Uganda’s High Commissioner to London, Nimisha Madhvani is currently living in a hotel after the official residence she occupied became rundown and unsafe for habitation.
This shocking situation comes amidst growing concerns over the staggering Shs44.4 billion Uganda spends annually on renting properties for its missions abroad.
The issue was brought to light by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, in the 2025/26 Alternative Ministerial Policy Statement for the Foreign Affairs Sector.
Nkunyingi has urged the government to shift focus from renting to acquiring permanent property for Uganda’s missions abroad.
He argues that the current approach is not only unsustainable but also a significant burden on Ugandan taxpayers.
“We are spending billions on rent every year, yet our diplomats are living in substandard conditions. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The revelation has sparked outrage among many Ugandans who question why the government continues to allocate huge sums to rent despite the evident long-term cost savings that property acquisition could offer.
Opposition argue that the current system is plagued by mismanagement and poor planning with some even alleging corruption in the procurement processes.
However, government officials have defended the expenditure citing the high cost of real estate in global capitals as a limiting factor. They argue that while property acquisition is ideal, it requires substantial upfront investment which may not be immediately feasible.
Nkunyingi’s proposal calls for a strategic shift that prioritizes long-term investment over short-term expenditure.
He believes that by acquiring property, Uganda can save billions over time and provide better living conditions for its diplomats.
