Uganda to spend shs66bn on G77, NAM summits as preps gain momentum

Uganda will spend shs66 billion on organizing the upcoming 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 (G77) + China Summits in January next year.

The two summits will be held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, between January 15 and 20 and 21 and 23 respectively will bring together leaders from around the world to address pressing global issues and foster cooperation among nations.

Commenting on the preparations for the two summits, the chief organizer Lucy Nakyobe who is also the secretary to cabinet said of the shs66 billion, shs40billion has already been secured.

“This money(shs40bn) has been released and passed on to the various subcommittees. We are also requesting for an additional shs26billion that will come as a way of supplementary but is yet to be approved but for now we are working with the shs40 billion,” Nakyobe.

Preps in high gear

The chief organizer of the two summits also explained that preparations are going on well and that by January, it will be all systems go.

“I want to assure everyone that the country is very secure to receive and host the guests coming here for the two summits in January. Everything is ready to receive our guests,”Nakyobe said.

She said construction of the multipurpose convention centre is on course and will be ready in time for the two summits whereas government has mobilized requisite vehicles for the two summits to add to the 140 SUVs donated by China which are already in the country.

“On works and infrastructure, government has embarked on the road repairs and maintenance works in preparation for works, improvement in drainage systems, flood management and street lighting around the city and on Entebbe Road and we hope this will be ready by January.”

Nakyobe further explained that local governments involved including Makindye Ssaabagabo, Kajjansi, Entebbe and Katabi town councils have been fully engaged in the beautification and maintenance ahead of the two summits.

Kampala roads

There have been complaints about the state of roads, especially in the country’s capital ahead of the two summits.

Commenting about their preparation, KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka said her administration has kicked off several works in form of road refurbishment, decongestion of roads, street lighting and management of solid waste.

“We have had two major spots on Munyonyo road where there has been a lot of flooding at Auto Spa and Soya Bbunga and we are ensuring they are dealt with. We are dealing with these places comprehensively and other areas towards the venue. We are focusing on working on approximately 15km along 10 roads,” Kisaka said.

She mentioned Mukwano road, Press House Road, Ggaba road, Cape Road, Salaama road, Mobutu Road, Prince Badru Kakungulu road, UCB Rise, Seriiso road and Tankhill road as those targeted for repair and maintenance.

“We are asking all Kampala dwellers that in the spirit of African culture, they should deal with their frontages by painting and ensuring their fronts are not congested. We have teams put in place to support the clearing of frontages. On solid waste management, we are availing dustbins to avoid dumping of rubbish in spaces. Let disposal of solid waste be done in proper manner,”Kisaka said.