When addressing the Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, saying that over the past two decades, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and expand, and has demonstrated remarkable vitality and dynamism.

Xi said it has been 20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening, adding that BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-strengthening through unity among emerging markets and developing countries.

This has also been 20 years of standing together through thick and thin, Xi noted.

BRICS countries, Xi said, have worked together to tackle challenges ranging from the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change.

The group has remained steadfast in safeguarding the common interests of the Global South, while providing the world with stability and positive momentum, he said.

Xi also hailed the past 20 years of BRICS cooperation as fruitful, saying that BRICS countries have undergone a historic expansion, established a comprehensive, multi-tiered framework for cooperation, and ushered in a new stage of high-quality development for greater BRICS cooperation.

Xi stressed that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation unseen in a century, the Global South is rapidly growing in strength, and the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable.

Meanwhile, countercurrents of unilateralism and power politics are surging, multilateralism and the international order are coming under strain, and deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to widen, he added.

He said that BRICS countries should firmly stand on the right side of history, strive to be a pioneer of the times, steer the international order toward greater justice and equity, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi called on BRICS to pioneer in advancing innovation-driven development. BRICS countries, he said, should firmly seize the initiative, strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, encourage open-source development, openness, cooperation and sharing, and push practical cooperation into new areas and to new heights.

BRICS countries are welcome to actively participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, he said.

China proposed an initiative to promote new industrialization through artificial intelligence among BRICS countries, and is willing to work with all parties to deliver more outcomes in research, development and application, and deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, he said.

Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in upholding peace and stability. BRICS countries should uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, oppose the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, reject violations of other countries’ sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs, and play a constructive role in resolving hotspot issues, making a distinctive BRICS contribution to finding solutions that address both symptoms and root causes, he said.

China will work with fellow BRICS members to play a due role in bringing peace and tranquility to the Middle East and Gulf region, Xi said.

Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in facilitating mutual learning between civilizations. The countries, he said, should champion the common values of humanity and advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations as well as harmonious coexistence. They should ensure the success of the BRICS forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, share experience in state governance, and build positive momentum for the steady development of relations between countries, Xi added.

Xi advocated efforts to deepen cooperation in culture, tourism and education, strengthen youth exchanges, and promote more frequent interactions and closer bonds among the peoples.

Xi called on BRICS to be a pioneer in reforming and improving global governance.

He urged the group to keep pace with the trend toward greater democracy in international relations, promote a more just and equitable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations.

Xi said BRICS should support a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, and reject all forms of protectionist measures.

The grouping should lead global governance in emerging domains such as cyberspace, outer space and the deep sea, and amplify the voice of Global South countries, he added.

Over an extraordinary two-decade journey, solidarity and cooperation have remained the driving force behind the BRICS cause, Xi stressed.

Xi called on BRICS members to remain sincere and candid with one another, seek common ground while respecting differences, and respect each other’s core concerns.

He also urged the group to deepen mutual understanding through communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, and ensure that BRICS cooperation continues to move forward steadily.

China, Xi said, will take over as the rotating chair of the BRICS and host the 19th summit next year.

The Chinese side stands ready to work with all parties to build consensus, create a better future, and embark on BRICS’ third “golden decade,” jointly opening up a bright future of prosperity and progress, he added. ■

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This evolution has ushered in a new era of greater BRICS cooperation, better reflecting the growing weight and aspirations of the Global South.

When BRICS leaders prepare to gather for this year’s summit in New Delhi, India, the mechanism is playing a greater role in amplifying the collective voice of emerging economies, and expanding practical cooperation amid a changing international landscape beset by raging protectionism and economic fragmentation.

Its growing weight is reflected in its economic and demographic scale. BRICS countries now account for approximately 40 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity and nearly half of the world’s population. Data released by the UN Trade and Development in March showed that the intra-BRICS merchandise trade has expanded more than 13-fold since 2003, and exports reached 1.17 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024.

