Legislators, Visit Speke Convention Center for NAM, G77 Summits
By Our Reporter
MUNYONYO – Members of Parliament have visited the Speke Convention Center at Commonwealth Resort, Munyonyo the venue under construction for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Group of 77 (G-77) and China Third South summits.
Led by the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Deputy Tomas Tayebwa, the national organizing committee and technical staff were assured the venue will be ready in time for the functions.
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, the proprietor of the facility said, “The construction is in the final stages, Hon. Speaker and your team rest assured it will be ready in time. We are working day and night to beat the deadline and I am confident we shall deliver everything on schedule,” Sudhir noted.
Hon Anita Among expressed confidence, “I am confident that the premises will provide an excellent setting for successful and impactful events. Uganda stands ready to host the delegates, showcasing our commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration.”
Hon. Among was on Friday, December 22, touring the construction works progress at the magnificent Convention Center where the summit will take place in January 2024.
Uganda’s tourism sector will greatly benefit from the two upcoming international summits, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, has told Parliament.
“Uganda’s chairmanship of the two summits will provide a platform to market Uganda’s unique tourism and investment opportunities to a larger and wider community of international actors,” said Mulimba during the House sitting on Thursday 23 November 2023.
He was presenting a statement on government preparedness to host the summits during the sitting chaired by Speaker, Anita Among.
At the events, Uganda will assume the chairmanship of NAM for three years and, G77 and China for one year, which Mulimba said will come along with a boost to the economy.
“There are two websites developed for NAM and G77 plus China with a Menu “About Uganda” containing information related to investment opportunities and tourism,” he added.
He said the events include a business forum that will facilitate direct business-to-business interaction and partnerships.
Mulimba was hopeful that hosting the summits would enhance the positive image of Uganda and that potential economic and commercial benefits would accrue over the medium to long term.
As a result, government entities such as the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and Uganda Airlines are working to complete rehabilitation works in preparation for the events.
At the Entebbe airport, Mulimba reported that construction works at the main terminal have progressed substantially and will be completed before the summits.
He noted that KCCA and other local and urban authorities along the Entebbe-Munyonyo-Kampala Corridor are carrying out beautification works in preparation for the summits. The local and urban authorities involved are; Entebbe Municipality, Katabi Town Council, Kajjansi Town Council, Makindye-Sabagabo; and Wakiso District.
The said authorities are mandated to improve garbage collection and disposal, deal with street children, as well as manage motorcyclists.
KCCA is putting street lights on selected roads and improving the drainage system, said Mulimba.
Mulimba further reported that UNRA is working on three major road projects; the Kampala Flyover, the conversion of the Kajjansi – Munyonyo Spur into an expressway, and improvements on the Kampala Northern Bypass.
In addition, UNRA is working on several diversion roads and installing street lights.
The government has thus allocated Shs53.594 billion towards the organization of the summits.
Hon. Abdu Katuntu (Ind., Bugweri County) observed that Uganda’s image internationally is continuously improving, reiterating Mulimba’s predictions on the economic benefits likely to accrue from the summits.
“We hosted CHOGM, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, we are hosting these summits and the conference of commonwealth speakers. These are very important meetings for Uganda’s economy. For example, Malaysia alone has asked to bring over 50 delegates for the speaker’s conference, the benefits will be immense,” said Katuntu.
