AHA the place to do business

Apr 30, 2014

If you have not been to Nakasero, the most plush of Kampala’s original seven hills, in the recent past, you need a tour guide to navigate the area.

By Titus Kakembo

If you have not been to Nakasero, the most plush of Kampala’s original seven hills, in the recent past, you need a tour guide to navigate the area. The Elizabethan architecture and spacious gardens that were a preserve of colonial administrators are fast being replaced by elegant structures to meet the demands of the swelling central business district.Sandwiched between the Ministry Of Health headquarters, Office of the Auditor General and Uganda National Road Authority offices, on Plot 7 on Lourdel Road, is AHA Towers. The building commands a bird’s eye view of the other hills on which Kampala city sits. Guided by one of the administrators, Gyeong Kim, I was told some people love the building because it is naturally well-lit, owing to the large glass windows.

Elegance is written on every inch of this property, which boasts palm trees waving their leaves when the wind blows.Given its proximity to the central business district, AHA Towers is ideal for government offices, nongovernment organisations and tour operators. Lourdel Road has relatively low traffic. One of the pioneer tenants is Mcash-Uganda. Hawkers are kept off limits by guards on duty 24/7. The floor and wall finishing is in tip top shape to suit the most sophisticated client from anywhere in the world.

Partitioning of individual places is yet to be done by the tenants to suit different business requirements. The letting agents are Knight Frank, PKPF Consultants and Bageine and Company. “Potential tenants are advised to book fast as people are calling endlessly to make inquiries,” says Kim. He adds: “People who have taste will not go for second best when AHA Towers is here. It has in place safety measures such as fire fighting equipment and escape routes in case of any emergency Call it trendy or plush, but AHA Towers is the right place to transact business.

The air is fresh and there is less noise pollution. “Members of parliament and ministries in need of office space have an option for a quiet place,” says John Kibugugyo, a commission agent. The director, Soon Hong, says: “AHA Towers is a dream come true for businesses as the city authorities battle to decongest the city.” She says the building is far away from the helter-skelter downtown. “We have 4,500sq metres of space to let on the eight floors.” Hong says, the parking lot can accommodate more than 100 cars.

She commends the work of the contractors: Roko Constructors and Reliable Engineers. “At a price of $6m, the internationally-renowned Roko Contractors did a good job,” says Hong. The price of the space available, Hong notes, is affordable basing on the service in place. She says, the floor is tiled and the lifts function 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Jonathan Nsubuga, who came up with the architectural plan of AHA Towers, says with many buildings in Kampala collapsing even before completion, he is happy to see professional work being done at AHA Towers. “Its shape, scope and finishing leaves nothing to be desired.

It is a good urban design with a superb interior,” he says. Nsubuga commends the team that did the work, saying they were dynamic and boast extensive experience in architecture and planning. “The elevation gives the illusion that the building is moving,” he explains, beaming with satisfaction. Nsubuga says, with the recent terrorist bombings in Westland, Kenya, and Kyadondo still fresh in most minds, the parking provides some security. “The parking lot is a distance away from the main building.

If there is a bombing in a car, it will not affect the main building,” he says. According to Nsubuga, AHA stands out from the rest of the other buildings in Kampala. “It is in a class that makes it fit any where in the world.” Nsubuga also came up with the architectural plan of the Kasubi Tombs, which are still under construction.

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