United States Mission Dedicates New Building Wing; USAID Co-Locates with Embassy

The Mission of the United States of America today formally dedicated a new wing of its headquarters building in Kampala, and welcomed the move of the U.S. Agency for International Development to Ggaba road.  The newly enlarged building was inaugurated with an afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony, building tours and presentations highlighting U.S. foreign assistance to Uganda.  Walter North, the top USAID official for Africa, came to Kampala to participate in the dedication activities; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem represented the Government of Uganda. 

 The building inauguration ceremonies were presided over by U.S. Ambassador Steven A. Browning and USAID Mission Director Margot Ellis.  Ambassador Browning, who has been in Uganda since March of this year, emphasized that the newly expanded U.S. Mission complex represents a major and long-term commitment to the people and government of Uganda as partners in development.  Walter North, whose title is Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa, highlighted the U.S. government’s foreign assistance priorities in Africa, including fighting HIV-AIDS and malaria, resolving regional conflicts and promoting economic growth.  In her speech, Director Ellis gave examples of individual Ugandans who have benefited from U.S. assistance programs.

 The U.S. Mission building on Ggaba Road was constructed in two stages; the original North Wing was completed in 2001, and the new South Wing was completed in October 2006.  The building was designed by Morrison Knudsen Corporation, and constructed by B.L. Harbert International, ROKO and Keltron.  The cost of the additions to the Mission complex was approximately $23 million.  The new South Wing doubles the size of the Ggaba Road building, adding space for some 130 employees formerly working at the long-time USAID headquarters in Nakasero and at the USAID warehouse.  The complex also includes new living quarters for the U.S. Marine Security Guard Detachment. 

 The co-location of USAID with the U.S. Embassy coincides with recent initiatives of the U.S. government to strengthen the coordination and cohesion of America’s foreign assistance and development activities.  In Uganda, USAID works alongside many other U.S. agencies to accomplish development and humanitarian goals.  These agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Peace Corps, and the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Labor, State and Treasury.