In the third and last installment of our analysis of the Consolidated Annual Board of Survey Report for 2023, posted on the Ministry of Finance website on March 27, 2024, we turn our focus to Uganda’s foreign missions in Tokyo, Riyadh, Denmark, Brussels, Kinshasa, Paris, Berlin, Canberra, Juba, Abu Dhabi, Bujumbura, and Guangzhou. The findings shine a bright light on a troubling mix of severe inefficiencies, neglected maintenance, and urgent needs for renovation across these embassies, highlighting a concerning trend of underfunded and poorly managed missions.
Vote 515: Uganda Embassy in Tokyo, Japan
The report paints a dire picture of the Uganda Embassy in Tokyo, where basic survival kits and technological upgrades are urgently needed. “Earthquake survival kits should be repurchased for the chancery and residence because of frequent earthquake occurrences in Japan,” the report states. Additionally, there is a pressing need to replace obsolete items to improve the mission’s capacity and image.
The asset findings reveal a struggle with outdated furniture and equipment. “Newly posted officers, including the Head of Mission, inherit old furniture from their predecessors due to the lack of a retooling budget,” the report highlights. Despite these challenges, the mission has managed to maintain a comprehensive vehicle and residence insurance program to safeguard its assets against potential disasters.
Vote 516: Uganda Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Uganda Embassy in Riyadh also faces significant challenges, primarily related to outdated and expensive-to-maintain vehicles. “The Embassy’s utility vehicles, such as the GMC Yukon and FORD Expedition, are too old and expensive to maintain. Replacement is recommended,” the report advises. The embassy’s stores and cash findings were in order, with properly updated and reconciled cashbooks, but the need for asset disposal remains pressing.
Vote 517: Uganda Embassy in Denmark
The situation in Denmark is particularly alarming. The chancery at Sofievej 15,2900 Hellerup has been condemned by the municipality as unhealthy for human habitation. “The building is sinking and has several cracks, and the basement is covered with asbestos, mold, and fungi. This creates an unhealthy working environment and portrays a bad image for Uganda in the host country,” the report underscores. The official residence also requires urgent renovation to make it habitable.
The embassy’s vehicles and other assets are in a similarly dire state. “The Toyota Avensis has begun to rust and needs spraying to keep it roadworthy until a replacement is procured,” the report notes, adding that comprehensive insurance is no longer feasible for the aging fleet.
Vote 518: Uganda Embassy in Brussels, Belgium
The Uganda Embassy in Brussels faces several challenges, primarily related to outdated assets and inadequate facilities. “The Mission has an Asset Register, updated when new assets are obtained or disposals are done,” the report states. However, the existing furniture is only in fair condition, and the IT equipment at the chancery is described as “too old and in an obsolete state.” The embassy’s utility vehicle is also outdated and in need of replacement.
The report recommends several actions: “Management should dispose of the identified obsolete and old items,” and “The embassy van should be disposed of to avoid excessive loss of value.” Additionally, the chancery should be relocated to a more strategic and visible location to enhance its operations and image.
Vote 520: Uganda Embassy in Kinshasa, DRC
The Kinshasa embassy appears to be in relatively better condition, with the Uganda House building well maintained. However, the report notes that “assets at Uganda House were not engraved,” which poses a risk for asset management. The embassy maintains a proper asset register, and monthly reconciliations of cash books and bank balances are diligently performed.
The report recommends enhancing security measures and improving storage conditions. “CCTV monitoring at the official residence should be enhanced,” and “All mission fire extinguishers should be serviced.” There is also a need to engrave all assets to prevent loss and ensure proper identification.
Vote 522: Uganda Embassy in Paris, France
The embassy in Paris is dealing with significant asset and storage issues. “Most ICT equipment was not in good working condition or obsolete and therefore needed to be disposed of,” the report highlights. The two cars owned by the embassy are in poor mechanical condition, with repair costs outweighing their market value.
