Let's Meet in Kampala 2007

This special Reed Business Information (RBI) brochure showcases all the Most Important Information you will need during your stay in Kampala. There are points of interest to enjoy and a panoramic survey of why Kampala City was the Perfect Choice to host the 2007 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting)…


Welcome to Kampala City…Reed Business Information (Uganda) Limited, publisher of Kargo Magazine, is extremely delighted to present to you this fantastic and thoroughly researched brochure. RBI is dedicated to presenting the Ugandan Capital as an exciting destination for organizing all types of meetings, conferences, expos and events. Also, Uganda is a liberal country for foreign investment and one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.
This November, Kampala is the venue for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Strategically located in the centre of the ‘Pearl of Africa’, the city is efficiently connected by road to neighbouring towns and major cities in the country. Also available is a railway network extending towards Tororo in the East, Kasese in the West, Gulu in the North (in future it will reach Juba in Southern Sudan), and connects the city to Mombasa Port on Kenya’s Eastern Coast. Kampala also has an airfield service for light aircraft in Kajjansi (The country’s international airport is in Entebbe); plus water transport on Lake Victoria, the World’s Second Largest Inland Lake though Africa’s Biggest. ‘Let’s Meet in Kampala 2007’ will be your best guide as you reside in the capital. Named the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Uganda is a beauty to behold and Kampala is the most exceptional of its major towns. Because of its culturally diverse populace and easygoing society, Uganda has built a firm reputation as ‘Africa’s Friendliest Country’.
The last time the city held a very big international meeting was the OAU [Organisation of Africa] Conference (during Amin’s Regime), and 1987 PTA [Preferential Trade Area] meeting for Eastern and Southern African States (currently called COMESA [Common Market for East and Southern Africa]) but this year’s Chogm Event should be a much bigger one. Preparations have been enormous and the city is ready to host a successful meeting.
Please use this colourful brochure to find enjoyment during your stay in Kampala. There are enough reception and accommodation facilities for everyone. So, welcome to our beautiful capital; feel at home in the land Gifted by Nature.


Profiling Uganda, the Pearl of Africa
Located in East Africa, the geographic coordinates for Uganda are 1 00 N, 32 00 E. It’s landlocked, fertile, plus well watered with many lakes (notable among them being Lake Victoria, the Largest in Africa and the World’s Second Largest Inland Lake) and rivers including the World’s Longest (River Nile) whose source is in Jinja, 80 km from Kampala. Uganda’s total area is 236,040 sq km, 199,710 on land and 36,330 on water. Major towns besides the Capital Kampala, include Arua, Gulu, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Mbale, Lira, and Soroti.
Population is 27,356,900 and age structure is 49.4 % below 14 years, 46.0 % from 15 to 64, and 4.6% above 60 years (2006 estimates). Growth rate is 3.31%. According to 2005 estimates, the birth rate is 47.39 births per 1000 in the population; death rate is 12.8 per 1000. Life expectancy is 51.59 years. Total fertility rate is 6.74 children born per woman.
The Climate is tropical, generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August) but semiarid in the Northeast because of a Desert in the Karamoja Region. The Lowest Point is Lake Albert (621 m) whereas the Highest is the Margherita Peak on top of Mountain Rwenzori, both found in the Western Rift Valley on the eastern borderline of Uganda. Major natural resources include copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, oil, gold, arable land and timber. Neighbouring countries include Democratic Republic of Congo (West), Rwanda (Southwest), Tanzania (South), Kenya (East), and Sudan (North).
In 2001, the land use was 25.88% arable, 10.65% permanent crops and 63.47% for other uses. The HIV/AIDS rate among adults was 6.4% according to a 2005 esimate. Religions include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, Muslim, Seventh Day Adventist, Orthodox, Other Christian, Traditional and Bahai. English is the official language taught in schools, used in courts of law, newspapers and radio broadcasts. Swahili is also official though Luganda is more widely used among all the local languages. Ethnic groups include Acholi, Alur, Baganda, Bagisu, Bagwere, Bakiga, Bakonjo, Banyankole, Banyoro, Basoga, Batoro, Itesot, Jopodhola, Karamojong, Langi, Lugbara, Others and Non-African (European, Asian, Arab)
The Literacy, defined as the ability of the population above 15 years to read and write, was 69.9% in 2003. Electricity is between 220 and 240 volts.
(Paraphrased from) www.chogm2007.ug


