Government has intensified the efforts geared towards refurbishing the infrastructures as it’s preparing to host two international meetings in January 2024. Uganda will host both the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the Third South Summit (G77and China) between January 15-24, 2024.
The Minister of State for Information and National Guidance Godfrey Kabyanga, Cabinet this week resolved that the country is ready to host the two meetings despite the terror alert threats that were issued by America in the recent past.
Hon. Kabyanga while addressing news reporters at Media Centre on Wednesday 29th, 2023 said that the State is ready to host the two International Summits and called upon all Ugandans to well come such meetings because they will also benefit from them through rendering services such transports, food supply and others.
The Non-Aligned Movement is a forum of 120 member States and was founded in 1961 with a view of advancing the interest of developing countries with an aim of subduing the effects of Cold War confrontation.
The State Minister for Kampala Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye who also addressed a joint press conference said that KCCA is also working tooth and nail to ensure that the road are in better conditions especially those that are linking the hotels and tourism sites.
Kabuye said that UPDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KCCA to repair and refurbish over 8,000 sq miles in Kampala and work is going on well but he however rebuked people who are attacking them via social media saying that those are skimmers who always wanted to profit from project yet UPDF is not aiming at profit but its just rendering the service to better the capital city.
He also said that landlords will be coarse to refurbish their buildings and also put compulsory modern technology dustbins which cost Ushs 2,000,000 each and KCCA will be picking the garbage for transportation.
“We have already contracted a company to supply 10,000 dustbins which will be installed in Kampala Capital City because we want to ensure that the city is clean as we are preparing to host our visitors.’’ Kabuye said.
The Minister also said that preparation to remove street children once and for all have been finalised and resources are available. The cartels that bring these children are also known and government is yet to arrest them because they are undermining the rights of these younger people.
The NAM meeting will attract over 650 participants including Heads of States and according to Minister Kabyanga 7 presidents have confirmed their attendance.
Meanwhile President Museveni last weekend toured the Convention Centre at Common Wealth Resort, Munyonyo, roads in Kampala City and Entebbe International Airport as he assessed the country’s readiness to receive the hundreds of delegates expected in about one month time.
The NAM meeting is under the, ‘Theme: ‘Deepening Co-operation for Shared Global Affluence’, while G77 is themed around, ‘Leaving No One Behind’.
By George Bukenya