Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to cost government Shs 17 billion

Government will part with Shs 17 billion for the smooth preparation and organisation of the forth coming 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

The conference is slated for September 22 to September, 29 at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort under the theme: "Adaption, engagement and evolution of Parliaments in a rapidly changing Commonwealth."

The conference is regarded as one of the largest annual gatherings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians.

In a live chat on Twitter under the hash tag #64CPC2019, a panel from government discussed the impact of hosting the conference where it was revealed that Uganda will spend Shs 17 billion in preparations and organising.

"We have set aside all the logistical measures to ensure the smooth running of the conference. The government has set aside Shs 17 billion to ensure smooth preparations," said Ofwono Opondo, the executive director of the Uganda Media Centre.

Opondo said that the money will help Uganda to be taken as a serious country and hence more opportunities in the future.

"This will help Uganda to be taken more seriously. The Shs 17 billion will be well spent and will bring dividends. We expect Uganda to benefit in the long term," he said.

Opondo cautioned parliamentarians to ensure that the allocated funds are used transparently.

This will be the second time that Uganda hosts the conference having hosted one in 1967, five years after attaining independence.

Over 1,000 delegates with speakers and parliamentarians from over 53 Commonwealth countries are expected to attend.

The Speaker Rebecca Kadaga said the conference will help to market Uganda to the world and local businesses will gain by selling products to the delegates.