CEO Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka Reaffirms Commitment to Delivering State-of-the-Art Electoral Commission Centre During Groundbreaking at Lubowa

LUBOWA, July 30, 2025 — In a landmark event that signaled the commencement of one of Uganda’s most strategically significant infrastructural projects, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Limited (NHCC), delivered a powerful and forward-looking address during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Electoral Commission Centre at Lubowa.

Speaking on behalf of the NHCC Board and Management, Eng. Kaijuka welcomed guests and stakeholders to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of construction for a state-of-the-art, customized and fit-for-purpose headquarters for the Electoral Commission (EC). This project not only signifies the permanent relocation of EC from its former location at Plot 55 Jinja Road but also paves the way for Uganda’s future electoral processes to be administered in a purpose-built, modern facility.

Eng. Kaijuka began by recalling the genesis of the project, which stems from a directive issued by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on July 17, 2022, instructing NHCC to oversee the relocation of the Electoral Commission.

He provided a detailed update on the directive’s implementation milestones, which included:

Provision and customization of temporary office and warehouse space at 7th Street, Industrial Area, which has housed the EC since January 1, 2023.

Relocation of EC operations from Jinja Road to 7th Street to pave way for the Kampala Flyover Project.

Allocation of 10 acres of land at Lweza-Lubowa for the construction of the new EC headquarters.

Design and documentation of the new headquarters through consultative processes involving stakeholders including EC, Ministry of Works and Transport, NEMA, local authorities, and the Ministry of Finance.

Despite challenges such as lack of immediate compensation and land transfer, NHCC opted to commence the works in the spirit of patriotism, aligning with the national Electoral Roadmap to facilitate crucial events such as the nomination of presidential candidates on September 24–25, 2025, and the 2026 General Elections.

The CEO highlighted that all necessary approvals have been secured:

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Certificate from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Development and Building Permits from Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality.

He noted that the architectural designs have been developed through a rigorous, inclusive, and adaptive process to ensure functional relevance and compliance with local standards. Continuous review and engagement with stakeholders will ensure the EC headquarters meets both current and future operational needs.

Eng. Kaijuka acknowledged that the current pace of development has been largely dictated by limited budget allocations. He appealed to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to frontload funding to cover all components of the project—land acquisition, construction, services, installations, and furnishing.

NHCC has committed to delivering the completed headquarters within 24 months from the time full funding is made available. He assured the government and public that NHCC has the technical and human capacity to meet this ambitious target, supported by a strong partnership ecosystem including:

CCCC (China Communications Construction Company),

NITA-Uganda,

UEDCL,

NWSC,

Ministry of Works and Transport,

LC1 and Makindye Ssabagabo Municipal Council.

Eng. Kaijuka emphasized that the new EC Centre is envisioned to be "a class apart" — a modern, secure, and strategically located facility unmatched in the region. It will not only house EC operations but also contribute to a transparent and efficient electoral process.

He further revealed that the strategic positioning of the EC headquarters at Lubowa has attracted continental interest. As a result, the African Union Humanitarian Agency Headquarters will be constructed nearby, making the area a continental hub for governance and humanitarian coordination.

He urged the government to consider equally significant projects for the remaining 60 acres of NHCC-owned prime land in the area, to ensure development synergies and bolster national prestige.

The CEO extended heartfelt appreciation to various key stakeholders:

The NHCC Board for enabling multi-pronged solutions,

President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting NHCC with the assignment,

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja and Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, for supporting NHCC’s vision,

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Electoral Commission, and

Line Ministries and other technical agencies that have worked tirelessly on the relocation project. 

Eng. Kaijuka concluded by calling on all stakeholders to maintain momentum and support for the successful and timely implementation of the EC headquarters project.

“We are breaking ground not just for a building but for a stronger, more transparent and effective democracy,” he remarked, before inviting the Chief Guest to participate in the ceremonial unveiling of the foundation stone and symbolic groundbreaking activity using an excavator.

With this groundbreaking ceremony, Uganda takes a decisive step toward strengthening its electoral infrastructure. NHCC’s leadership, under Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, has set the tone for a project that blends architectural excellence, national importance, and continental relevance.

The new Electoral Commission Centre at Lubowa stands as a testament to what is possible through visionary planning, inter-agency collaboration, and patriotic execution.