The official residence of Uganda’s ambassador in Washington DC has been the center of attention for nearly two years, as discussions about its renovation or potential sale continue to unfold. Located in the upscale Kent neighborhood along Loughboro Road, the residence has remained closed since the departure of the previous ambassador in mid-2022. Ambassador Robbie Kakonge, the successor, currently resides in a rented apartment costing $8,000 (approximately Shs30 million) per month.
Despite being visited by civil engineers dispatched by the Ministry of Works in late 2021 to assess its structural integrity, the residence’s renovation has been delayed. Plumbing issues, including broken water pipes that have caused damage to the walls, are among the main concerns identified. Top technocrats from the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs have inspected the property, indicating ongoing deliberations regarding its fate.
However, amidst the renovation discussions, reports have surfaced regarding a plot to sell the ambassador’s residence and acquire a new property. Allegations suggest involvement of a Ugandan-US based broker, who has purported ties to various government offices. This broker’s connection to the infamous Eutaw Constructions Company, involved in a scandal resulting in the loss of Shs24.7 billion to the government in 2014, adds further complexity to the situation.
Meanwhile, controversy also surrounds Uganda’s High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, where the official diplomatic residence, protected under heritage laws, was demolished without approval. This action has sparked outrage among residents and local authorities, who are considering legal action against the construction company hired by the High Commission. Despite enjoying immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the High Commission faces scrutiny for its disregard of heritage protection laws.
The dispute in Ottawa reflects a broader trend of Ugandan officials’ disregard for heritage properties abroad, mirroring similar indifference observed domestically. While local authorities in Ottawa opposed the demolition, citing preservation of heritage structures, the fate of Uganda’s diplomatic residences abroad remains uncertain.
In light of these controversies, the Ministry of Finance has reiterated its intention to renovate the ambassador’s residence in Washington DC, subject to the availability of funds.
