NEWS BRIEF
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 1 October 2026
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Head of Uganda’s delegation to the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Hon. Norbert Mao, has commended members of the Uganda delegation for what he described as a spirited representation of the country throughout the Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Hon. Mao addressing the Uganda delegation in AbuDhabi
Hon. Mao made the remarks at a dinner hosted by Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Zaake Wanume Kibedi, for delegation members at the conclusion of the Congress.
He thanked the delegation for actively representing Uganda across the Congress, including through plenary engagements, bilateral meetings, technical discussions, the Uganda side event and the national exhibition showcasing Uganda’s criminal justice reform journey through the JLOS chain-link model. Uganda’s delegation brought together representatives of key justice institutions and civil-society partners, reflecting the country’s coordinated approach to criminal justice reform.
The Minister particularly emphasised the importance of supporting Ugandans who represent the country internationally, noting that effective participation in international forums creates opportunities for Uganda to build partnerships, learn from other jurisdictions and advance its national interests.
Reflecting on engagements at the Congress, Minister Mao highlighted emerging opportunities for cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, particularly in cyber expertise and capacity development. He noted that cybercrime and technology-enabled crime increasingly transcend national borders, an issue he had also emphasised in Uganda’s national statement to the Congress, where he called for stronger international cooperation against organised crime, cybercrime and other evolving criminal threats.
The Minister further directed the Governance and Security Programme (JLOS) Secretariat to convene a post-Congress review meeting upon the delegation’s return to Uganda. The meeting will provide an opportunity to consolidate lessons, document outcomes and agree on follow-up actions arising from Uganda’s bilateral, technical and institutional engagements in Abu Dhabi.
Hon. Mao thanked Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE for hosting the dinner and for supporting the delegation throughout its participation in the Congress.
He encouraged delegation members to ensure that the relationships, lessons, and opportunities generated in Abu Dhabi translate into practical follow-up actions that strengthen Uganda’s criminal justice reform agenda and international cooperation.
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