‘Transforming Commonwealth Societies to Achieve Political Economic, and Human Development’ While launching the website for CHOGM (www.chogm2007.ug) at Serena Kampala Hotel in March 2007, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda amused the audience by saying that he once directed Eriya Kategaya (then Internal Minister) to stop a riot by Muslims protesting the eating of pork by their neighbours in Kawempe, a Kampala suburb.
“Imagine someone has eaten pork and swallowed it himself and you riot,” Museveni wondered. “I don’t eat fish but I am the biggest promoter of fish export. Likewise, I don’t smoke but I promote the growing of tobacco.” Museveni said that Uganda chose ‘Transforming Commonwealth Societies to Achieve Political Economic, and Human Development’ as the theme for CHOGM 2007 because the world’s problem is differences between countries that have gone through social transformation.
He also unveiled the logo, a crested crane with a symbol of the globe (actually the exact design in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s logo but blue in colour instead of gold) placed on its back. Meanwhile, its crown and tail appear in the colours of Uganda’s national flag.


The Commonwealth People’s Forum
CPF is one of the planned meetings and events to take place before Chogm. Being a major summit before the Commonwealth Heads of Government congregate for theirs, it will bring together over 600 delegates and a cross cultural mix of artists representing all the 53 Commonwealth countries and beyond. This is the people’s face of Chogm. It is hoped that this Ugandan innovation will set a certain pace of combining serious deliberations which can influence political outcomes. “At the end of this meeting, we shall come out with a statement, which will be included into the official communiqué of Chogm.” Mr. Warren Nyamugasira, the Chairperson of the 2007 Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) Steering Committee. He is also a member of the Commonwealth Foundation Civil Society Advisory Committee. An estimated 4,000 local/regional participants are expected to take part in the presence of over 500 international and local media.
CPF will not be talking about the theories of how to transform people, like the Government Meeting will, because those are already known. Instead, it will look at things that work in other places, what has not been effective and why? Its theme “Realising People’s Potential” was derived from the Chogm theme. It’s about people looking at their potential and transforming themselves. This will make them feel that they got involved in Chogm. CPF is a decentralized platform for the civil society entirely. There will be an evening called ‘Bring the Noise’ and it might take place in a big venue such as Lugogo Indoor Stadium, for all the youth who can attend. There will also be workshops and symposiums. One was done on climate change and the idea is to go deeper, polish the ideas so that by Chogm, there will be well sifted concepts instead of fresh ideas that arose out of Chogm. There will also be another on Science and Technology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in September to see the role of Science in transforming lives. The other on Human Rights, Peace, Conflict and Security will be in Gulu. The paramount issue nonetheless is to break the poverty cycle. The entire forum might cost UgX 2 Billion, let alone UgX 500 Million for space. Half of the funds, nevertheless, will be from the Commonwealth Foundation while the rest will be from local as well as international fundraising.


