15th AU Summit kicks-off today

The 15th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union (AU) gets under way today, from 19th to 27th July 2010, in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme: "Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa."

According to AU sources, the Permanent Representatives Committee of the 20th Ordinary Session will be held from the 19th - 20th July 2010, similarly the Executive Council's 17th Ordinary Session will also be from 22nd - 23rd July 2010, while the Assembly of the African Union's 15th Ordinary Session will be held between 25th - 27th July 2010, all in Kampala, Uganda.

Meanwhile, prior to these three key sessions, a series of meetings were held and many more are to be held alongside the main summit.

Other areas to be covered by the summit will include Peace and Security, Infrastructure, Energy, Agriculture and Food Security.

It would be recalled that the Heads of State and Government had endorsed Uganda’s bid to host the AU Summit in Kampala from 19th - 27th July 2010, during the 11th AU Summit that was held in June/July, 2008, at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The endorsement of Uganda by the African Union Assembly in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, therefore, is a reflection of the confidence that the continent places in its government and people.

Meanwhile, the Ugandan government has reassured all delegates wishing to attend the summit of maximum security, despite the acts committed by the terrorist group on July 11th.

Several African leaders have confirmed to attend the Uganda summit whose theme is aimed at addressing critical challenges facing Africa in health, energy, infrastructure and food security.

The summit will also address peace and security on the African continent, including the situation in Somalia.