The NHCC officially handing over its former Head Office at Plot 1-3/5, seventh street, industrial area Kampala to EC.
The Electoral Commission Thursday officially opened its new temporary Head Offices located at Plot No. 1-3/5 Seventh Street Industrial Area, Kampala to the public.
Addressing the press, EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama said in 2022, the Government of Uganda tasked National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) to provide the Electoral Commission with temporary office premises and undertake the necessary processes to design, construct, install, furnish, and complete a customized permanent home for the Electoral Commission.
Accordingly, on 16th December 2022, the Commission embarked on the process of relocating old offices, personnel and equipment from Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala, to the new temporary office premises, which was formerly the headquarters of National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Ltd.
“The relocation phase was completed and the former premises on Plot 55, Jinja Road, were officially handed over to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) on 14th March 2023, to pave the way for the road infrastructure developments and any other activities that the new landlord UNRA, may wish to carry out,” Byabakama said in his address.
He added that while this new (temporary) home offers an improved office layout and working environment, it still falls short of meeting the Commission’s space requirements.
“Our staff capacity at Head Office is three hundred and ten persons (310), excluding security personnel. However, this facility can only accommodate half the number,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said that the relocation from the former premises on Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala to “this new temporary location marks significant progress in the continuing journey of the Commission to own its own permanent and custom-built home.”
“Consequently, in collaboration with the National Housing and Construction Company and other relevant Government agencies, we are progressing with the development of designs for the permanent home for the institution. Address by the Chairperson Electoral Commission at the Official Opening Ceremony of the new Electoral Commission Head Office Premises.”
Justice Byabakama called for support as the state-of-the-art home will give the Commission suitable office and storage facilities, a conducive working environment and an enhanced professional image.
The said custom-built home, he added, will also go a long way in improving service delivery by ensuring that all necessary facilities and services are located in one centre.
“The owned home will also help the Commission save on the money spent on renting facilities like warehouses and other related amenities. As we work towards this goal, the Commission will utilise this office premises to deliver our services in accordance with our constitutional mandate,” he said.
He added: “Therefore, to my colleagues and all staff of the Electoral Commission staff, I wish you all an improved, collaborative, efficient, and pleasant working environment, where you will innovate, grow and excel in your service to our country. And to our esteemed stakeholders, we promise you exceptional service delivery, welcoming and wonderful client experience at this new office premises. To National Housing and Construction Company Ltd., our new landlords, we thank you for your partnership in this continuing journey. We commit to meet the terms of our engagement and look forward to the expeditious execution of the plan to build a customized permanent home for the Electoral Commission.”
