The 3rd South Summit of the G77+China and the 19th summit of NAM both took place at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel, with the latter opening first on January 15. It was the first time Uganda was hosting a high number of delegates from different blocs. Monday's official closure of the G77+China summit by President Yoweri Museveni ended days of fanfare. Delegates to both summits were treated to a red carpet and groups of dancers dressed in national colors.

The G77+China is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations (UN), representing 80% of the world’s population, while NAM is the largest grouping of states worldwide after the UN. “Leaving Uganda with deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended during the @NAM_Uganda and @G77summit_Ug. Grateful to the Government of Uganda for hosting these impactful gatherings, and fostering collaboration and dialogue. Webale Nyo [thank you so much]!” Dennis Francis, the president of the UN General Assembly, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday, January 21.

Analysts say now that Uganda is on the world stage after the two events, the government should build on the world’s focus on the nation to help business investment and tourism that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The two summits are among the most high-profile events to be held in Uganda. The biggest global event in recent memory was in 2007 when Uganda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The G77 comprises over 130 member states and NAM 121. China is not a member of G77 but has been supporting and cooperating with the bloc under the framework of “G77 and China”. Uganda, under the leadership of President Museveni, took over the rotating three-year chairmanship of NAM and one-year leadership of G77+China.