Uganda National Cultural Center (UNCC) has spoken out on reports that National Theatre is set to be demolished.
According to media reports, tenants at the facility had been ordered to evict the premises to pave way for demolitions to commence. It is said the facility was set to be replaced with a mega complex with a multi-million shopping mall, arcades, modern restaurants, bars, cinemas, state of the art auditoriums and an underground car parking, sparking outrage from the public.
UNCC has now released a statement dismissing the reports, insisting the facility will only be renovated and there will be no evictions.
Read the full statement below.
“It is not true that the Uganda National Theatre will be demolished, and that tenants have been given eviction notices. What is true is that this great facility will be renovated and that no tenant will be evicted. We’ve all been fighting and waiting to have this historical facility renovated and finally Government of Uganda has allocated money for this project.
After over 50 years of existence the National theatre building has depreciated, naturally. The flat roof which is incompatible with the tropical climate has continued to leak despite the regular repairs. The component of the asbestos above the stage is outlawed and is overdue for replacement. The proscenium arch stage has depreciated, the lighting and sound system can no longer support creativity in modern art. The chairs are breaking every other day despite the timely repairs which has created an impression that we are not doing a good job via maintenance of the facility. The resting rooms are also in need of replacement, the sewage system can no longer accommodate the current huge number of traffic in the area. The list is endless. It is on this back ground that we embarked on this project to renovate the National Theatre building and we hope that at the end of the project, we will have a better facility that is inline and supports the state of Art in the performing arena.
Regarding tenants, we held a consultative meeting with them last week on 7th June 2017 to share with them about this coming project due to the fact that there is no way we could do this without consulting them. In that meeting, they also shared with us their concerns which will be shared with the contractor once he comes on board. It is only after we share these concerns with the contactor and be advised technically that we will move forward. It is important to note that whatever will be done will be within in the law as per the tenancy agreements and MOUs we have with our beloved tenants and residential artistes.
The renovations will include the following:
• An overhaul of the Lighting and Sound system including compound lighting
• Auditorium seats carpet to be changed
• Proscenium arch stage to be improved upon
• Plumbing and drainage system to accommodate the current traffic
• Toilets to be replaced at the reception area, backstage, tenants, and the outside area
• External and internal painting of the facility
• Electrical works both External and Internal including ACs and replacement of firefighting systems
• Repair and improve the drive way
• Windows and doors repairs and replacement where necessary
• Perimeter wall fence repairs and replacement
We cannot overlook the fact that in such a major renovation some people might temporarily be affected and we kindly ask you to bear with us. We highly treasure our stakeholders (Artistes and tenants)”
Staff Writer