America Says No to Uganda’s Big Delegation.

Uganda’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York has been reduced to just five people after several senior government officials were denied U.S. visas. Vice President Jessica Alupo arrived in New York with Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi, Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine, Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare and her bodyguard. And suddenly, Uganda is at the UN with a delegation small enough to fit in a single room. But here is the part that has many Ugandans talking. In 2023, Uganda sent 71 officials to the 78th UN General Assembly in two parallel delegations led by Alupo and then-Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. The Finance Ministry investigated the expenditure, with the two groups reportedly spending more than Shs2 billion. Seventy-one people! Now compare that with five. That contrast raises a very uncomfortable question: How many people does Uganda actually need to represent the country at the UN?