The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) clarified that the upcoming COVID-19 remembrance parade is funded by Canadian development partners, refuting claims that the Government of Uganda is financing the event.
The announcement, made on January 8, 2024, addressed a report from Parliament Watch, suggesting that KCCA sought sh600m from Parliament for various tourism activities, including the COVID-19 remembrance parade. KCCA denied government funding for the parade, asserting that it will be financially supported by Canadian partners.
The initiative, endorsed by the Ministers of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan affairs, is designed to celebrate Uganda’s resilience and commemorate lives lost during the pandemic. The parade concept itself is inspired by a similar event in Canada.
KCCA emphasized that certain activities under the smart city agenda receive funding from various partners. The external support spans sectors such as education, health, tourism, and city infrastructure development. In 2023, KCCA received external funding for projects like lighting KCCA markets and schools, refurbishing city infrastructure, financial literacy training supported by Standard Chartered bank, and tree planting initiatives from UNDP, Private Sector Foundation (PSF), and HAM enterprises.
The authority made it clear that these externally funded activities are distinct from the government of Uganda’s budget and are transparently outlined in the authority’s planned activities.
Eng. David Luyimbazi, KCCA deputy executive director, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the COVID-19 remembrance parade during an appearance before the parliamentary presidential affairs committee. He highlighted its purpose as a remembrance campaign, acknowledging the sacrifices made during the pandemic, and expressed gratitude to medical workers who played a pivotal role in treating and saving lives in Uganda.
