Uganda to earn $50m from global MPs meet

By Joyce Namutebi

Uganda will earn an estimated US$50m (about sh116b) from the forthcoming Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly to be hosted in Kampala, a member of the organising committee has revealed.

Aswa MP, Reagan Okumu said Monday that the money would be earned through accommodating the delegates, tourism, sale of crafts and other souvenirs, hosting luncheons and dinners, entertainment, and renting out vehicles, among others.

Okumu and Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga, the chairperson of the sub-committee on media and publicity were briefing journalists about the 126th IPU assembly to take place in Kampala from March 31 to April 5. It will attract over 1,600 MPs from 156 member countries.

Okumu assured that Uganda was set to hold the meeting and that most rooms in Kampala hotels had been booked. Some delegates, he said, had booked in upcountry hotels where there are national parks.

Without giving details, Parliament staff Andrew Kasirye said the Government was paying for only 100 delegates.

The agenda for the assembly includes election of the president and vice president of the assembly, general debate on the political, economic and social situation in the world with the overall theme 'Parliaments and people: Bridging the gap.'

The legislators would also talk about promoting and practicing good governance as a means of advancing peace and security, and access to health as a basic right.

Without giving details, Lulume revealed that sh8bn had been earmarked for hosting the meeting.

He briefed journalists about a resolution that has been drafted on access to health as a basic right is being promoted with specific reference to maternal and child health.