The Ugandan government has clarified that no final decision has been made on a proposal to redevelop Kampala's City Square into a modern commercial complex. This clarification comes after concerns were raised in Parliament over the future of the city's green space. The issue was raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth.
Ssenyonyi questioned the proposal to establish a solar-powered, eco-friendly commercial and business complex at the square, expressing concern about the possible loss of one of Kampala's remaining green spaces. He also questioned why Parliament had not been involved in discussions on the proposed development. The concerns followed a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni on August 30, 2026.
President Museveni's directive asked the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, to assess a proposal by businessman Hassan Bulwadda to redevelop City Square. The Minister was also directed to consult Kampala Capital City Authority and report back to the President. This move sparked concerns among lawmakers and the public.
State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives David Bahati addressed Parliament, stating that the presidential communication was an internal directive asking relevant ministers to study the proposal and provide advice. He emphasized that the proposal is still under review and that there was therefore no need for concern at this stage.
The redevelopment proposal comes amid a separate claim over the same property by businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba. Basajjabalaba appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises on September 23, claiming his company, HABA Group, was awarded a tender in 2001 to redevelop City Square.
Basajjabalaba told the committee that his company paid the then Kampala City Council Shs1.6 billion as a premium and is now pursuing compensation from government following the cancellation of the agreement. He maintained that the proposed redevelopment would have preserved the green space above the square, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
The government's clarification aims to alleviate concerns over the proposed redevelopment of City Square. Key stakeholders, including Parliament and the public, will continue to engage with the proposal as it undergoes further review. The outcome of this process remains to be seen.
Key points
- No final decision has been made on the proposed redevelopment of Kampala's City Square.
- The proposal to redevelop City Square into a modern commercial complex has sparked concerns among lawmakers and the public.
- A separate claim over the property has been made by businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba, whose company was awarded a tender in 2001.
