By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
The Ugandan government is under fire for its aggressive demolition of houses and businesses in preparation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, currently underway at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo.
The government, through the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the official NAM summit organizing committee, has been working tirelessly since the end of last year to enhance the capital city’s appearance ahead of the NAM and G77 + China conferences.
As part of the preparation process, KCCA targeted roadside businesses on major routes such as Kampala-Ggaba, Kibuli, and Lukuli roads. The impact was not limited to businesses, as residents along these roads were compelled to either renovate or close their buildings.
In Kitalanga Zone of Makindye, over 200 individuals were reportedly left homeless as KCCA allegedly demolished their unplanned houses to widen a drainage channel.
Apart from the voices from the affected families and the public, The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has condemned the actions.
According to the critics, many lives have been disrupted and some completely destroyed in the name of presenting a polished image to summit attendees.
While addressing the media at the NUP headquarters at Kavule, Bombo Road, Kyagulanyi expressed his dismay at the reported demolition of over 3,000 business premises, particularly in the Makindye Division.
“In a well-governed country, international conferences like the NAM summit would be a blessing because it would bring more foreign exchange, therefore more businesses for the locals, but in Uganda’s case what was supposed to be a blessing has turned out to be a curse like it was during the Chogm times,” said Mr.
Kyagulanyi, referencing the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in Kampala.
The NUP leader accused the government of prioritizing last-minute infrastructure development to present a favorable image to international visitors, neglecting the well-being of its citizens.
He highlighted the detention of homeless individuals, disruption of lives, and the deteriorating traffic situation, characterizing the government’s efforts as a facade that fails to reflect the true state of the nation.
“The situation is not as rosy as the government is trying to portray,” Kyagulanyi emphasised.
19th NAM Summit
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference, which began on Monday, is expected to host at least 1,500 delegates, including several heads of state, and will continue until January 23.
The Senior Officials segment, which precedes the Ministerial session, holds particular importance as it lays the groundwork for the comprehensive discussions to be held during the Summit.
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