PS Geraldine Ssali praised for giving new face to Farmers House

Farmers House, situated on Parliamentary Avenue is a much different place today after contractors recently put the final touches on the renovation works on the 6-story building that has been in a sorry state.

From the reception to the last floor, the structure has been retouched, lit up, and fitted with new and appealing furniture and equipment, much to the delight of some of the staff members.

One of them told our reporter she was “enjoying the new experience at work.”

“If you had visited this place a few months back, you would know what I am talking about. I just want to thank our PS for the good work done,” she said.

Built back in 1964 by the Lint Marketing Board, Farmers House had recently been a big safety concern and described by different officials at the ministry as “dilapidated and unsuitable.”

Upon her appointment as PS in 2021, Mrs. Ssali immediately rejected the plan she found in motion to relocate the ministry to Kingdom Kampala at an obscene cost in rent fees.

Instead, she put her foot down and kick-started the renovation works of the building amid severe backlash from different corners which even triggered a parliamentary inquiry.

Ssali however, defended her stance and reiterated her commitment to ‘get her own house in order’ and keep the ministry workers and visitors safe.

Farmers House, which also houses other government entities including the Education Service Commission and Public Service Commission, had over the years become synonymous with dilapidation and danger.

The electrical systems, plumbing systems, internet connectivity; doors, windows, and other furniture fittings were all in a sorry state putting Government documents and staff at risk of fire and health-related risks. 

But the just concluded works have seen the building repainted and fitted with modern infrastructure that fits the standards of a government office.  

While handing over the renovated facility recently, PS Ssali Geraldine thanked all the key partners and the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Trade for funding the project to completion.

The renovation is estimated to have saved the government up to Shs 5 billion which would have been incurred if the ministry had proceeded with the plan to rent out offices.