The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is seeking Parliament’s approval of a supplementary budget of Shs1.3 billion to enhance the security of the Uganda Embassy in Mogadishu and the maintenance of the Uganda House in New York.
While presenting the supplementary budget to the Budget Committee, the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Norah Nyendwoha Nyendwoha tabled a request of Shs660 million as part payment for the repair of air circulation at the permanent home of the Uganda House in New York.
She said that the air circulation system was last repaired in 1975 and that it has had constant breakdowns.
“The Embassy had initially requested Shs1 billion but settled for a part payment schedule as agreed with both the contractor and Ministry of Finance,” said Nyendwoha.
Also, she said that Uganda’s Embassy in Mogadishu was experiencing constant attacks by the Al-Shabaab causing damage to the mission property hence the need for enhanced security.
“As a committee, we were informed of random attacks by Al-Shabaab using improvised devices, vehicle-borne improvised devices and shelling with mortar projectiles,” said Nyendwoha.
She said her committee had scrutinized the report and recommended approval of Shs731 million to assist the embassy to boost its security and repair its premises.
This amount will additionally bridge salary shortfalls accruing from the new government policy to enhance salaries for scientists.
Nyendwoha said the term of UPDF in Mogadishu is expiring soon and the supplementary request is meant to ensure continuity in the operations of the embassy.