The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Ministry of Education and Sports Headquarters in Kyambogo was a historic event marked by gratitude, hope, and unity. Distinguished guests, including the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, and the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. JC Muyingo, shared their perspectives, reflecting on the path that led to this remarkable occasion.
Hon. Janet K. Museveni: A Dream Realised:
In her eloquent speech, Hon. Janet K. Museveni exuded joy and faith as she witnessed the groundbreaking of the Ministry’s new headquarters. She acknowledged the years of prayer and planning that brought them to this moment, emphasising the faithfulness of God. For too long, various departments and units of the Ministry had been scattered across different locations in Kampala, incurring high rent costs and compromising efficiency.
The construction of a unified Ministry headquarters in Kyambogo would not only save resources but also enhance collaboration and productivity. Hon. Museveni touched upon the initial attempt in 2010 to design a Ministry Headquarters in partnership with the National Council for Higher Education, which faced financing challenges. However, she expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing development in Kyambogo, which is becoming a hub for key education entities.
Citing Proverbs 24:3-4, she underlined the importance of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in building a house, metaphorically linking it to the construction. Hon. Janet Museveni encouraged unity among the Ministry’s staff, emphasising the value of relationships and teamwork. Her message resonated with Psalms 133, highlighting the significance of unity and the blessings it brings. She concluded by commending the Islamic Development Bank for their support and partnership with Uganda in equipping technical institutions and making the construction of the new office building possible.
Hon. JC Muyingo: A Testament to Patience and Persistence:
Hon. JC Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, began his speech by expressing his pleasure in celebrating the groundbreaking of the new Ministry Headquarters. He acknowledged the collective effort of the Education Sector and those who worked tirelessly over the years to make this dream a reality. He delved into the history of negotiations with the Islamic Development Bank, emphasising the importance of patience, even during challenging times. His narrative highlighted the twists and turns of the project’s financing terms, from an initial high component of non-concessional financing to more favorable conditions, including the reduced loan total and project scope that excluded the Ministry Headquarters Building. Hon. Muyingo praised the wisdom of Hon. Janet K. Museveni, who reintroduced the Ministry Headquarters building into the project scope, leading to renewed negotiations with the Islamic Development Bank. He thanked her for her leadership and efforts.
The State Minister recounted his assignment in early 2019, leading the Education Sector Delegation to present the revised project proposal for Parliamentary scrutiny and approval. Despite challenges and uncertainties, the borrowing was eventually approved in August 2019, and the project moved forward. He expressed gratitude to Hon. Janet K. Museveni and the Islamic Development Bank for their invaluable support and partnership.
Ms. Ketty Lamaro: A Journey to Milestones:
Ms. Ketty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, welcomed the guests to the Official Ground-Breaking Ceremony. She described the project as a long-cherished dream that is finally coming true. She outlined the steps taken to secure funding from the Islamic Development Bank and praised the firm contracted for their architectural and engineering designs. The design includes two interconnected office towers, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and more, reflecting a vision of a modern and efficient headquarters. Ms. Lamaro acknowledged the competitive process that led to the selection of the contractor and pledged to ensure that the work is completed with quality and within the contract’s scope. She emphasised the need for accountability to Ugandan taxpayers and pledged to secure timely allocations and payments for the Government’s share of the contract payments.
Ms Lamaro concluded by commending Hon. Janet K. Museveni for her dedication and the Islamic Development Bank for their support in various educational initiatives, including this project. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Kyambogo marks a significant step forward in providing the Ministry with a unified and efficient workspace. It also underlines the importance of perseverance, wisdom, unity, and partnerships in achieving such milestones. The construction of this headquarters signifies a bright future for the Ministry and its ongoing commitment to education and sports in Uganda.
Joshua Mushwa Potere
Communications Officer, GCIC-State House
