Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has instructed building owners and residents near Speke Resort Munyonyi to renovate their premises in response to the upcoming 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit and Group of 77 (G-77) + China Third South Summit, scheduled from January 15 to 24. However, the directive has sparked dissatisfaction among some members of the community.
Jonathan Lumala, a businessman on Ggaba Road, accused KCCA of pressuring him to carry out renovations outside his workplace. Fearing business closure, Lumala complied with the directive, spending Shs1.8 million on planting grass and installing pavers.
Several members of the business community shared Lumala’s frustration, claiming that the government should have provided prior notice if they were expected to invest in such renovations. Additionally, landlords and residents have reported being urged to paint their houses to meet “modern standards.”
Catherine Matovu, a landlady in Kabalagala, revealed receiving directives to repaint her apartments due to the expectation of foreign visitors during the NAM summit. Despite budget constraints, pleas for more time fell on deaf ears as officials stressed the importance of presenting a tidy and smart appearance to the global delegates.
KCCA spokesman Simon Kasyate, responding to the concerns, emphasized that businesses and residents were notified well in advance. He clarified that the directives were not solely for the benefit of the visitors but aimed at improving the city’s overall appearance. Kasyate urged collaboration, stating that the government could not exclusively handle all renovations, and the community needed to contribute.
The renovations are in preparation for the two international summits, expecting over 5,000 delegates and 70 heads of state from 134 countries. KCCA aims to present a polished and organized city during these events, showcasing Uganda’s commitment to global cooperation and solidarity.
Under Section 57 of the Physical Planning (Amendment) Act, 2020, failing to comply with renovation directives may result in fines or imprisonment. As the community works on these improvements, the focus remains on creating a lasting impact beyond the duration of the international summits.
