BULWADDA’S BID TO TRANSFORM KAMPALA CITY SQUARE HITS DEAD END

By Ismail Bategeka
www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala
The government has halted businessman Hassan Bulwadda’s proposal to redevelop Kampala’s Constitution Square into a commercial complex, citing the site’s protected heritage status and historical significance.
The proposal sought to transform the public park into a modern complex featuring a hotel, shopping mall and other commercial facilities.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Tuesday, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba said Cabinet had considered the site’s history and legal status before deciding to retain its existing protection.
“Constitutional Square is a protected heritage site, its protection dates back to 2007 and is recognized under the Museums and Monuments Act, 2023, and the heritage protection instrument issued in 2024,” Ms. Lumumba said.
She added that the site covers approximately 1.172 hectares, comprising plots 5, 6 and 7, and contains the 1945 War Memorial, which commemorates Ugandan soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars.
“The square and its Memorial are part of our national history. Decisions about the site must respect that history and its protected status,” she said.
The decision follows weeks of opposition from Kampala political leaders and other stakeholders concerned about losing one of the city’s remaining open spaces.
Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo had strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that the square should remain open because of its environmental, recreational and historical importance.
“City Square must be left open. It is the City Square that helps us breathe. It must not be played with. That is our take,” Mr Balimwezo said.
He also petitioned Attorney General Sam Mayanja to advise Cabinet against the proposal, arguing that the square was public land held in trust for Ugandans.
In a communication dated September 12, Mr Balimwezo said the site had been set aside in 1903 by the colonial administration as Government Square. He cited the Kampala Capital City Authority Act, 2010, and Article 237(2)(a) of the Constitution in arguing that the authority had a duty to protect the land.
“My office has a statutory duty to protect it,” he said.
Mr Balimwezo also warned that paving over the site could worsen flooding and rising temperatures in Kampala, describing the square as a carbon sink, dust filter and storm-water soakaway.
Kabanda’s committee examined proposal
The decision followed an assessment by an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minister Minsa Kabanda.
On August 30, President Yoweri Museveni directed Ms Kabanda to study Mr Bulwadda’s proposal to develop about two acres of the square into an eco-friendly commercial complex.
The proposed project included a hotel, shopping mall and other facilities, with solar power incorporated into the design.
Ms Kabanda formed a multi-agency committee to assess the proposal and advise the government. The committee considered the site’s historical significance, tourism potential and location.
“We involved other ministries like Lands and the Solicitor General, and they have shared their thoughts with us in a report that is going to be delivered to the President,” Ms Kabanda said.
The proposal attracted criticism from several political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned why Parliament had not been involved in discussions about the public space.