FDC lauds NRM government over Byanyima's endorsement

Ms Winnie Byanyima the new UNAIDS Executive Director. File photo

What you need to know:

  • The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres this week appointed Ms Byanyima as the new UNAIDS Executive Director.
  • She takes over from Michel Sidibé who stepped down in May this year following accusations of mismanagement.

The leading opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has lauded the NRM government for endorsing their member Ms Winnie Byanyima to the position of Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS).

The development contrasts the government's refusal in 1996 to endorse Uganda People's Congress’s (UPC) Olara Otunnu for UN Secretary General job.

Ms Byanyima is wife to the four-time FDC party presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye.

"We are proud that a member of our party, FDC, has been appointed to a senior position in the UN system and thank the government for giving a no objection to her candidature," Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi the party Secretary General said in a press statement on Thursday.

"FDC hopes that the NRM government will continue to support all qualified Ugandans to serve in international organisations, and government departments as Uganda is for all of us," Mr Nandala added.

The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres this week appointed Ms Byanyima as the new UNAIDS Executive Director.

Upon her appointment, Ms Byanyima tweeted: "Thanking government of Uganda for supporting my candidature. I was encouraged and received expressions of support from many government leaders. I thank them all. I am honoured and humbled to be called to serve the most marginalised, discriminated and poor people."

She takes over from Michel Sidibé who stepped down in May this year following accusations of mismanagement.

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