Newly Refurbished Uganda House in Nairobi Vandalized and Set Ablaze as Protests Intensify
Frank Semata 
In the wake of escalating protests in Kenya, demonstrators veered off the path of peaceful demonstrations on June 25th, 2024, resulting in extensive property damage, including the vandalism and arson of the newly refurbished Uganda House.
Located on Kenyatta Avenue in the Nairobi Central Business District, the Uganda house commercial building was set to reopen this Friday, June 28th, 2024, after significant renovations.
The building, which housed commercial tenants only on the ground floor during the renovation, saw its unoccupied upper floors, including the third floor that previously hosted the Consular Office, severely damaged by the fire.
The Nairobi Fire Department responded promptly to the incident, successfully extinguishing the blaze. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities or serious injuries.
Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Government of the Republic of Uganda, expressed deep regret over the destruction but praised the efforts of the Nairobi Fire Department.
He emphasized that no Diplomatic or Consular staff were present in the building at the time of the fire.
Despite the extensive damage, Waiswa assured that relations between Uganda and Kenya remain strong.
"Our relations with the Government and indeed the people of the Republic of Kenya remain solid. We support peaceful demonstrations as a democratic right but condemn in the strongest terms, violence that leads to destruction of property and loss of lives," he stated.
The Ugandan government calls for calm and urges the public to avoid unnecessary speculation and premature conclusions as investigations into the incident proceed.
