Uganda’s government is heightening its preparations for the Non-Aligned Movement (Nam) and G77+China summits in January 2024 by making a significant move: withdrawing official vehicles from its officials, including ministers and permanent secretaries, starting next week.
The announcement came from Vincent Bagiire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, signaling a potential disruption in the Christmas travel plans of numerous state officials who typically rely on government cars for trips to their rural homes during the holidays.
Traditionally, these officials have used official vehicles for their Christmas journeys, but this year might see a shift if the decision is strictly enforced. Bagiire highlighted the necessity for at least 1,200 vehicles to transport delegates to and from the summit venues, emphasizing that vehicles assigned to ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, and entitled officers would be affected.
The withdrawal of these cars is set to take effect on December 18, raising questions about how ministers and state officials will manage their official duties without access to these vehicles.
Uganda is set to host the 19th Nam summit from January 15 to 20 and the G77+China from January 21 to 23 at Speke Resort Munyonyo near Kampala. These summits are expected to draw delegates from 120 and 134 countries, respectively.
