The National Housing and Construction Company officially handed over its former Head Office at Plot 1-3/5, seventh street, industrial area Kampala to the Uganda Electoral Commission.
The new temporary Head Office of the Electoral body was officially commissioned on Thursday 30 March 2023 at a ceremony officiated by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao.
While handing over the office, the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka revealed that on 17 July 2022 NHCC received a proposal to relocate Electoral Commission to the temporary premises as the Company designs new state of the art facilities for the Commission at Lweza, Lubowa
“We are now handing over these premises on Plot 1-3/5, seventh street, industrial area, Kampala to the Electoral Commission for temporary occupation as we construct the new state of the art facilities for Electoral Commission at Lweza, Lubowa.” – he said
Kaijuka added that the Head Office of the Electoral Commission that National Housing and Construction Company will construct, will be installed will all the technology, machinery, and everything needed for Commission to execute its mandate. He further noted that before 2026, the new state of the art facilities (permanent home) for the Electoral Commission should be ready.
“We are the leading construction company of government, and the oldest construction company (59 years). We have everything it takes to deliver any project of any scope. Before 2026, the new permanent home for the Electoral Commission should be ready” – said Mr. Kenneth Kaijuka.
The Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala thanked NHCC for not hesitating when he put them to charge to find a home for the Electoral Commission.
Gen. Katumba explained that National Housing and Construction Company was identified to build permanent home for the Electoral Commission because Government didn’t want to outsource.
“This is going to save government a lot of money.” – he said
In his speech, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon stated that the custom-built home to be constructed at Lweza, Lubowa will go a long way in improving service delivery by ensuring that all necessary facilities and services are located in one centre.
“The owned home will also help the Commission save on the money spent on renting facilities like warehouses and other related amenities.” – he said
“The relocation from the former premises on Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala to this new temporary location marks significant progress in the continuing journey of the Commission to own its own permanent and custom-built home.” – Mr Byabakama noted further.
“In collaboration with the National Housing and Construction Company and other relevant Government agencies, we are progressing with the development of designs for the permanent home for the institution.” – he added
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert congratulated the EC Chairperson for spearheading the Commission. He noted that The Electoral Commission is central to whatever is important in Uganda.
“To get someone from nomination to swearing in is a very lengthy journey. The Electoral Commission is ensuring that we have a smooth political journey based on rules.” – he said
He also pledged the Government’s support in ensuring that the EC settles in their Permanent home that will also attract visitors from other countries.
Background
On 16th December 2022, the Commission embarked on the process of relocating their offices, personnel and equipment from Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala, to the new temporary office premises. The new temporary office was formerly the headquarters of National Housing and Construction Company
The relocation phase was completed and the former premises on Plot 55, Jinja Road, were officially handed over to UNRA on 14th March 2023, to pave the way for the road infrastructure developments. (Kampala Flyover Project)
An aerial view of the former Electoral Commission premises on Jinja Road. (Courtesy photo)
The former premises housed the Commission for the past 27 years. Under these premises, the Commission served and delivered five General Elections (2001; 2006; 2011; 2016; 2021) and two referenda (2000 and 2005) as well as several Parliamentary and Local Government Councils by-elections.
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