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The Kampala Capital City Authority clarifies that the COVID-19 remembrance parade is funded by Canadian partners, not the Ugandan government. The parade aims to commemorate lives lost during the pandemicand an appreciation gesture towards medical workers.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) wishes to clarify that the funding for the COVID-19 remembrance parade is provided by Canadian development partners, not by the Government of Uganda, as previously asserted.

In an official announcement on January 8, 2024, KCCA disclosed that it received a funding offer from Canadian partners to organize a COVID-19 remembrance parade, aiming to celebrate the nation’s resilience and commemorate the lives lost during the pandemic.

Contrary to recent reports from Parliament Watch suggesting a request for sh600m from Parliament for various tourism activities, including the COVID-19 remembrance parade, KCCA emphasizes that the financial support for the parade comes from Canadian partners.

“As part of an initiative by the Ministers of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kampala has received a funding offer from Canadian partners to conduct a COVID-19 remembrance parade, dedicated to commemorating frontline workers and Ugandans who lost their lives and livelihoods during the pandemic,” the statement affirms.

The parade is acknowledged to have drawn inspiration from Canada. KCCA further underscores that, within the framework of the smart city agenda, various activities receive funding from partners supporting sectors such as education, health, tourism, and city infrastructure development.

Highlighting past external funding examples, KCCA mentions support from UNDP for lighting KCCA markets and schools, financial literacy training funded by Standard Chartered bank for Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries, and contributions from the Private Sector Foundation (PSF) and HAM Enterprises for greening Kampala city.

It is essential to note that these externally funded activities are separate from the government of Uganda’s budget and are clearly outlined in the authority’s planned activities.

During an appearance before the parliamentary presidential affairs committee on January 8, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Eng. David Luyimbazi emphasized that the COVID-19 remembrance parade serves not only as a memorial for lives lost but also as an expression of gratitude to the tireless medical workers who played a crucial role in treating and saving lives in Uganda. Luyimbazi clarified that the event serves dual purposes, encompassing both tourism and remembrance initiatives.