opinion 24 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
City Square Redevelopment Proposal Sparks Debate on Kampala's Future
A proposal to redevelop Kampala's City Square has prompted an open letter to President Museveni, urging a broader discussion on the city's urban planning and the preservation of public spaces. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/open-letter-to-president-museveni-on-city-square-5608330
A recent proposal by businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda to redevelop Kampala’s City Square has ignited a crucial conversation about the future of urban spaces in Uganda’s capital. While President Museveni has directed the Minister for Kampala and KCCA to study the proposal, an open letter highlights concerns that the decision might overlook the historical and civic significance of the two-acre plot.
City Square, originally known as Government Square since the early 1900s, has served as a vital civic open space for generations. The letter argues that Kampala, facing immense population growth and urban pressure, requires more, not less, public space to accommodate its expanding citizenry. It emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of residents, from boda-boda riders seeking shade to mothers with children needing a place to rest, and job seekers who don’t need to purchase something to occupy the space.
Instead of immediately considering development, the letter suggests inquiring why the space might be underused and how it can be enhanced to better serve the public. Recommendations include improving safety, planting indigenous trees, providing seating and shade, maintaining cleanliness, and incorporating its history into its identity. The letter points to African cities like Nairobi and Kigali as examples of actively rehabilitating and promoting green public spaces.
This debate arrives as Uganda commits to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11.7, which calls for universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces. The letter cautions against viewing this as merely a matter of a single investor, but rather as an opportunity to establish a coherent public space strategy for Kampala, rather than making ad-hoc decisions investor by investor.
Past attempts to commercially develop City Square have been met with resistance, and the site was reportedly designated a protected historical and monumental site in 2007. The letter urges a comprehensive review of Kampala’s public spaces, considering future needs and historical context, rather than losing a vital piece of the city’s heritage.