BRICS, however, is more than an economic force. Its growing significance lies in how countries with different development paths are pooling their strengths in resources, industry and technology to advance shared development.

A prominent area is financing. For many developing economies, access to affordable, long-term funding remains critical to turning development ambitions into reality. The New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, has helped provide such an option by mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Figures released by the bank showed that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the NDB had approved 42.9 billion dollars in financing for 140 projects.

Covering such areas as infrastructure, clean energy and digital transformation, these projects address the pressing development needs of Global South countries while echoing the priorities highlighted by the theme of the forthcoming BRICS Summit, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The ever-evolving BRICS cooperation is also helping developing countries gain new growth momentum. In recent years, BRICS cooperation has been expanding into areas like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation.

A case in point is the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center in Xiamen, which was established in 2020 to provide a platform for cooperation in digitalization, advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.

These efforts point to the broader value of BRICS: it is not simply giving the Global South a stronger voice, but creating practical opportunities for countries to access financing, technology and cooperation suited to their development needs.

Such collaboration helps explain BRICS’ growing appeal to countries seeking greater opportunities to participate and cooperate. As a founding member, China has contributed not only by building platforms for practical cooperation, but also by supporting greater openness and broader participation to promote high-quality cooperation within an expanded BRICS.

Some in the West portray BRICS as a rival bloc seeking to build a parallel order. Yet this claim bears little resemblance to reality. BRICS stands for openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit, not confrontation or exclusion. That is fundamentally different from the exclusive blocs championed by some Western countries, and a key reason behind the growing vitality of BRICS.

Looking ahead, BRICS is poised to embark on its third “golden decade” after 20 years of growth and transformation. By rising up to the challenges of the times, BRICS countries can help shape a more equal and orderly multipolar world and a more universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and, in doing so, write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation across the Global South. ■

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Kayiwa Amir was on Monday arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of offering gratification and remanded until September 30, 2026.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit said Kayiwa allegedly offered Shillings 8 million to police officers on August 29, 2026, at Lubowa in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District.

The alleged bribe was reportedly intended to secure access to the office of Asimwe Emmanuel at Details Security Company Limited, where Kayiwa allegedly intended to remove what investigators described as vital evidence.

The alleged bribery incident followed a complaint lodged with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit over the reported theft of 785 kilograms of gold from the company’s premises.

Following the complaint, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and police in Wakiso secured and cordoned off the premises to preserve the scene as investigations into the alleged theft continued.

The Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions were also involved in the subsequent prosecution of Kayiwa.

The case is scheduled to come back before the Anti-Corruption Court on September 30, 2026.

Kayiwa is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

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Akampulira Isaac Rukanda was arraigned at Kajjansi Chief Magistrates Court by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He was remanded until September 16, 2026.

Prosecution alleges that between February 2025 and August 2026, Akampulira and others still at large stored minerals, including copper, zinc and cobalt, at the company’s premises in Lweza, Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District, without a valid licence.

The accused are further alleged to have mixed the minerals in different proportions and presented them as gold bars in a scheme allegedly intended to defraud investors.

The prosecution is expected to present evidence to support the charges as investigations continue.

Akampulira’s arrest and prosecution form part of ongoing investigations into alleged mineral fraud at the security company.

He is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

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Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, will campaign for Leku during a rally on September 15, officially closing the NRM candidate’s campaign ahead of polling day.

The President’s visit comes as NRM teams enter the fourth day of an intensive village-to-village mobilisation drive aimed at rallying voters behind Leku.

The mobilisation is being led by NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda Hamson Obua, Director of Mobilisation and Cadre Development Dr Rosemary Sseninde, Senior Manager of Publicity Rogers Mulindwa and district party leaders.

Obua said the party had stepped up preparations for Museveni’s rally through meetings and radio engagements to ensure a strong turnout.

