The Opposition Democratic Front (DF) has opposed plans to redevelop part of the historic City Square in Kampala into a modern, solar-powered commercial and hotel complex.

The proposed development, associated with businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda, involves about two acres of the City Square land.

It follows a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, to study the proposal in consultation with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and report back.

Speaking to journalists at the DF headquarters in Mengo on Wednesday, party National Chairman Samwel Mukaaku said developing City Square would further reduce Kampala’s green spaces and could have implications for the city’s environment and air quality.

Mukaaku urged potential investors to consider alternative locations, arguing that City Square is an important public and green space that should be preserved.

Meanwhile, Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru has joined other city leaders and members of the public opposing the proposed development, while clarifying that President Museveni has not handed over or given away Constitutional Square.

Uhuru said the President only directed the Minister for Kampala to study the proposal and provide feedback.

He was speaking at a Mayors from the Greater Kampala Mayors Forum meeting on sustainable energy held at City Hall.

Kampala Lord Mayor Ssalongo Ronald Balimwezo also revealed that he has petitioned the Office of the Attorney General over the proposed redevelopment.

Balimwezo said his petition draws attention to a report by former Kampala minister Bidandi Ssali, which identified Constitutional Square as one of the few remaining ecosystems in the city, alongside the Railway Grounds, and called for their protection under the mandate of KCCA.

The proposed redevelopment has consequently sparked debate among city leaders, political actors and members of the public over the balance between investment, urban development and preservation of Kampala’s public green spaces.

By Olivia Nabaggala