Uganda House, set ablaze in Nairobi, was to be reopened this Friday

The building had been under renovation.

"In the wake of protests in Kenya on June 25, 2024, the protestors abandoned the principle of peaceful demonstrations and resorted to the destruction of properties. The newly refurbished Uganda House, a commercial building located on Kenyatta Avenue in the Nairobi Central Business District, was vandalized and set ablaze," Vincent Bagire said in a statement.

"The six-floor Uganda House building, slated for reopening on Friday, June 28, 2024, has been undergoing renovations. It was only occupied by commercial tenants on the ground floor. The other floors, including the third floor, which previously housed the Consular Office, had been vacated to allow for renovations."

He added that while the fire was eventually extinguished, there was extensive damage to the property.

"While we regret the incident that led to the destruction of property, we commend the Nairobi Fire Department for extinguishing the fire," the statement read.

"Despite the extensive damage, we are grateful that no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported. It is also important to note that none of the Diplomatic or Consular staff were in the building at the time the fire broke out."

The Ugandan government condemned the violence.

"The Government of the Republic of Uganda would like to categorically state that our relations with the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya remain solid. We support peaceful demonstrations as a democratic right but condemn in the strongest terms any violence that leads to the destruction of property and loss of lives," the statement continued.

"We, therefore, call for calm and discourage unnecessary and unhelpful speculation and premature conclusions, allowing for investigations into the matter."

Meanwhile, in response to escalating tensions following the attack on the Ugandan High Commission in Nairobi, Ugandan Police have bolstered security at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala.