The Ministry of Education and Sports has commenced construction of its own headquarters. This initiative is anticipated to result in annual savings of 4.5 billion shillings, which they have been spending on rent.
Currently, the ministry rents office spaces for its technical staff, and departments in various private buildings, including Legacy Towers in Nakasero for higher education and basic education officers, Rwenzori Courts for various projects, and Statistic House, which houses the Sports department, among others.
Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports notes that having their own headquarters has been one of the priorities for the ministry over the years and now seems that their dream is in view.
Janet Museveni added that aside from the cost savings, the decentralization of offices across the city has posed challenges in terms of coordination within the ministry. She expressed optimism that this situation will soon be resolved.
The minister made the remarks on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site situated in Kyambogo, adjacent to Kyambogo Primary School.
The new building aligns with the government’s initiative to curtail rental expenses. Existing data indicates that the government allocates over 100 billion Shillings annually to cover rent costs. This has garnered criticism from various quarters, including opposition leaders and NGOs, who argue that the amount spent on accommodations could adequately fund the construction of modest ministry headquarters for those without shelter every year.
In 2021, the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, outlined a plan to consolidate government ministries and agencies currently leasing private properties into the Bwebajja Airport Hotel complex on Entebbe Road. The primary aim of this strategy is to reduce the financial burden associated with renting.
Ketty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, noted that the construction project is estimated to cost 61.9 billion Shillings, with 68 percent of the financing coming from a loan obtained from the Islamic Development Bank, while the government will contribute the remaining 32 percent.
Lamaro further mentioned that the contract for the construction of the headquarters has been granted to a collaboration between Sadeem Al Kuwait General Trading and Contracting Company and Dott Service Limited. She emphasized that the ministry will oversee the timely completion of the project and ensure that the government fulfills its financial commitments on time.
The planned headquarters complex will consist of two towers, one with eight floors and the other with ten floors. Additionally, the complex will include a 600-seat auditorium and two parking decks. Upon completion, the headquarters will be capable of accommodating more than 700 staff and is expected to be ready within 18 months from the commissioning date.
The Ministry of Education is now a part of the growing educational cluster in Kyambogo, which is evolving into an educational hub. This cluster includes several educational institutions such as Kyambogo University, Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board (UBTEB), the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Uganda National Examination Board (Uneb), The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), and the Education Service Commission, and others.
The idea of establishing ministry headquarters in Kyambogo was initially conceived in 2010. While the Ministry and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) were allocated land for this purpose, the Ministry did not proceed with its project but NCHE constructed its own headquarters.
In 2015, as part of the BTEVT support program, the government engaged the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to fund the project, naming it the “Skills Development Headquarters Building.” Initially, the project faced delays as contract-related issues were ironed out between the government and the bank. However, in 2020, both parties reached an agreement, and the project was approved.
The Islamic Development Bank has emerged as a prominent source of funding for our educational projects. Currently, they are backing our efforts to enhance training infrastructure and supply equipment at six National Colleges. These institutions encompass Unyama National Teachers’ College in Gulu, in addition to the five Uganda Technical Colleges situated in Elgon, Lira, Bushenyi, Kichwamba, and Kyema.
Within the same initiative, the bank is also aiding the expansion and provision of resources to nine Technical Institutes distributed across the country. These institutes are located in the districts of Kabale, Kakumiro, Sembabule, Masaka, Mayuge, Busia, Moyo, Oyam, and Napak.
About the author
London: A Black Pride Haven
BY JAMES KABENGWA. LONDON. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was Sunday filled with the vibrant energy of UK Black Pride- celebrating its 20th anniversary. It brought together LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent joined by their other global enthusiasts and members. Among the thousands of attendees were many Ugandans who have found refuge and peace in the UK. For these individuals, the event was more than a celebration. It was a powerful act of defiance. It stood in stark contrast to the realities of their home country, Uganda, where a draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed in 2023. This law includes severe penalties, with "aggravated homosexuality" punishable by death and other consensual same-sex acts by life imprisonment. The legislation criminalizes virtually every aspect of LGBTQ+ life, including advocacy and support for the community. Uganda is one […]
Uganda and Nigeria Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Boost Trade
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, has met with the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, to discuss a joint effort to combat fraud. The collaboration is aimed at creating a safer investment environment and boosting bilateral trade between the two nations, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Three Charged in Cattle Compensation Scandal
KAMPALA. Three suspects, including a politician and a UPDF soldier, have been charged with the theft of over UGX 1.5 billion from a government cattle compensation program in Uganda's Otuke District. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) announced the arraignment of the trio before the Otuke Magistrate’s Court following a joint investigation with the CID and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The accused are identified as Akasa Jimmy Mokili, a politician; Okengo Jaspher, an LCIII Chairperson; and Sgt. Amoni Benz of the UPDF. According to reports from the Daily Secrets, this is part of a larger criminal scheme targeting vulnerable, often elderly, beneficiaries who lost livestock during the LRA insurgency and Karamoja cattle raids. The conspirators allegedly manipulated the bank account registration process, gaining access to victims' funds and either stealing the money outright or giving […]
Uganda Election Turmoil Looms: Warnings Abound
By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON - As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, concerns over the integrity of the electoral process are intensifying following widespread malpractice during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries last month. The primaries, held to select party flagbearers for parliamentary and local government positions, were marred by irregularities triggering a wave of concern across the political and civic landscape. Critics, civil society organizations, opposition politicians and observers fear that the widespread irregularities are a warning sign of deeper systemic electoral failures that undermine the credibility of next year's national polls likely to plunge the country into political turmoil. Multiple reports from civil society organizations, independent monitors, and local media have documented instances of ballot stuffing, partisan behavior by state institutions, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence during the NRM primaries. In numerous districts, party officials […]
