Details on the construction of Speke Resort convention center at Munyonyo are today revealed for the first time.
The project is being undertaken by Uganda’s richest man Sudhir Ruparelia while partnering with government of Uganda.
This magnificent structure will host the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in January 2024.
88 Presidents/ heads of state with their delegation have so far confirmed the attendance.
The Non-Aligned Movement, founded in 1955 during the Asian-Africa meeting in Bandung, Indonesia, and pursued decolonization brings together countries that are not aligned with any of the rival Eastern and Western power blocs.
Sudhir will inject $47 million (shs 172 billion) to oversee the completion of this one of a kind center housing 4000 people, with 12 breakout session rooms and fully fledged facilities like dinning halls, mini conference rooms where particular Presidents can hold small meetings on the margins of the main event.
Dr Sudhir was selected to take up the venture because of his financial muscle and experience in leisure industry and having vast expertise in construction.
Then government through Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) entered a joint venture with the businessman on a 50/50% shareholding basis.
Each party contributed $10 million as equity. Government lent the consortium $27 million.
Construction of the world-class building already kickstarted at a terrific speed as engineers prioritise quality of the materials used.
Once it’s completed, the center will also play a mega role in promotion of the conference tourism.
In part of beautification of the convention center, creating fresh landscape to enable a soothing environment for the delegates, Sudhir relocated his 20-year-old palm trees from the resort to the center.
Whereas many my raise concerns that the construction is behind time, Sudhir has a track record of hitting deadlines at the same time delivering world-class facilities in the form of Public Private Partnership projects.
This was witnessed in 2007 when Uganda hosted Chogm.
The billionaire delivered world class facilities at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo which accommodated high profile dignitaries including the Late Queen of England.