Late last night, Ugandan diplomats and a contractor were working tirelessly to determine the cause of a fire that severely damaged the Uganda High Commission building in Nairobi, Kenya. The State Minister for International Affairs, Mr. Henry Oryem-Okello, described the destruction as "colossal." Detailed reports on the incident are expected to be presented to the ministry's top management by Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire this morning.
The fire occurred on a day marked by widespread violence in Kenya. Protesters breached and ransacked the Kenyan Parliament, raising questions about whether the blaze was linked to the ongoing protests or refurbishment works at the High Commission building.
"If it was a result of the protests, we strongly condemn in all its facets any acts of hooliganism, thuggery, violence, and arson," said Mr. Oryem-Okello.
The building, which had been undergoing renovation and was slated for reoccupation in the coming weeks, is a significant property for Uganda. At the time of the fire, officials were reportedly negotiating new tenancy agreements, aiming to generate revenue by subletting parts of the building. The fire has now jeopardized these plans, and it remains unclear whether the building was insured or the cost of the renovations.
Despite the incident, Mr. Oryem-Okello emphasized that the fire would not affect Uganda's diplomatic relations with Kenya. "This [inferno], whatever the cause, will not impact our relations with Kenya, and there is nothing to erode or disrupt our good neighbourliness," he stated.
In a video recorded against the backdrop of the burning building, AIGP John Ndugutse, the police attaché at Uganda’s High Commission in Nairobi, expressed his dismay. "This [in the recording] is our Uganda House [in Nairobi burning]. Now I am here helpless; no fire tenders, no water... We are likely to lose this house. So, we are losing Uganda House the way I can see. It’s very bad, it’s hurting. This shouldn’t have been coming to us at this time."
The chaotic events in Nairobi were triggered by the Kenyan lawmakers' decision earlier in the day to pass a widely opposed Finance Tax Bill, which introduces several higher taxes. Following the vote, the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula adjourned the House until 9:30 am today. However, demonstrators quickly gathered in large numbers, overpowering security forces and storming the Parliament, parts of which they set on fire.
In a televised address at 9 pm last night, President William Ruto condemned the incursion, labeling it as treason. The unrest in Kenya, coupled with the fire at the Uganda High Commission, underscores a period of significant turmoil in the region.
As investigations continue, Ugandan officials remain committed to uncovering the cause of the fire and addressing the immediate aftermath. The incident highlights the challenges faced by diplomatic missions in volatile environments and the importance of robust security measures to protect vital assets.