“We have held a number of preparatory meetings and we are yet to hold more. We have had radio talk shows mobilising members of the community to turn up in big numbers on Tuesday,” Obua said.

He said the President’s rally would give residents an opportunity to hear Museveni’s message as he campaigns for Leku.

Obua said infrastructure and connectivity had emerged among the major concerns raised during the grassroots mobilisation, particularly the need for a bridge linking Adjumani with other parts of West Nile.

“The most key and pressing matter is the issue of the bridge,” he said, noting that the proposed project is at preliminary stages under the Ministry of Works and Transport.

He also called for unity among NRM leaders and supporters, saying divisions could undermine development and service delivery.

“Leaders must take the lead, leaders must walk the talk, leaders must practice what they preach in terms of unity,” Obua said.

Sseninde said the village-based campaign had enabled NRM leaders to reach voters directly and strengthened confidence in Leku’s prospects.

“We have moved village by village. We have been able to reach down to the people,” she said.

She urged residents to maintain unity, saying divisions cannot deliver development.

Leku thanked voters for their support and said the grassroots campaign had enabled him to interact directly with communities across the constituency.

He pledged to serve the people if elected and said he would build on the legacy and plans of the late Gen. Moses Ali, who represented the constituency for many years.

“I know most of his plans, and I hope to use the plans that he has left behind to enforce some of the things that I’m going to do in Adjumani,” Leku said.

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JOHANNESBURG, (Xinhua) — The BRICS is playing an increasingly important role in promoting global economic growth, advancing South-South cooperation and strengthening the voice of developing countries amid a world of uncertainty, a South African academic has said.

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Obodha Alex Batambuze, who serves as the Senior Civil Engineer of Jinja City, was arraigned this afternoon on charges of Abuse of Office.

According to the prosecution, on December 8, 2023, Batambuze allegedly used his position to irregularly issue a development permit to one Kakaire Kirunda Ali to construct a boundary wall on Plot 17B, Tabingwa Road in Jinja City.

Investigations indicate that the permit was issued without following the required procedures and without obtaining the mandatory approval from the relevant Physical Planning and Building Committee.

As a result, the construction of the wall reportedly blocked a community access road, cutting off residents and motorists who depend on the road for daily movement.

Batambuze had earlier been detained during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” National Campaign, led by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, during the campaign’s tour of Eastern Uganda.

Following investigations, he was formally arrested and subsequently arraigned before court to answer the charges.

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The First Lady made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf by the State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, during celebrations to mark 40 years of ministry by Bishop Aaron Mutebi at Entebbe Miracle Centre Church on Saturday.

Maama Janet expressed gratitude to God for her healing and thanked Ugandans who “interceded” for her during her illness several months ago.

“I am grateful to God for healing me, for the sacrifice of love that was exhibited to me, H.E. the President and my entire family. May God bless you all,” she said.

She congratulated Bishop Mutebi and his wife, Maama Justine Mutebi, for dedicating 40 years to the service of God and the Christian community.

The First Lady described the large gathering at the church as testimony to Bishop Mutebi’s life of perseverance, faith and service.

She said the 40-year milestone carried significant spiritual meaning, citing the 40 years Moses spent in the wilderness, the Israelites’ wandering in the desert and the 40 days and nights of the biblical flood.

She also noted that Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and nights before beginning His public ministry.

“Therefore, the period of 40 years is not just a number. It marks a generation biblically, but it also signifies seasons of testing, preparation, transition and new beginnings,” she said.

Maama Janet commended Bishop Mutebi for his humility, faith and steadfastness, particularly his efforts to advocate for the wellbeing of families and equip spiritual leaders.

She also recognised the contribution of Entebbe Miracle Centre Church towards shaping young people in Entebbe Municipality.

“Thank you for your commitment to nurturing a generation of citizens, committed to serve the nation with integrity, dedication and a great work ethic,” she said.

The First Lady, however, used the occasion to raise concern over challenges facing young people, including drug abuse and exposure to inappropriate activities.

