The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have inaugurated a new eco-friendly, multi-million-dollar joint office complex on Mbuya Hill, Kampala, marking a significant milestone in their partnership to serve vulnerable communities in Uganda.
The state-of-the-art premises will enhance operational efficiency by reducing long-term costs while providing staff with a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. This collaboration is expected to further streamline joint programmes, including on social protection, school feeding, refugee assistance, and efforts to combat malnutrition, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region.
In his remarks during inaugural ceremony, delivered by John Mulimba, State Minister Regional Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Yoweri Museveni has commended the UN family for this partnership, stating that this demonstrate that ‘’We can foster development without compromising our natural resources’’
‘’The establishment of this joint office marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a healthier, more resilient environment for Ugandans, particularly our most vulnerable population. The launch has come at a crucial moment when government is consolidating the achievement of the NDP III into the forthcoming NDP IV, where 28 UN entities in Uganda have tremendously supported, including the support to achieve sustainable development goals the SDGs. These milestones include governance, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, quality, health care, education, social safety nets, sustainable and policies, settling and resettling refugees and creation of jobs, creation of job opportunities among the youth, women and disabled as we face the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, we must continually explore innovative solutions that not only address immediate needs but also safeguard our planet for future generations as a nation, however, we recognize that a lot of work remains to be done the footprint of poverty, malnutrition and lack of access to essential services still affects too many of our children, therefore, partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and WFP are crucial as we strive to eliminate these barriers and create a bright Future’’ President said.
‘’This joint office will serve as the hub for collaboration, allowing us to put resources, share knowledge, and enhance our collective impact. Together, we can develop and implement programs that not only feed hungry children but also empower them through education and skills development, ensuring they can lead health lives and contribute positively to society. Excellencies and distinguished guests, UNICEF and WFP, stand as a testament to achieving our humanitarian and climate change objectives. By integrating sustainable practices into our work, we demonstrate that we can foster development without compromising our natural resources as we inaugurate this eco-friendly space today, let us commit ourselves to the principles of collaboration, sustainability and compassion. Together, we can create a lasting legacy for children and communities of Uganda, a legacy build on hope, resilience, and solidarity’’. President added
President also paid special tribute to his excellency Dr. Mohamed El Munir A. Safieldin the outgoing UNICEF country representative who assumed the office during the time of covid 19 pandemic in 2021, adding that he stood firm to support government various programs related to predictions, preparedness, response, surveillance and recovery from pandemic plus resource mobilization.
‘’By March 2021, UNICEF had delivered 864,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine via COVAX facility, and Uganda will remember you always’’. President stated.
Spanning 2.8 acres, the new green office space is designed with sustainability at its core. Around 80 per cent of the building’s energy needs will be met through solar power, reflecting both agencies’ commitment to environmental stewardship. The building also features water recycling, rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, and energy-efficient designs that maximize natural light.
The UN remains committed to delivering critical services to those most in need in Uganda,” said Susan Ngongi Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda. Adding that, this joint office is a testament to their commitment to collaboration, maximizing resources, and delivering impactful services to the people of Uganda.
The office complex includes various amenities to support staff well-being and gender-sensitive facilities, such as breastfeeding rooms, wellness centers, a gym, and green spaces. A separate conference facility and creative open areas are also incorporated to encourage cross-sector collaboration and innovation.
“This building exemplifies sustainable innovation, with designs that conserve energy and water, reduce the carbon footprint, and recycle waste on-site,” said Abdirahman Meygag, WFP Country Director in Uganda. “It sets a new standard for future developments in the city to embrace green practices.”
The project, which began with a ground-breaking ceremony on 13 December has contributed to Uganda’s economy through local procurement of construction materials, services, and the creation of around 200 jobs, including opportunities for women and young people.
“This new climate-smart office building is more than just a workspace; it is a symbol of our commitment to building a sustainable future for the next generation. By investing in eco-friendly infrastructure, we are demonstrating to the children of today that their future matters. This building embodies our responsibility to protect not only the most vulnerable, but also the environment they will inherit,” said Munir Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.
A tree-planting ceremony will follow the handover event, symbolizing UNICEF, and WFP’s commitment to sustainability. Staff are expected to transition to the new premises before the end of the year.
Together, UNICEF and WFP will continue working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leveraging their combined expertise to support vulnerable populations, particularly children, by addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger, and inequality. Together, they enhance the impact of interventions by combining WFP’s expertise in food security with UNICEF’s focus on child development, ensuring that vulnerable children not only survive but thrive.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
The common premises seated on 2.8 acres in Mbuya, Kampala.
The property is approximately 11,400 Square Meters.
80 per cent of the overall energy usage will be based on solar.
144 panels each producing 460W each of Solar Power installed.
The EDGE performance in terms of energy saving is 46 per cent.
The building has been designed to save on energy, water and carbon footprint. The waste from the toilets is treated on site, and the water is reused in the building. Rainwater harvesting will also be incorporated into the building.
The total development cost including indirect costs, is estimated to be USD 9.32 million.
The cost was split between the agencies based on the percentage footprint of space required within the building and as such WFP contributed 48.93 per cent and UNICEF 51.07 per cent.
The building hosts wellness and health amenities, gender-sensitive services such as breastfeeding rooms, a gym, green gardens, and ramps for full disability
The building satisfies UN security requirements based on the Uganda Country context.
The premises are designed to use large, open spaces and minimize the use of small, enclosed rooms such as private offices. This will encourage better integration in the offices.
The building adheres to international best practice. These include compliance to international design standards and international best practice in accessibility, occupational safety and health, electrical and mechanical, sustainable, and green building practices and ensure the building is sufficiently robust for potential catastrophic events such as fire, storms, and earthquakes.
The construction of the common premises has been overseen by both UNICEF and WFP’s in-house engineering teams.
The construction project also contributed to the national economy and created local jobs for an estimated 200 people.
The two agencies already deliver jointly on some projects, including that on school feeding and addressing malnutrition in Karamoja and providing food assistance to refugees.
