Parliament has approved Shs40.6 billion for State House Entebbe refurbishment
Legislators argue that maintaining presidential transport and upgrading key security and ICT systems as crucial.
The budget will also cover procurement of vehicles for the President, annual maintenance of the presidential jet and helicopter, and maintenance of Nakasero State Lodge plus 26 upcountry State Lodges.
The approval follows the presentation of the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement for State House by Alex Byarugaba, who noted that State House had requested Shs40.690 billion, but only Shs27.222 billion was allocated, leaving a funding gap of Shs13.458 billion.
Byarugaba revealed that the existing presidential fleet is aging and needs urgent replacement.
“The current fleet for the Principal is aging and failure to provide the required funds to facilitate procurement of vehicles constrains the role of mobilizing masses and leaders for socio-economic transformation and prosperity in all the regions of the country,” he stated.
“The Committee also established that there has never been any refurbishment of State House Entebbe since its reconstruction during CHOGM preparations in 2007 while the 26 upcountry State Lodges only undergo regular maintenance,” he added.
State House Entebbe underwent a major, multi-billion shilling reconstruction and expansion from 2004 to November 2007. This extensive overhaul, which modernized the facility, was completed just in time to host the Commonwealth Summit (CHOGM) in 2007.
The last comprehensive reconstruction was completed by a Chinese company for over $54 million to $93 million, expanding it from 1,584 square meters to 17,472 square meters.
Security concerns also featured strongly in the report, with lawmakers backing increased investment in upgraded equipment.
Byarugaba said the ever-changing security environment with new threats that necessitates the procurement of upgraded security equipment should be treated with the sensitivity and urgency it deserves.
“The security equipment is a critical need because it impacts directly on the security of the Fountain of Honour and the country,” he said, noting that Parliament recommended an additional Shs13.468 billion to cover security needs.
During the same meeting legislators also approved Shs42 billion for State House to establish six industrial hubs under the youth skilling programme.
The hubs will offer practical training in skills such as tailoring, welding, carpentry, bakery, shoe making, hairdressing, construction, electronics, and motor mechanics.
“The skilling programme is very critical because most of the youth, especially those out of school, are not skilled, not educated and not employed,” he said. “However, a section of the graduates still remain unemployed due to lack of start-up capital.”Byarugaba stressed.
