By Fred Kajjubi
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks Shs6 billion to repair the Uganda House in Nairobi, damaged in a recent fire set by protesters. However, MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee insist on seeing the fire report before approving further funding.
During the June 25 mass – protests in Kenya, the Uganda House in Nairobi was torched by protesters. Appearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Foreign Ministry officials led by Minister Gen Jejje Odong justified a need for Shs6 billion for repairs.
Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited a consulting firm’s estimates, stating that the damage was severe and required significant funding.
The officials noted that while the renovation company had insurance, it was unclear if the insurance would cover the fire damage and therefore, the government cannot wait for the insurance decision.
However, MPs on the committee criticized the government for seeking Shs6 billion before the Kenyan government released a report on the fire.
The government had already spent Shs27 billion on renovating the building, which was set to open the same week it was burnt down. MPs argue that no funds should be allocated until the fire report is released, suspecting a possible deliberate act to waste unused funds which allegations Vincent Bagiire dismissed
After renovations, the Ugandan government expected to generate Shs4 billion annually from tenants.
