Auditor General Edward Akol revealed that the fire at Uganda House in Kenya, during the June 2024 protests, caused damages worth Shs7.2 billion.
At the time of the fire, the building was under renovation and scheduled for handover to the Ugandan government by June 28, 2024.
Akol reported that delays in repairs, coupled with the fire damage, are costing Uganda Shs1.8 billion annually in lost rental income.
Revenue Losses and Urgent Repairs
Before the fire, renovations had already cost taxpayers Shs24.4 billion. Now, additional repair expenses have increased the financial burden.
A consultant has completed the restoration assessment and submitted a detailed repair proposal to the Secretary to Treasury and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Akol stressed the urgency of immediate repairs to prevent further financial losses.
“The damage has resulted in an annual rental loss of Shs1.8 billion to the government,” he stated.
Political Unrest Behind the Fire
The fire broke out amid nationwide protests in Kenya against proposed tax hikes, leading to a total shutdown in June 2024.
The demonstrations escalated, with security forces using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
As Uganda deals with the aftermath, officials face pressure to fast-track renovations and restore Uganda House to its revenue-generating capacity.