Entertainment in Kampala
The Commonwealth’s Friendliest Capital…One philosophic American once remarked that television is more interesting than people. Ironically, his reason was probably because it is mainly about people, not about television. Forgive me if I sound sarcastic. Of course, Ugandan nationals are gifted by nature and regarded worldwide as entertaining, friendly and hospitable people but free TV broadcasts in Kampala are by Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (Former UTV, the national broadcaster), WBS TV (Wavah Broadcasting Service), EATV (East Africa TV), Pulse, Top TV, Record TV, ITV (from Tanzania), and Nation TV (from Kenya, owned by the Aga Khan). Satellite Television or Pay per View (mainly DStv from Multichoice) interests a large audience because only DStv's Supersport bought the broadcast rights for English Premiership Football that graces most people’s midweek and weekends in Kampala . Other attractions on pay TV are the movies, soaps, reality shows and of course the addictive series such as 24, Desperate Housewives and Prison Break which have gripped the Chogm City like a 19th century plague. Kampala and its neighbouring regions also have over 50 radio stations. A few radio stations have creatively programmed themselves to give Luganda commentary on live English League matches, for those who cannot afford to watch, besides broadcasting news and the usual 'kabozi'(interesting conversations about issues,lifestyles and people). So are the people of Kampala less interesting than radio or television? Not really! Actually in 2005, Ugandans were recorded as the biggest consumers of alcoholic beverages. Doesn't that suggest something?
Partyzones, nightspots and happening places in the city include the jamming Club Silk, wickedly addictive Ange Noir Discotheque, Gaba Beach, lady-pleasing Lido Beach, stimulating Sabrina's Pub, spicy Nicodemus Pork Joint in Nakulabye, the serene Kiwatule Recreational Centre (owned by a former local government minister Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, father to Uganda’s most popular reggae heartthrob Bebe Cool), Jokers, Uhuru, to mention a few…At the start of the year, there is a goat race at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a middle class indulgence...Crowd pulling motor rallies, from one town to another or at the Lubiri Circuit, are usually organized to celebrate great seasons and public holidays like Easter and Independence Day among others. Uganda’s Football Super League is also a major attraction after a dip in interest at the start of the millennium. With teams like URA, Express, KCC and others challenging record champions S.C. Villa, there appears to be something to compete for and make adrenaline run every weekend at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Nakivubo, Wankulukuku, Villa Park and other venues countrywide. FUFA administration also changed which could have been an influencing factor.
Sportswise, Dorcus Inzikuru, also known as the Arua Gazelle, who at the 2005 IAAF World Athletics Championship Women's Steeplechase Final (in Helsinki,Finland) won Uganda's first gold medal since John Akii Bua (1972 Munich Olympics), added a midas touch to athletics in the country by inspiring other undiscovered prospects. Every year, MTN telecommunication company organises a marathon in Kampala and just about every soul gets involved. Here, unknowns get a once in a year opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite celebrities, past Ugandan ministers and sports greats from across the region. There are always pleasant surprises because the race is open to interested amatuers and professionals alike. The Football Cranes and Rugby Team have also improved immensely and boast of world class players, some foreign based.People enthusiastically turn up in large numbers to support them during high rate games. Uganda is also proud of her cricket team whose main ground is at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, opposite Game Lugogo Shopping Mall
Visit the magnificent new Ntinda Shopping Centre, with an underground night club and the fantastic ‘Quality Supermarket’ on the right side of the building. Ntinda is one of the Liveliest and Most Uptown Suburbs in the city. Shoppers can also enjoy the high class and modern ambience at Garden City near the Golf Course, Shoprite near Clock Tower on the end of Jinja Road and Game Lugogo Shopping Mall opposite Lugogo Rugby Club. Other Shopping Centres in the city include Star, Payless, Millenium, Kenjoy, Capital Shoppers, to mention a few Supermarkets; and at Plazas such as Mutaasa Kafeero, Complex near the Old Taxi Park, Maria's Galleria, Kirumira Towers, Gadith House, plus the Mukwano Shopping Arcades...Markets include Nakasero, Owino (locally named St. Balikuddembe) with great bargains, Kikuubo, and Kisekka among others.
Basketball is heading upwards. Uganda boasts of legends such as Philip Omonyi (Like Kobe), Wilbrod Oketcho (Our own heated Shaq Attack), and Norman Blick (the modern day Larry Bird). You never compare anyone to 'His Airness' Michael Jordan but catch the ‘airnesses’ of the FUBA (Federation of Uganda Basketball Association) League at YMCA Courts in Wandegeya (in the photo above, also has tennis courts), TLC on George Street, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda Christian University (Mukono, a few kilometers outside Kampala), and Kampala International University, to mention a few venues.
Kart racing is also another attraction at the race track outside Namboole National Stadium in Kireka. Besides, you can watch the Blick Family and other contenders burn up the Motor bike track at Garuga Motor Cross Track. Amazingly, a brave three year old motorcycle genius called Alestair Blick, the youngest on the track, tries to emulate his father, Arthur Blick, the Motorcross National Team Captain.