Vitol, UNOC now accused of failure to protect petroleum products from adulteration, siphoning
In the wake of accusations of supply of adulterated petroleum products, now Uganda National Oil Company and VITOL Energy Limited are being accused of failure to protect fuel trucks from siphoning. Recent videos and images circulating on various social media platforms show individuals siphoning fuel from moving trucks within the city, an act which analysts say could spark deadly disasters. This newspaper understands that Uganda has in the past witnessed deadly accidents where people who tried to siphon fuel were killed when the fuel caught fire. Hotspots for fuel siphoning include Busia, Jinja, and Banda as well as Northern Bypass and Namuwongo area. Kampala police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told this newspaper they were investigating cases of fuel siphoning in the said areas. He warned those involved of severe punishment once arrested. VITOL-UNOC deal Vitol Energy partnered with the Uganda National […]
Why King Caesar Mulenga camp should go slow on shs1.8b entrepreneurship camp
KAMPALA: The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League elections have been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding claims made by the Ceasor Mulenga camp. According to sources, Mulenga's team has been spreading false information about injecting shs1.8b into the Entrepreneurs League SACCO. The Truth Behind the Claims A thorough investigation has revealed that these claims are entirely baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that Mulenga or his team has deposited any funds, let alone shs1.8 billion, into the SACCO. This lack of financial commitment raises serious questions about the credibility of Mulenga's campaign promises as he vies for the position of Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League. Furthermore, when the Buganda and Kampala NRM SACCOs requested that Mulenga deposits funds into their accounts, he avoided doing so. According to Al Hajj Karim Karamagi, the contestant for CEC's Vice Chairman […]
Related
London: A Black Pride Haven
BY JAMES KABENGWA. LONDON. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was Sunday filled with the vibrant energy of UK Black Pride- celebrating its 20th anniversary. It brought together LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent joined by their other global enthusiasts and members. Among the thousands of attendees were many Ugandans who have found refuge and peace in the UK. For these individuals, the event was more than a celebration. It was a powerful act of defiance. It stood in stark contrast to the realities of their home country, Uganda, where a draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed in 2023. This law includes severe penalties, with "aggravated homosexuality" punishable by death and other consensual same-sex acts by life imprisonment. The legislation criminalizes virtually every aspect of LGBTQ+ life, including advocacy and support for the community. Uganda is one […]
Uganda and Nigeria Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Boost Trade
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, has met with the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, to discuss a joint effort to combat fraud. The collaboration is aimed at creating a safer investment environment and boosting bilateral trade between the two nations, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Three Charged in Cattle Compensation Scandal
KAMPALA. Three suspects, including a politician and a UPDF soldier, have been charged with the theft of over UGX 1.5 billion from a government cattle compensation program in Uganda's Otuke District. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) announced the arraignment of the trio before the Otuke Magistrate’s Court following a joint investigation with the CID and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The accused are identified as Akasa Jimmy Mokili, a politician; Okengo Jaspher, an LCIII Chairperson; and Sgt. Amoni Benz of the UPDF. According to reports from the Daily Secrets, this is part of a larger criminal scheme targeting vulnerable, often elderly, beneficiaries who lost livestock during the LRA insurgency and Karamoja cattle raids. The conspirators allegedly manipulated the bank account registration process, gaining access to victims' funds and either stealing the money outright or giving […]
Uganda Election Turmoil Looms: Warnings Abound
By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON - As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, concerns over the integrity of the electoral process are intensifying following widespread malpractice during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries last month. The primaries, held to select party flagbearers for parliamentary and local government positions, were marred by irregularities triggering a wave of concern across the political and civic landscape. Critics, civil society organizations, opposition politicians and observers fear that the widespread irregularities are a warning sign of deeper systemic electoral failures that undermine the credibility of next year's national polls likely to plunge the country into political turmoil. Multiple reports from civil society organizations, independent monitors, and local media have documented instances of ballot stuffing, partisan behavior by state institutions, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence during the NRM primaries. In numerous districts, party officials […]
Vitol, UNOC now accused of failure to protect petroleum products from adulteration, siphoning
In the wake of accusations of supply of adulterated petroleum products, now Uganda National Oil Company and VITOL Energy Limited are being accused of failure to protect fuel trucks from siphoning. Recent videos and images circulating on various social media platforms show individuals siphoning fuel from moving trucks within the city, an act which analysts say could spark deadly disasters. This newspaper understands that Uganda has in the past witnessed deadly accidents where people who tried to siphon fuel were killed when the fuel caught fire. Hotspots for fuel siphoning include Busia, Jinja, and Banda as well as Northern Bypass and Namuwongo area. Kampala police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told this newspaper they were investigating cases of fuel siphoning in the said areas. He warned those involved of severe punishment once arrested. VITOL-UNOC deal Vitol Energy partnered with the Uganda National […]
Why King Caesar Mulenga camp should go slow on shs1.8b entrepreneurship camp
KAMPALA: The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League elections have been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding claims made by the Ceasor Mulenga camp. According to sources, Mulenga's team has been spreading false information about injecting shs1.8b into the Entrepreneurs League SACCO. The Truth Behind the Claims A thorough investigation has revealed that these claims are entirely baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that Mulenga or his team has deposited any funds, let alone shs1.8 billion, into the SACCO. This lack of financial commitment raises serious questions about the credibility of Mulenga's campaign promises as he vies for the position of Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League. Furthermore, when the Buganda and Kampala NRM SACCOs requested that Mulenga deposits funds into their accounts, he avoided doing so. According to Al Hajj Karim Karamagi, the contestant for CEC's Vice Chairman […]
Be the first to leave a comment