Uganda is in high gear preparations to host Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) to be held in January 2024 with an aim of promoting the country’s tourism industry.
This was revealed by the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among on December 1, 2023, while addressing journalists at Parliament on Uganda’s preparedness to host the forthcoming 27th CSPOC where the Parliament of Uganda will take the lead from January 3-6, 2024 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
According to Among, the conference will bring together Speakers and Presiding Officers of National Parliaments of all Independent Sovereign States of the Commonwealth, with current membership consisting of 74 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 52 Commonwealth Countries which will boost the country’s tourism and economy, adding that, 42 Speakers have already confirmed their attendance.
“Hosting the CSPOC will come with immense benefits for Uganda like increased private visits to tourist attraction around the country which will increase incomes of the sector players,” Among said.
Among noted that, the conference will not only be an avenue to promote Uganda’s tourism, but the Speakers are going to come with a delegation of business people having plans to invest in Uganda, opposing some of the sentiments in the public that such conferences are a waste of taxpayers’ money.
She stated that, the Speakers and Presiding Officers will hold bilateral and multilateral meetings to strengthen the ties between the Parliaments of the Common Wealth.
The Speaker emphasized Uganda’s security, citing that Police surveillance, SFC, and other security organs will ensure security of delegates.
Among called upon media to offer positive coverage for Uganda going forward, and urged Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to increase their efforts in beautifying the city ahead of the delegates’ arrival.
She said that Mulago National Referral Hospital’s capacity has been boosted to handle any emergencies that may befall any delegate during the conference.
“Parliament has been able to do some small renovations and equipped some VIP rooms in Mulago Hospital ready for any visitor in case they fall sick,” Among said.
The official opening Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2024, and will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