The report recommends purchasing new and advanced ICT equipment to ease the officers’ work and disposing of the old vehicles to cut down on repair expenses. Additionally, the storage space issues need to be addressed as many items have become obsolete due to prolonged storage during ongoing chancery renovations.
Vote 523: Uganda Embassy in Berlin, Germany
The Berlin embassy has an updated asset register but faces challenges with outdated items and a need for more storage space. “The mission has old vehicles, with the utility vehicle being very old although still in use,” the report notes. Some of the furniture in the official residence is also too old and requires refurnishing.
The report recommends that the mission should acquire a bigger chancery with sufficient room for storage and refurnish the official residence. There is also a need for an additional vehicle for the mission due to the aging utility vehicle.
Vote 526: Uganda Embassy in Canberra, Australia
The embassy in Canberra has well-maintained assets, but some items are depleted and unserviceable. “The stores at the chancery and official residence are limited,” the report states. Despite these constraints, the cash and bank findings were positive, with proper reconciliations and updates.
The report recommends disposing of faulty and worn-out items to prevent overcrowding and ensure efficient use of space.
Vote 527: Uganda Embassy in Juba, South Sudan
The Juba embassy struggles with inadequate storage and safety issues. “Safety in the fuel store is not guaranteed in case of a fire outbreak,” the report warns. The mission’s asset register is well prepared, but there is a need for better tagging and engraving of assets to prevent loss.
Recommendations include improving storage conditions, digitizing documents to create space, and ensuring fireproof storage solutions. Enhancing security and engraining all mission assets are also emphasized.
Vote 528: Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Abu Dhabi embassy maintains a good condition of its assets, but some items are outdated. “It’s no longer economical for the embassy to continue using the two old vehicles, they should be disposed of,” the report advises.
The report suggests maintaining a proper inventory ledger and conducting annual stock counts to ensure efficient asset management.
Vote 529: Uganda Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi
The embassy in Bujumbura has ample storage space, but vehicle replacement is needed. “Replacement of the remaining vehicles after the replacement of one of the three that were worn out,” the report recommends.
Efficient utilization of the remaining space of the chancery land to build staff housing is also advised.
Vote 530: Uganda Consulate in Guangzhou, China
The consulate in Guangzhou faces issues with outdated furniture and inadequate office conditions. “The boardroom chairs are in a dire state and compromise the image of the country,” the report states.
Recommendations include repainting the boardroom walls and replacing the boardroom chairs to maintain a professional image.
Vote 533: Uganda Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Kuala Lumpur embassy maintains its assets well but needs to dispose of outdated items. “The mission maintains an asset register and database which are updated quarterly,” the report notes.
The report suggests disposing of faulty and broken items and acquiring new furnishings to depict the status of an official residence.
Conclusion
The recurring themes across Uganda’s foreign missions include the urgent need for asset replacement, better storage facilities, and enhanced security measures. The lack of adequate funding and strategic planning continues to hinder the efficient operation of these embassies. Addressing these issues is critical for Uganda to maintain a strong and effective diplomatic presence globally.
Broader Implications and Recommendations
Across these missions, the recurring theme is a lack of adequate funding and strategic planning. The report consistently calls for the allocation of a Capital Development Budget to facilitate essential renovations and asset replacements. For instance, in Tokyo, it is recommended to “lobby for the allocation of a Capital Development Budget (which was last issued to this Mission in FY 2018/19) to facilitate the overall retooling of residences in view of the inevitable wear and tear of the current assets.”
The embassies are also advised to adopt better storage and record-keeping practices. For example, the Denmark mission is urged to set up a lockable designated store for safe custody of inventories and to enhance better record keeping.
The findings in this report shine a harsh light on the current state of Uganda’s foreign missions. With embassies operating under suboptimal conditions, the need for comprehensive reforms and increased funding is evident. Ensuring that these missions are adequately maintained and equipped is not just a matter of national pride but also crucial for effective diplomacy and international representation.
For further inquiries, contact: info@c-news.ug.
