Controversial Ugandan to be next UN assembly head

Image
AP United Nations
Last Updated : Jun 12 2014 | 1:58 AM IST
The UN General Assembly has elected Uganda's Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa to be its next president amid controversy over his country's anti-gay laws and allegations that he abused his office and accepted bribes from foreign companies.
The largely ceremonial year-long presidency, which begins in September, rotates by region.
John Ashe, the current president, said at the start of today's meeting of the 193-member General Assembly that Kutesa was the unanimous choice of African nations. He then announced Kutsea's election "by acclamation" as diplomats broke into applause.
Kutesa was ousted as a junior investment minister by Ugandan lawmakers over charges he abused his office.
Since 1999, he has been implicated in at least two more scandals including bribery allegations involving foreign companies seeking oil contracts in Uganda.
Kutesa denies all allegations.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 12 2014 | 1:58 AM IST

Next Story