If you are looking for Hospitality and Accommodation, there are several hotels in the Kampala Region. You will also find lodges, restaurants, joints and pubs on every street corner where the World’s Biggest Consumers of Alcohol (2005 statistics about Ugandans) enjoy their liquor, from local brews to the most sophisticated exotic vodkas. Mamba Point Pizzeria in Nakasero offers Italian Cuisines, Kyoto Japanese Restaurant also in Nakasero is oriental and so is Golden Fish Chinese Restaurant on Jinja Road, among several other places. You need not feel out of place if you do not enjoy Ugandan food...
Album launches by talented local artistes in the ever growing music industry also grace weekends and public holidays in the city. From beach parties to full house hotel attendances, these artistes have taken the city by storm with their launches. Nowadays, you can actually spend a whole day listening to Ugandan music by foreign based Ugandans such as Maddox or big names at home such as Bebe Cool, Chameleone, Bobi Wine, Iryn, Peter Miles, Ragga Dee, Juliana, rap sensation Klear Kut (a group of 5 talented rappers), Maurice Kirya, Lyrical G., Blu*3 (Uganda's own Destiny's Child)and the Obsessions. Bataka Underground also brings a localised hiphop vibe to the city. The strategic squad loves to call their style 'Lugaflow'. Besides Baganda, other Ugandan tribes have also come out strong with chart topping hits on the national scene. The artistes include Loketo Lee, Rachel Magola, DJ Languna, and the Nubian Squad among others. Lady Mariam rocked romanticists in 2006 with her jam "Tindatine". Although many did not understand the language she used, they still regarded her song as a masterpiece and she won a PAM Award (Uganda's equivalent of the Grammys) for it. Mainstream gospel is also reaching corners where it used to be dead due to lack of airplay.
Once East Africans are through with harmonising their customs systems, a political alliance will definitely fast track the revival of the East African Community. However if you observe particularly the telecommunications and music industry, you will realise that some people are already living the dream thanks to artists like the East African Bashment Crew(Bebe Cool from Uganda,Nazizi from Tanzania,and Wyre from Kenya); Gidi Gidi Maji Maji (a Luo duo); Ogopa deejays in Kenya and the Bongo Fraternity from Tanzania who have popularised their culture in the city. 'Bongo' is actually a noble philosophy because it warns that a man without brains and creativity cannot survive in a competitive world. Similarly, an East African Union will create a powerhouse in the region because even Rwanda and Burundi have joined. In the near past, you had to play a tape or CD by Mariah, Celine, Whitney, Classical or Lingala musicians, hiphop heartthrobs Eminem, 2Pac, or Biggie to remind you that music is truly the source of life. Today, Utake (East African music) can do the job in Kampala...
Art enthusiasts can visit eyecatching galleries such as Design Agenda at the IPS Building on Parliament Avenue; Afriart Gallery at the UMA Grounds in Lugogo; Nommo Gallery in Nakasero, adjacent to the Ugandan President’s State House (Prominent exhibiters include the NRA historical Elly Tumwine); the Margeret Trowell School of Industrial Art and Design (Makerere University's Faculty of Art) plus many others…
The Last King of Scotland
Charming, magnetic, murderous, and released on 21st January 2007, this thrilling Oscar-winning History drama is based on the events of Idi Amin Dada’s regime as seen by the brutal Ugandan dictator’s personal physician, Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, during the 1970s…Rated R for some strong violence and gruesome images, sexual content and language, it premiered for general release in Kampala on Friday 23rd February at Cineplex Cinema Garden City, the biggest movie complex in Uganda. Forest Whitaker (who played Amin’s role) was present at the Ugandan premiere, two days before the Academy Awards which he also attended, and got christened ‘Kitaaka’, a name in Luganda, the most prominent local language in Kampala. The Last King of Scotland is arguably the best if not the most recognized movie in which Kampala is immortalized. Of course, James Bond’s latest installment Casino Royale immortalizes Mbale, another town in Uganda but the scene is basically made elsewhere. Whitaker’s Oscar winner was modelled entirely on Kampala streets. Some of the goofs in the movie actually include street scenes with large glass fronted office buildings visible in the background. These were not there in the 1970s when the film was set. Forest even had to master Kiswahili, a local East African language that soldiers, like Amin, usually use.
This movie is one of the standouts for 2007. Much of what you see is true, and did occur in Uganda's history. Amin's doctor, played by James MacAvoy, is the main fiction in the movie, but one would think they are watching a historical event. MacAvoy's character is so real you might think he once existed. The doctor grows from a free thinking, adventure loving womanizer, to a scared, concerned, and enlightened person. The viewer watches through the doctor’s eyes, as he witnesses the horrors of Amin's presidency and regime.
Directed by Kevin Macdonald, Forest Whitaker is Amin in this feature. Whitaker is not the silent sometimes brooding character you remember in other films he has been in. His accent, his face, and his emotions seem no longer Whitaker's but Amin's. This movie will scare the viewer because of its realism, and how it builds up to a tension that is hard to endure. The visuals are not for the faint hearted. Go ahead and hide your eyes during the "tough" scenes. It is still worth seeing this movie for the fast paced story, realistic drama, fascinating tale, and unbelievable acting. By the end of the movie the audience is exhausted, but satisfied that they saw a worthy flick. Besides the BAFTA Award in Britain, Whitaker was also awarded a Best Actor Oscar in the States for this performance. If you enjoy this movie www.imdb.com also recommends Kill Bill: Volume 1, Munich, Marathon Man, Kuraingu furiman, and Beyond Re-Animator…
Talking about movies, Kampala is very famous for the ‘kibanda’ (wooden or brick walled video shack) where translated flicks are shown to viewers at an extremely cheap price, only 200 UgShs (less than 20 cents in the United States). The audio content from the original movie is actually interrupted with wittily comprehensive voice over narrations in Luganda, Kampala’s main local language. Nevertheless, the images are not tampered with. This is a cheaper and less tiresome alternative to writing captions in Luganda at the bottom of the screen. The translations may not be understood by foreigners or non-Luganda speakers but the motion can be grasped because talented narrators handle the verbal dramatization. Sometimes they can even make you laugh till you shade a tear. “Kati, tugenda mumaso” (Now, we are going forward), the translators usually chip in…Actually, The Last King of Scotland was translated before it even premiered in Uganda and Whitaker got a chance to meet Kampala’s translation king whose studio is in a Kampala suburb on the way to Entebbe.