She warned that drugs were increasingly being disguised in seemingly innocent products such as soft drinks and cookies, making them easily accessible to young people in schools and communities.

She also referred to a recent school prom incident which, she said, exposed students to “demonic activity” and was captured and widely circulated on social media.

“These are just a few examples of the issues that our young people are grappling with,” she said.

The First Lady called on parents, religious leaders, teachers and the wider community to do more to protect the younger generation.

She cited 2 Timothy 2:2, where Apostle Paul urges believers to pass on the teachings they have received to faithful people who can teach others.

She encouraged adults to deliberately engage young people and pass on Christian values and testimonies of God’s works so that the younger generation can know, trust and serve God.

Her message was anchored on Psalm 145:4: “One generation will commend Your works to another generation and shall declare Your Mighty Acts.”

Maama Janet further thanked Bishop Mutebi for his investment in the youth, saying they would carry Uganda forward in the years to come.

She prayed that he would continue to be a source of wisdom and strength and that Ugandans would learn from his legacy of humility and service to God.

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The democratic process gave members an opportunity to exercise their right to choose representatives dedicated to guiding the club into the future. Following the conclusion of the vote, the newly elected executive committee officially assumed office, pledging to serve the diaspora community with integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsibility.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures from both the Omani and religious communities. Among the guests of honour was Mohamed Nasser Al-Harthi, an Omani author known for his work documenting historical ties between Uganda and the Sultanate dating back to 1844 AD. Al-Harthi observed the official leadership handover and presented certificates of recognition to the incoming officials, underscoring the enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Additional dignitaries present included Pastor Adelusi Adewale of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Oman, alongside local school principal Manar Khalid. Religious leaders offered prayers and blessings for the new administration, while club representatives expressed formal appreciation to all attendees, guests, and community members for their ongoing support and words of encouragement.

The atmosphere throughout the gathering reflected collective pride and optimism. Organizers emphasized that the transition demonstrated the strength of community participation and the vital role of responsible leadership in fostering unity and development. The newly inducted leadership called upon all Ugandans in Oman to remain actively engaged in community initiatives and collaborative projects.

Furthermore, the occasion provided an opportunity for the diaspora to acknowledge and thank the Omani government for its stability, security, good governance, and welcoming environment. Members expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere and professional opportunities that enable foreign nationals to contribute positively to society while maintaining strong cultural connections with their homeland.

With the new executive committee now formally installed, expectations remain high regarding the club’s capacity to strengthen community networks, promote welfare programs, and advance organizational development. For the expatriate community, the event established a solid foundation for future progress, ensuring continued representation and mutual support under unified leadership.

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Brigadier General Henry Isoke, the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), addressed local administrators under the theme “Building Synergy to Eliminate Corruption in Local Government.” He emphasized that administrative malpractice directly harms everyday citizens by siphoning public funds away from essential social services and deteriorating civic infrastructure.

The anti-corruption chief singled out several high-risk sectors requiring heightened institutional vigilance; Procurement and Contracts: Oversight in public tendering processes; Human Resources: Recruitment and payroll transparency.

Among others is Management of local revenues and state funds and Integrity in property and title handling.

Aligning with a broader government-wide initiative, Brig Gen Isoke pointed to the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt National Campaign,” championed by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The campaign integrates multiple state security and oversight bodies, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Internal Security Organisation.

Official figures released during the retreat indicate that the ongoing enforcement drive has expanded across 18 districts and municipal cities. The initiative has yielded 104 arrests, 30 formal court arraignments, and 48 compiled case files linked to an estimated UGX 15 billion in compromised public resources.

Invoking presidential directives advocating zero tolerance for non-performance, Brig Gen Isoke challenged municipal leaders to guarantee that public resources translate into tangible community development. He reaffirmed the SH-ACUâ€s commitment to supporting rigorous internal controls, proper public record keeping, and cross-sector accountability across all regional administrations.

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