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.