The Best Kept Secret
Because of the movie shacks and translated films in Kampala, food service vendors also became deliciously creative. Since the turn of the millennium, an irresistible but simple chapatti roll (normally 500 UgX) has become popular among night hawks, overtaking gonja (roasted bananas) and the more expensive roasted chicken. It’s quite cheap, and you can even watch and wait as it is being prepared for you in a few minutes on a flat black stove-pan. Those who make them fry eggs, cabbages, tomatoes and sometimes meat or onions together depending on the customer’s preference and roll them in a chapatti. Consequently, the product has been named ‘Rollex’ and is a darling among campusers at Makerere University Kampala, the oldest in East Africa and biggest in Uganda. Actually the ‘Rollex Revolution’ was started by a restaurant owner in Nakulabye, a city suburb near the university. You can say this is ‘Kampala’s McDonalds Burger King franchise’ because so many young men set up umbrella shades to spin their trade.
Rollex is recommended for university bachelors, the working class and campus women who cannot cook after a strenuous day. It is prepared in over five different sizes, the biggest being ‘Double Titanic’ which includes 2 big chapattis, chaps and other extras of your choice.
Pork is another favourite delicacy among Kampalans though not only near cinemas. At spicy pork joints such as Nicodemus, you will find friends and relatives eating away their weekends laid infront of them on a tray called a 'seniya' in the local tongue. Along with the toxic meat comes avocado, irish potatoes, cassava, grainy pepper (kachumbali) or any other addition you order and booze of all sorts...another indulgence Ugandans are known for.

Outside every movie shack , it is very possible that you will never fail to find a restaurant, locally known as a ‘kafunda’ in Luganda. They rhyme together like the Queen and Buckingham Palace. Because of this proximity, movie goers usually order for a special and affordable mix of beans, and chapattis (besides rollex) as opposed to the expensive chips, chicken and liver. It is imagined that this is a perfect body building combination. The recipe has come to be called ‘kikomando’, after the former muscle flexing Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hit movie ‘Commando’. This was one of the movies that made ‘bibanda’ (also ‘kibandas’, plural for movie shack) popular in the 1990s.
"I remember when we used to sit, in the government yard in" Kampala...With a great future, you can forget the past. No Chogm, no cry...Welcome to the ‘Kikomando and Rollex City’!


