Uganda to Construct Shs315 Billion Headquarters for AU Humanitarian Agency

What the report says

Uganda has approved about $86 million, or roughly Shs315 billion, to build the headquarters of the African Union Humanitarian Agency in Lubowa, according to Nile Post. The announcement was made after Cabinet approved the project on Monday, August 3, and was communicated by ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba during a post-Cabinet briefing.

The government says it will fully finance the construction, which is expected to be delivered in phases over the next two to three years. Temporary offices for the agency’s technical teams are to be rented in Rubaga while work begins on the permanent site. Once operational, the African Union and its member states are expected to cover the agency’s running costs.

Uganda secured the hosting rights after what officials described as a competitive process involving several African countries and assessments by AU technical teams. The agency itself grew out of an African Union decision in 2016 aimed at improving the continent’s humanitarian response, including coordination around conflict, displacement, climate shocks, disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

The project is being presented by government as both a diplomatic and economic investment. Officials say it could strengthen Uganda’s standing as a host for regional and international institutions and bring more activity to sectors such as transport, accommodation, banking and professional services. In general terms, hosting AU bodies can also increase a country’s profile in continental policy discussions, though the article frames this specifically as Uganda’s expected gain.