AU summit kicks-off in Uganda

According to the AU website, the draft agenda of the Session will include the 20th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) from 19-20 July.

It said the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council will also be held from July 22-23.

As a sideline event, the Government of Uganda hosted an African Youth Forum AYF alongside the 15th AU Summit from 17-19 July under the theme 'Maternal, infant and child health: African youth call for action'.

Expressing her anticipation in an interview, the AU commissioner for social affairs, Bience Gawanas, said: "It is important for the AU, our leaders and the continent that the July summit should not just be an end in itself, but a means to an end... this summit will not aim for just another declaration.

"We are looking forward to an outcome that will make a real difference - not just another commitment," she said.

President Jacob Zuma, who is currently on a working visit to Libya, is expected to attend the summit from next week when heads of state and government convene their session from 25-27 July.

Many other heads of state are scheduled to participate in the summit that is also expected to focus on peace and security, infrastructure, energy and food security.

Ugandan authorities have assured that country was ready to host a safe summit despite the recent al-Shahab-inspired suicide bombings that killed more than 70 people.