Kampala — THE American community in Kampala, as well as Ugandans, spent Tuesday night at the Sheraton Hotel waiting for results of the US Presidential elections.

The vigil was attended by diplomats, local political leaders, activists and members of the academia.

Notable among them were US Ambassador Steven Browning, French ambassador Réné Forceville, Uganda's deputy Ambassador to the UN, Adonia Ayebare, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Prof. Ogenga Latigo, People's Progressive Party leader, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, presidential assistant Moses Byaruhanga and NRM spokesperson Ofwono Opondo.

Nkozi University vice-chancellor Dr Lawrence Ssemusu also attended.

At 11:00pm in the West Coast of the US, close to 6:00am in Uganda, it became clear that Barack Obama, an African-American, was destined to victory, with returns showing that he had garnered 224 against his rival John McCain's 147, at the moment.

His supporters, gathered at Grant Park in Chicago, waving US flags became ecstatic. They broke into frenzy, hugging and cheering.

John McCain supporters camped at Phenix in Arizona, were inconsolable, mute and emotional. The spectators at Sheraton were glued to the giant screens relaying live coverage by CNN and BBC.

When the cable networks finally announced that Obama was the next president, the Rwenzori Ballroom was filled with cheers and clapping to welcome the new president.

It was momentous to witness history being made and witness a country so mature in democratic practice. Obama's win makes him the 44th President of the US, the first African-American President and the 15th President of the US from the Democratic Party.

Ambassador Browning said Obama takes office on January 20, 2009.

"The election of an African-American to the highest office of our country is a major achievement. It shows that it's a country where advancement is based on merit. It is a significant message to us and the world. It is a tremendous accomplishment for him as an individual and for us as a country. I am pleased with the outcome," Browning said.

Browning said the expectation that Obama, because of his Kenyan roots, will pay extra attention to the African continent, was wild.

"He is an American first. His foreign policy will be based first on the interests of America. The thinking that he will pour dollars in Africa is wrong," the envoy explained.

He, however, said while programmes for Africa under Republican president George Bush will continue under a democratic President and Congress, there will be limitations.

He said the Obama's transition team has moved to state department to acclamatise itself with standing US policies and to read through diplomatic notes. He said president elect Obama will now be consulted and briefed on all major decisions the Bush administration takes in the remaining time in office.