A total of 52 heads of government have indicated that they will attend the Commonwealth summit, CHOGM, in Kampala in November.

“We are confident that all Commonwealth states will be represented by their heads of state, except Singapore which will be hosting another function at the same time, but will be represented at a high level,” foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa told journalists yesterday.

Those who are trying to campaign against CHOGM are wasting their time, the minister added.

“Everybody has assured us of coming and whoever is trying to de-campaign us is wasting time.”

The minister was briefing journalists at his ministry offices on the country’s state of preparedness.

He said all facilities would be ready in time, including the required 4,000 hotel rooms and the presidential village at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.

He said the infrastructure and service delivery would greatly improve as a result of CHOGM, while Entebbe and Kampala would be beautified.

“This will benefit all in a way of employment in the hotel industry.

This is the opportunity to showcase Uganda not only as a tourist destination but also as an investment destination and international conference host. We shall also have the opportunity to host the Queen,” Kutesa said.
The Ministry of Tourism was classifying all hotels in the country and small hotels would also be recommended to host CHOGM delegates, he noted. The major hotels include Serena, Imperial Royale, where the Media Centre will be located, Hotel Africana, the Sheraton and Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Negotiations, he said, are going on with the hotels over the alleged hiked prices. “The hotels had made proposals, some of which are very high, but negotiations are still on.” Kutesa also announced a weekly press briefing every Tuesday to give an update of the state of preparedness for CHOGM.

Introduction to CHOGM 2007 Kampala Uganda
History of CHOGM and background
Requirements for CHOGM
Organisation of CHOGM
Task Force CHOGM
Secretariat
Procurement Process for CHOGM
CHOGM Hotels Uganda

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