Museveni Orders Review of City Square Redevelopment Plan

President Yoweri Museveni has called for a thorough review of a proposal to redevelop a significant portion of Kampala’s City Square into a modern commercial hub. Businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda has put forward a plan to transform two acres of the public space into an eco-friendly complex, which would include a hotel and shopping mall, utilizing solar power.

The President’s directive, communicated via a letter to the Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, mandates a comprehensive study of the proposal in consultation with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This review is crucial given City Square’s historical importance as a central gathering place and one of the few open green spaces in Kampala’s dense business district.

The proposed development, if approved, would mark a substantial shift in the use and character of City Square. It is expected to spark discussions regarding public access, urban planning standards, environmental impact, and the preservation of urban green spaces in the rapidly developing capital.

This situation echoes a similar proposal from businessman Hamis Kiggundu regarding the Nakivubo drainage channel. While distinct in nature, both proposals place prominent public urban areas under consideration for large-scale private commercial development, raising ongoing questions about the management and future of Kampala’s public assets.

The review will consider the long-term implications for public access and the urban landscape of Kampala. https://observer.ug/news/museveni-orders-review-of-plan-to-turn-kampala-city-square-into-hotel