Gov't to withdraw vehicles from Ministers

In anticipation of the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits scheduled for next month, the Ugandan government has announced plans to withdraw official vehicles, including those assigned to ministers and permanent secretaries, starting next week.

The announcement came from Mr. Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who revealed that the move is aimed at mobilizing at least 1,200 vehicles for the transportation of delegates during the two high-profile international summits.

Speaking at an event where the government of China handed over 70 sports utility vehicles to Uganda for use during the upcoming summits, Mr. Bagiire emphasized that the targeted vehicles include those assigned to ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, and other entitled officers.

"All official cars will be withdrawn effective Monday, December 18," stated Mr. Bagiire. However, he did not elaborate on the alternative arrangements for ministers and officials to carry out their official duties once the vehicles are withdrawn.

Uganda is set to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit from January 15 to 20, followed by the G77+ China summit from January 21 to 23 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, just outside the capital, Kampala. The NAM summit is expected to attract delegates from 120 countries, while the G77+ China summit will have representatives from 134 countries.

In addition to the 70 vehicles donated by China, Mr. Bagiire disclosed that the government has purchased an additional 30 vehicles of the same type, set to arrive in the country before the end of the month. These vehicles, along with others from various ministries and departments, will be recalled and utilized for the duration of the summits.

Mr. Bagiire assured that the vehicles would be parked at Kololo Independence Grounds for inspection and maintenance and will be returned to the entitled officers after the conclusion of the summits. The State minister for Works, Mr. Musa Ecweru, commended China for its generous contribution and thanked the Chinese government for its respectful engagement with Ugandan culture, subtly alluding to the perceived pressure from the US government regarding Uganda's anti-homosexuality law.