Kampala — YESTERDAY'S inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States has been hailed as a historic day, triumph for justice and human rights.

While many political and civic leaders hailed Obama, the first black US president, as an icon for a new world order, others were sceptical that his presidency would beget better opportunities for Africa where he has roots.

The foreign affairs ministry permanent secretary, Ambassador James Mugume said it was a "great moment that one of Africa's sons was finally assuming the presidency of the most powerful country in the world."

Uganda, Mugume said, was represented by its ambassador to the United States, Perezi Kamunanwire, since Presidents were not invited due to protocol and security complications.

The leader of the People's Progressive Party, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, described Obama's ascendance to power as a big milestone.

Bidandi said if Obama lives by his campaign promise and vision, Africa will benefit.

Democratic Party president John Ssebaana Kizito, said:â-à"He has inherited wars and massive expenditure on wars, economic recession and unemployment. We hope that he will be able to handle all this and turn it around."

The Forum for Democratic Change spokesman, Wafula Ogutu, said Obama's inauguration was historic for those who believe in democracy. "We hope his regime will look at Africa more because he is a man of peace, just as Bush was a man of war," said Wafula.

Human rights and civil society activists are also elated.

The executive director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, Livingstone Ssewanyana, said Obama's victory symbolises a long struggle which increasingly overcame the difficult hurdles of racial discrimination.

"During his presidency we would like him to send out a strong message to dictators that their time is up," he said.

Uganda Law Society president Oscar Kihika said Obama's election was essentail in regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"By and large, I do not expect handouts from Obama," Kihika stated.

Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, the Dean of the faculty of Business and Development Studies at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara district said it was up to the developing countries to strategise on how to deal with America under Obama.