Uganda joins UN Security Council

Uganda has been elected to occupy a non-permanent seat of UN Security Council when delegates cast their votes to the international body’s powerful for 2009-10 term. The country, which was already assured of a seat from a unanimous regional backing, has been joined by Japan, Turkey, Austria and Mexico.Iran, which is under UN sanctions over its nuclear programme, and Iceland, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, were defeated in the vote on Friday, a decision that some western powers said was a lesson, especially for Iranians.

Japan received 158 votes as favourate and has already served nine terms on Security Council.Among European nations, Austria and Turkey won places on council, while Iceland’s bid was defeated. Iceland was considered a strong candidate, until recent global financial crisis threatened its economy and crushed its banks.

Only Uganda and Mexico ran uncontested and won seats representing Africa and Latin America respectively.
Uganda succeeds South Africa and Africa representative in the UN body.