Uganda's foreign minister was yesterday elected president of the UN General Assembly's 69th session on Wednesday.

Sam Kutesa was acclaimed as president unopposed and to a round of applause from member states.

Kutesa assumes the role as the nomination of the African group of nations, whose turn it was to take on the presidency.

"Minister Kutesa brings wide-ranging experience to the job: lawyer, parliamentarian, finance minister and foreign minister," Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Assembly.

"I wish him every success as he takes up his important responsibilities."

Kutesa said he would use the position to develop an agenda to eradicate poverty and hunger, create employment and provide a better future for all.

He quoted South Africa's late global rights icon Nelson Mandela by saying it was an "act of justice" to overcome poverty.

"It is the protection of a fundamental human right. The right to dignity and a decent life," he said.

Rwanda's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo extended her congratulations on her twitter page. "Warmest congratulations to my friend and counterpart Sam Kutesa of Uganda for his election," she tweeted.