By Our Reporter
Munyonyo: The preparations for next year’s Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit are in high gear as Uganda’s tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia kicks off construction of the world-class Munyonyo Convention Centre that will host over 120 heads of state.
The Non-Aligned Movement was founded in 1955 during the Asian-Africa meeting in Bandung, Indonesia, and pursued decolonization. It brings together countries that are not aligned with any of the rival Eastern and Western power blocs.
Accordingly, the modern ultra Convention Centre will later, also host the South Summit of the G77 and China.
Earlier this week, the tycoon had to make a fresh landscape so as to create a soothing ambiance for his guests, and as a result of this, the conservationist had to relocate 20-year-old palm trees to the new convention centre that will host the mega summit in early 2024.
During the relocation of these tall-huge trees, Sudhir is seen standing aside as he supervises ‘city boys’ doing the job using heavy-duty machinery, thanks to a chunk of millions spent on this big task.
The new convention center will have a main hall hosting 3,800 people, with 12 breakout session rooms. It will cost $47 million to build. Once completed, the centre will also have a suspended restaurant overlooking Lake Victoria and smaller conference rooms or sideline meetings during the summit.
Sudhir has a track record of meeting construction deadlines at the same time delivering world-class facilities. It is not the first time he will deliver a successful Public Private Partnership project as in 2007, he was able to deliver the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort that hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM).
The centre has gone on to host several high-profile meetings over the years.
