The Ugandan administration, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has condemned the destruction of Uganda House located in Nairobi CBD that was set ablaze by protestors on Tuesday, June 25 during anti finance bill 2024 demonstrations.
In a statement dated June 26, the Ugandan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Vincent Waiswa said that the building was undergoing renovations and was only occupied by commercial tenants on the ground floor.
Additionally, the statement noted that the commercial 6-floor building was newly refurbished, and was slated for reopening on Friday, June 28, 2024.
“In the wake of protests in Kenya, on June 25th, 2024, the protestors abandoned the principle of peaceful demonstrations and took the path of destruction of properties
“Wherein the newly refurbished Uganda House – a Commercial Building located on Kenyatta Avenue in the Nairobi Central Business District was vandalized and set ablaze,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Parliament Approves Deployment of KDF Amid Anti-Finance Bill Protests
Museveni and Govt Speaks of Relationship with Kenya
According to the PS, the building was only occupied by commercial tenants on the ground floor.
On the other hand, the other floors, including, the Third Floor which previously housed the Consular Office, had been vacated to allow for renovations.
In addition, the statement noted that no serious injuries were reported, and that none of the Diplomatic or Consular staff were in the building at the time the fire broke out.
“Whereas we regret the said incident that led to the destruction of the property, we commend the Nairobi Fire Department for putting out the fire.
“While there is extensive damage to the property, we are grateful that there are no reported fatalities or serious injuries that have been identified so far. It is also important to note that none of the Diplomatic or Consular staff were in the building at the time the fire broke out,” added the statement.
However, he has indicated that despite the incident, Uganda’s relations with Kenya remained solid.
Also Read: Finance Bill Protests: UN, African Union Issue Statements as Pressure Piles on Ruto
Condemning the Violence During Finance Bill Protest
Further, the Ugandan government condemned the violence witnessed during the protests which led to the destruction of property and loss of lives.
“We support peaceful demonstrations as a democratic right, but we condemn in the strongest terms, violence that leads to destruction of property and loss of lives,” it indicated.
Additionally, the government led by Yoweri Museveni appreciated the Nairobi Fire Department for its quick response.
“Whereas we regret the said incident that led to the destruction of the property, we commend the Nairobi Fire Department for putting out the fire.
“While there is extensive damage to the property, we are grateful that there are no reported fatalities or serious injuries that have been identified so far. It is also important to note that none of the Diplomatic or Consular staff were in the building at the time the fire broke out,” PS Vincent Waiswa said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
