Hajj Hassan Bulwadda Backs Cabinet's Decision to Preserve Constitutional Square

Prominent businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda has publicly endorsed the Cabinet’s resolution to halt his proposed commercial redevelopment of Kampala’s Constitutional Square. Bulwadda stated that the historic site’s significance must take precedence over any commercial ambitions.

The government’s announcement followed strong public opposition and concerns raised by various political leaders regarding the potential loss of green space. The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, explained that the Cabinet resolved to maintain the square’s current legal status after reviewing its historical, environmental, and urban planning implications.

The 1.172-hectare site has enjoyed legal protection since 2007 and is formally recognized under the Museums and Monuments Act, 2023, along with a heritage protection instrument issued in 2024. It also houses the 1945 War Memorial, which honors Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Bulwadda’s initial initiative began with an August letter to President Yoweri Museveni, seeking approval to build an eco-friendly commercial complex featuring a shopping mall, hotel, and solar-powered facilities. Although the President instructed the Ministry for Kampala to study the proposal, the multi-agency review ultimately culminated in the Cabinet’s decision to preserve the public space.

Expressing his support for the leadership, Bulwadda noted that President Museveni listens to the citizens, and he stands firmly with both the public and the government in safeguarding national history. For more details, read the original report on Nile Post.