cooperation, and the rule of law as well as dedication to the achievement of the objectives of the AALCO,” Mao added.
AALCO which will run from September 8th to 12th, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Provides a critical platform for its member states to address shared legal challenges , Uganda ‘s Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa explained .
Uganda was appointed vice chair of AALCO during the organization’s 62nd session in Bangkok, Thailand, in September 2024.
“Hosting the the 63 session places Uganda at the centre of international legal discussions and strengthens its profile in multilateral diplomacy. Uganda’s selection demonstrates its growing role in international law, trade, security, and diplomacy,” Kiryowa stated.
About the 63rd AALCO session
The session has brought together delegations from over 47 member states across Asia and Africa, as well as international organizations and legal experts.
According to the PS ministry of Justice and constitutional Affairs , Mr. Robert Kasande , the event is expected to stimulate economic activity and tourism.“This will bring a much-needed boost to the hospitality and service sectors,” he noted.
Kasande also highlighted that the meeting aligns with Uganda’s current leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), reinforcing the country’s position in South-South cooperation.
