By Apollo Mubiru

THE foreign affairs minister, Sam Kutesa, yesterday released accountability of the money spent on hosting the Commonwealth summit (CHOGM).

Appearing before the Parliament select committee on CHOGM, Kutesa said sh255b was given to various sub-committees to prepare for the event. The money is spread over a period of three financial years.

He told the committee chaired by Onyango Kakoba that more accountability would be availed after completion of the ongoing projects.

Kutesa was flanked by the state minister for international cooperation, Okello Oryem, the state minister for regional cooperation, Isaac Musumba and the permanent secretary, James Mugume.

According to the figures, the works ministry received sh72b for transport and infrastructure. Tourism ministry got sh3.5b for accommodation, art and craft exhibition and tours, while the gender ministry, which was in charge of the occupational safety, health and the youth forum, got sh2.6b. The ICT ministry received sh4.8b.

The Office of the Prime Minister got sh10b for media and publicity and the foreign affairs ministry received sh5.5b for preliminary activities. Venues cost sh30b, protocol sh4b, the CHOGM secretariat took sh11b and conferences sh359m.

The internal affairs ministry received sh676m for immigration and the people’s forum. Sh662m was spent on spouses programme and the health ministry got sh6b.

Security took sh28b and the local government ministry received sh6b for beautification of the city.

Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort received sh15b, sh180m was for the business forum, sh1.3b went to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, while the energy and environment ministries received sh609m and sh351m respectively.

The decoration of all CHGOM venues cost sh881m, country and delegates’ plaques sh9m, production of the opening gala sh1.6b, procurement of flags, poles and stands sh733m. Gifts and souvenirs cost sh353m, training of liaison officers took sh472m and sh308m was for services of ushers and hospitality officers.

Motorola sets cost sh132m, sh50m was spent on formal wear and sh122m was for sundry claims.

The presentation of the accountability follows a letter by the Prime Minster, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, directing the Auditor General to carry out a special audit of the money spent on CHOGM.

Kutesa said the publicity, which came after the successful summit, created new tourism opportunities for the country.

MPs asked the Government to maintain the facilities established during the summit, with Rose Sseninde (NRM), pointing out that the grass planted on Entebbe Road has started growing wild.
Jimmy Akena (UPC) said some roads were fixed in a hurry and were developing potholes.

Kutesa revealed that the Cabinet was discussing whether to take over the facilities.

He said if adopted, Parliament would allocate more funds to the works and local government ministries for maintenance.