Gov’t, City Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia Build UGX 147 Billion Convention Centre At Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo
The government of Uganda and businessman Sudhir Ruparelia have joined forces to build a modern Convention Centre at Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo to host the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit.
The Ministry of Finance has finalised the budget and presented a supplementary request to the Parliament of UGX. 86.4 billion to co-invest in the project.
Accordingly, the modern ultra Convention Centre will later, also host the South Summit of the G77 and China.
MPs on the Budget Committee appreciated the foresight of the project and have indicated the request will be approved.
The architectural designs and bill of quantities for engineering works are still under preparation at the moment. However, they estimated the construction cost to be about $40m (Shs 147b).
Mr. Sudhir provided the land and technical supervision of the project, with Finance Minister Matia Kasaija saying the government lacked enough money to build its own convention centre on its land.
“It is an urgent project, and a lot of money is needed which will be difficult for the government [to muster at short notice]. [The] government does not have all the money. There are many things we have to do; so, if we find a partner, it is easier,” the Minister said earlier,
“We are undertaking the project in partnership with Sudhir. [The government puts in] and Sudhir puts in money. The architects are still calculating, and then we will know how much the government and Sudhir are going to pay. If we go together in business when it starts to make money, we share the profits.” he added.
