UNICEF, WFP unveil eco-friendly joint office in Uganda

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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) have inaugurated an eco-friendly joint office complex in Uganda.

In a joint statement, the two UN agencies indicated that the state-of-the-art premises will enhance operational efficiency by reducing long-term costs while providing staff with a safe, healthy, and productive work environment.

The building on Mbuya Hill in Kampala city is was unveiled on September 30, 2024, at an event where state minister for regional affairs at the foreign ministry, John Mulimba, represented President Yoweri Museveni. 

Built on 2.6 acres, the new eco-friendly office space is designed with sustainability at its core. About 80 per cent of the building’s energy needs will be through solar power. The building also features water recycling, rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment initiatives, and energy-efficient designs to maximise natural light. 

“This collaboration is expected to further streamline joint programmes, including on social protection, school feeding, refugee assistance, and efforts to combat malnutrition, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region,” the statement added.

“The UN remains committed to delivering critical services to those most in need in Uganda,” UN Resident Co-ordinator in Uganda, Susan Ngongi Namondo said, adding: “This joint office is a testament to our commitment to collaboration, maximising resources, and delivering impactful services to the people of Uganda”.

(L-R) The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Munir Safieldin, World Food Programme Representative, Abdirahman Meygag and the UN Resident Coordinator, Susan Ngongi Namondo, commissioning the UNICEF and WFP new green office spaces held on September 30, in Mbuya. (Photo by Alfred Ochwo)

Call for increased support

President Yoweri Museveni has called for increased support from United Nations (UN) agencies on the transformation of the communities.

“Together, we can create a lasting legacy for children and communities of Uganda, a legacy build on hope, resilience, and solidarity,” Museveni says.

In his statement delivered by the state minister for regional affairs at the foreign ministry, John Mulimba, during the inauguration of a new eco-friendly multi-billion complex to host offices of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) at Mbuya in Kampala on September 30, 2024, the President commended the contribution of the development partners in aiding Uganda attain its development framework.

The milestones, he highlighted have been registered in the areas of governance, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, quality health care, education, social safety and sustainable policies.

Other areas of co-operation, the President cited include settling and resettling of refugees and the creation of jobs for the youth, women and disabled who face multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

“We must continually explore innovative solutions that not only address immediate needs but also safeguard our planet for future generations as a nation. However, we recognise that a lot of work remains to be done to address poverty, malnutrition and lack of access to essential services which among others affect too many of our children. Therefore, partnerships with organisations like UNICEF and WFP are crucial as we strive to eliminate these barriers and create a bright future,” he said.

Feed and empower

According to the President, together, "we can develop and implement programmes that not only feed hungry children but also empower them through education and skills development, ensuring they can lead healthy lives and contribute positively to society”.

The establishment of the joint office, according to the President, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to create a healthier, more resilient environment for Ugandans, particularly the most vulnerable population.

“The launch has come at a crucial moment when the Government is consolidating the achievement of the NDP (National Development Plan) III into the forthcoming NDP IV,” he said, adding: "This joint office will serve as the hub for collaboration, allowing us to put resources, share knowledge, and enhance our collective impact”.

He lauded UNICEF and WFP, as testaments to achieving humanitarian and climate change objectives.

“By integrating sustainable practices into our work, we demonstrate that we can foster development without compromising our natural resources. As we inaugurate this eco-friendly space today, let us commit ourselves to the principles of collaboration, sustainability and compassion,” he said.

Paying tribute to outgoing UNICEF representative

Museveni paid special tribute to Dr Mohamed El Munir A. Safieldin, the outing UNICEF country representative who assumed office during the time of COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and greatly supported Uganda’s COVID-19 response in areas of preparedness, response, surveillance and recovery from pandemic and resource mobilisation.

“By March 2021, UNICEF had delivered 864,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine via Covax facility, and Uganda will remember you always. Let us move forward together in our mission to transform lives and protect our planet,” he said.

About the complex

The office complex includes various amenities to support staff well-being and gender-sensitive facilities, such as breastfeeding rooms, wellness centers, a gym, and green spaces. A separate conference facility and creative open areas are also incorporated to encourage cross-sector collaboration and innovation.

“This building exemplifies sustainable innovation, with designs that conserve energy and water, reduce the carbon footprint, and recycle waste on-site. It sets a new standard for future developments in the city to embrace green practices,” WFP country director, Abdirahman Meygag said.

Safieldin said; “This new climate-smart office building is more than just a workspace; it is a symbol of our commitment to building a sustainable future for the next generation. By investing in eco-friendly infrastructure, we are demonstrating to the children of today that their future matters. This building embodies our responsibility to protect not only the most vulnerable, but also the environment they will inherit”.