Politics 30 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Government Reassures Public on City Square Development Plans
The Ugandan government has moved to quell public apprehension regarding the proposed development of Kampala's City Square, addressing concerns raised in Parliament about the potential loss of a key green space. Officials clarified that a presidential directive for a review of a private proposal is still under consideration. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4642/govt-allays-concerns-over-city-square
Concerns have been raised in Uganda’s Parliament regarding the potential development of City Square, a significant green area in Kampala. The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, brought to light a letter from President Museveni that suggests a proposal for a solar-powered, eco-friendly commercial complex at the site. Hon. Ssenyonyi expressed worry about Parliament being sidelined in decisions concerning such valuable public land.
“Is it actually true that government is considering giving away one of the few remaining green spaces we have in our city?” Hon. Ssenyonyi questioned during a plenary session, emphasizing the need to preserve and expand urban green spaces rather than diminish them.
The presidential directive, dated August 30, 2026, tasked the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, with evaluating a proposal from businessman Hassan Bulwadda. The Minister was also instructed to consult with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and report back to the President.
Responding to the parliamentary concerns, the State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, stated that the President’s letter was an internal matter intended for review by relevant ministries. “The letter asked the Ministers to study the proposal and give advice, and the proposal is indeed being studied. So, there is no cause for alarm,” Minister Bahati assured the House.
Separately, businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has also laid claim to the City Square area. Appearing before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on September 23, 2026, he indicated he is seeking compensation from the government. Basajjabalaba stated that his company, HABA Group, was awarded a tender to redevelop City Square in 2001 and paid a premium of shs1.6 billion to the then-Kampala City Council. He further claimed that his proposed redevelopment would have maintained the green space above the commercial facilities.
Source: Parliament of Uganda