Electoral Commission Officially Depart Old Offices as UNRA Refund 23 Billions
By: Kyeyune Ali
On Tuesday, Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda officially handed over their land to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) after being refunded 23 billions Ugandan shillings.
As you may be aware, Plot 55 Jinja Road was formerly the main offices of the Government Central Purchasing Corporation (GCPC) until 1996, when it became the home of the Interim Electoral Commission (IEC). This was after the successful conduct of the 1996 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The IEC was formerly located at Ruth Towers on Plot 15A, Clement Hill Road, Nakasero.
It was clear to the IEC from the beginning, that the then new home required extensive remodelling and construction works to make it suitable for a national election management body.
Accordingly, the IEC and the successor (permanent) Electoral Commission, commenced with plans to convert the structures into modern offices. and plans were made to build a permanent structure.
However, these plans were not achieved because the Ministry of Works and Transport advised that the land would be affected by the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Kampala Flyover Construction and Road Upgrading Project (KFCRUP).
In 2022, Government of Uganda tasked National Housing and Construction Corporation (NHCC) to provide the Commission with temporary office premises and undertake necessary processes to design, construct, install, furnish, and complete a customized permanent home for the Electoral Commission.
On 16th December 2022, the Commission embarked on the process of relocating their offices, personnel and equipment from this location to the new temporary office premises on Plot 1-3/5, Seventh Street, Industrial Area, formerly the headquarters of National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Ltd.
“The Commission and other relevant Government agencies are progressing with the plans to develop designs for the permanent home for the institution. The state-of-the-art home will give the Commission suitable facilities and a conducive working environment.” Says EC Chairperson.
“I wish to thank the following agencies for their support in the relocation process and the ongoing processes to develop a new permanent home for the Commission:
1. Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
2. Ministry of Works and Transport
3. Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development
4. Kampala Capital City Authority, “
I am now pleased, on behalf of the Electoral Commission, to handover to you, Madam Executive Director, the file containing documents relating to this land, which measures 1.093 hectares.
Justice Byabakama Simon Mugenyi
Chairperson, Electoral Commission asserted .