Kololo Independence Ground set for Golden Jubilee fete

Oct 05, 2012

Construction work at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala is nearing completion, ahead of the country’s independence jubilee celebrations on October 9.

By Taddeo Bwambale

Construction work at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala is nearing completion, ahead of the country’s independence jubilee celebrations on October 9.

A large pavilion with capacity to seat 5,500 guests is complete. The parade ground with concrete pavers and measuring about 20,000 square meters has been fixed.

More than 10,000 people from all over the world are expected to grace the event.

The tarmac roads leading in and out of the grounds have been completed and marked, while the lighting system is being installed.

Construction work which started in May involved expansion of the grounds significantly changing the appearance of the area.

The work on two monuments, one to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and the other to commemorate independence, has also been finalised.

“We have been working day and night for the last four months and all is ready for the celebrations. We are only making final touches,” said Lt. Col. Bekunda Besigye, the deputy commander of the Engineering Brigade of the UPDF, which handled the work.

Bekunda said the renovation of the grounds would continue up to the end of November. The face-lift of the ground is expected to cost at least sh14b.

Bekunda said the renovation of the Kololo grounds was the first major project outside the army, undertaken by their brigade. He also revealed that there were plans to set up a fully-fledged commercial unit.

He disclosed that the force has about 1,800 engineers, while many others have been sent abroad for further training in various construction fields.

The information minister, Mary Karooro Okurut, said she was satisfied with the progress. She said billboards of all Uganda’s past presidents, vice-presidents and the first woman Parliamentary speaker, Rebecca Kadaga.

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