UGX 6 Billion Property Lost in Uganda House Fire, PS Bagiire Reports
Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has revealed that property worth UGX 6 billion was destroyed in a fire that engulfed Uganda House in Nairobi on June 25, 2024. The blaze occurred amidst youth protests against Kenya’s 2024/25 Finance Bill, which sought to increase taxes by $2.7 billion (UGX 10 trillion) to address the country’s debt and fund the budget.
Bagiire provided this update during a session with the foreign affairs committee on August 7, 2024. His appearance was also to address allegations that the Ugandan consulate in Dubai was operating gambling slots, which he refuted.
The Permanent Secretary explained that supervising consultants, appointed by the high commission in Nairobi, assessed the extent of the fire damage. This assessment led to the preliminary valuation of UGX 6 billion in losses. He noted that Uganda faces a decision between waiting for a lengthy investigation or moving forward with the refurbishment of the building to attract tenants.
Furthermore, Bagiire confirmed that the six-story commercial building on Kenyatta Avenue was insured prior to the fire. He highlighted that Ambitious Construction, the contractor responsible for the Uganda House project, had secured insurance at the beginning of the renovation process. The insurance company has since visited the site as part of the investigation.
Uganda House, the main embassy building of the High Commission, is located on Riverside Drive, a prestigious area in Nairobi known for its business hubs and popularity among diplomats and expatriate investors.