WHY KAMPALA? “Behind every successful conference, there is a well prepared venue.” That’s not a quote borrowed from a relationship magazine but the essence of Kampala’s preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Event from 23rd to 25th November 2007. Ugandans have returned the favour for being chosen as the hosts by getting ready at a feverish pace. Land was sold, leased out or ‘given to investors’ for the construction of 5 Star hotels and major renovations were made in the city. Kampala is turning into a cleaner, more modern and prosperous city. Human resource was also improved besides infrastructure but why Kampala? Why not Mumbai or Cairo? How about Malta which hosted the Chogm Preparatory meetings in 2005? How about Soroti which is also in Uganda and has been voted East Africa’s Cleanest City for 5 consecutive years? Meanwhile Kampala has been trying to catch up ever since the voluntary Organisation ESCCOM was awarded a tender to clean up the city before Chogm. They are doing a great job to turn the once ‘Pile City of Africa’ into the ‘Pearl City’ in 'Africa's Friendliest Country', fit for a conference of this magnitude.
Kampala is the city where Uganda’s Most Famous and Feared President Idi Amin Dada made his name (1971-1979) immortalized in various movies including the Golden Globe, BAFTA and Oscar Award-winning movie entitled The Last King of Scotland.
With 27 guerillas, the current leader, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni also captured the city in January 1986 ushering in a new era of change and development for the war ravaged nation. His ‘vision’ for the country has been rewarded with a chance for the ‘Pearl of Africa’ to host a major international conference, a first in many years.
By 28th February 2007, it was announced that every structure meant for Chogm was in place…When it was first officially agreed that Uganda would be hosting the Chogm, a certain panic set in about whether the country had the requisite facilities to host such a high profile event. A reality check revealed that we simply did not have the minimum 4,000 hotel beds required for the event. To answer this, the government announced exciting tax incentives on building-related materials for people interested in investing within the hotel industry.
As a pilot project, the highway from Entebbe to Kampala has been brightened with solar and wind powered streetlights, installed by Winafrique Alternative Power (WAP) Limited. If the project succeeds, the rest of the city will be lighted the same way. The moment you land at Entebbe International Airport, with its breathtaking location at the forested shore of Lake Victoria, it is clear that Uganda is a perfect tourist destination. Entebbe itself has places to visit including the National Zoo. Then, only 40 km away, there is the restless modern capital of Kampala that reflects the ongoing economic growth and political stability enjoyed nationwide since 1986 despite a few insurgencies and the brutal LRA War in the North. Uganda is where the East African Savannah meets the West African Jungle.


Behold, KAMPALA SPECIALS
[DURING Chogm, we expect about 54 (or 57) heads of state, and several dignitaries together with their support staff. We will also have many local participants so the total could rise to over 4,000. What could be the special things Kampala has to offer these special guests?
"Forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation for the next 10 years indicate that although Africa has great potential for tourism, growth in other continents will outstrip[ that for Africa. Much of the current tourism in Africa is concentrated in Egypt, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. It is important to note that the governments of Kenya and Tanzania allocate substantially higher levels of resources for tourism promotion for example; Kenya has invested £ 30 million in branding the nation (as 'Magical Kenya')." - PRIVATE SECTOR PLATFORM FOR ACTION: A Synopsis of Private Sector Policy Concerns and Suggestions for Policy Reforms, May 2007, Page 44-5
During the month of April 2006, the value of the publicity generated for Uganda through McSullivan Marketing International, the PR Agency in the United States market for Tourism Uganda (the new brand identity for Uganda Tourist Board) topped US $ 452,761.

Both the opening ceremony and executive session of Chogm will be at Serena Conference Centre, and thereafter the heads of government will transfer to Speke Resort Munyonyo for the retreat.

There will also be a spouses programme coordinated by Ms. Clare de Lore, the wife of Dr. Don MacKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary General and Uganda’s First Lady, Mrs. Janet Museveni. The Queen meanwhile will hold a banquet in Entebbe on arrival...
Many hotels have been refurbished while others were constructed. Entebbe Municipal and Kampala City Council were tasked to work with the Government of Uganda to draw up plans to work on the various roads and other necessary infrastructure. Vehicles were also procured for the summit. Government’s total budget was around $50m without money from the Commonwealth Secretariat. The responsibility of hosting Chogm wholly lies with the host country.
Once Kampala showcases Uganda during Chogm, the Government will carry out a rigorous campaign to attract even more international conferences to Uganda. It’s not a guarantee that every Ugandan will earn a shilling form Chogm but the tangible benefits will be global. Chogm will boost Uganda’s economy by showcasing a country gifted by nature. Tourism will increase and job opportunities created for the industries of hospitality, agriculture, arts and crafts plus other sectors.
We “appeal to all Ugandans to support us and to exploit the opportunities arising from the summit. We also welcome ideas and want everybody to feel involved in the process.”

(Excerpts from Sheila Kulubya’s interview with Hilda Musubira, Executive Director of the Summit. Sunday Vision, May 14th, 2006)]



Speke Resort & Conference Centre offers you the ultimate in luxury accommodation and leisure facilities together with the finest conference and business meeting location in East Africa all situated in an idyllic setting at Munyonyo, on the shore of Lake Victoria.
You can enjoy the use of an Olympic size pool, gymnasium, equestrian centre, 5 star restaurant, and sports facilities. For those on business, there is a fully equipped business centre plus 10 flexible fully equipped and staffed conference and meeting rooms. Speke Resort & Conference Centre is the ideal location for weddings and banquets, either outside, in one of the marquees or in one of the banqueting halls.


(Courtesy of Aiko)
© Reed Business Information Limited 2007