Uganda has expressed shock and dismay following the attack on Uganda House in Nairobi during Tuesday’s riots. The government condemned the protestors’ actions, highlighting the abandonment of peaceful demonstration principles in favor of property destruction.
Uganda House, a six-floor building undergoing renovations, was slated for reopening on Friday, June 28, 2024. Only the ground floor, occupied by commercial tenants, was in use, while the upper floors, including the previously consular-occupied third floor, were vacated for renovations.
Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, confirmed the building’s status in a statement on Wednesday.
The protests in Nairobi were in response to a controversial finance bill, with at least 13 people shot dead according to the Kenya Medical Association.
Demonstrators stormed Kenya’s Parliament, causing extensive property damage. The bill is widely criticized for increasing the tax burden and worsening living standards.
President William Ruto of Kenya has vowed to counter any attempts to destabilize the country, labeling the protestors as dangerous criminals.
In response to the attack, Uganda reiterated its shock at the violence and property destruction. Eyewitnesses reported Ugandan officials struggling to secure a fire truck to extinguish the blaze at Uganda House, citing a severe shortage of water bowsers in Nairobi.
Despite the damage, Bagiire commended the Nairobi Fire Department for their efforts in containing the fire. He also emphasized that no fatalities or serious injuries were reported and that no Diplomatic or Consular staff were present in the building during the incident.
Uganda stressed the importance of maintaining strong relations with Kenya, condemning the violence while supporting the right to peaceful demonstrations. Bagiire called for calm and discouraged speculation, urging for thorough investigations into the matter.
In an effort to address the unrest, President Ruto announced amendments to the Finance Bill, removing proposed taxes on bread, sugar transportation, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and motor vehicles.
He also eliminated increases in mobile money transfer fees and excise duty on vegetable oil. Additionally, levies on the Housing Fund and Social Health Insurance will not be subject to income tax.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga have called on Ruto to heed the public’s concerns and suspend the bill to allow for dialogue and resolution.
