Last month, President Museveni directed Minsa Kabanda, the minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, to study Hajji Hassan Bulwadda’s proposal to redevelop Constitutional Square and consult Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) before reporting back to him.
Ahead of the final report, GEOFREY SERUGO analyses what is at stake for the sole remaining green belt in Kampala central business district.
In a directive dated August 30, 2026, Museveni said he had received a proposal from Bulwadda to transform the site into a modern, eco-friendly real estate complex.
“I have received a letter from Hajj Hassan Bulwadda dated August 18, 2026, proposing to develop the two acres at Constitutional Square in Kampala into a modern, eco-friendly real estate complex, with a hotel, shopping mall, etc., using solar power,” Museveni wrote.
The president instructed Kabanda to assess the proposal in consultation with KCCA.
“Study the proposal, discuss with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and come back to me,” he said.
The directive has, however, brought renewed attention to an earlier redevelopment arrangement involving Hassan Basajjabalaba.
Constitutional Square’s history
City Square, a 1.172-hectare landmark in the heart of Kampala, was laid out as government square in 1903 under the colonial township ordinance. In 1939, a World War memorial was consecrated at the site.
The square was renamed Constitutional Square in 1995 following the promulgation of the new Constitution. In 2007, the government gazetted the site and declared it a protected historical monument under Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2007. Its protected status adds another layer to the current debate over its redevelopment.
Inside Bulwadda’s proposal
Muzamil Kwebiha, the public relations officer for Bulwadda, says concerns raised by members of the public over the proposed development have been addressed in the design.
He says environmental conservation was considered from the planning stage. Before preparing the proposal, Kwebiha says Bulwadda’s technical team conducted an assessment of the existing Constitutional Square to establish its physical and environmental features.
“We realised that it had 19 indigenous trees, as well as seats where people walk in, sit and relax,” Kwebiha says.
He says the findings informed the architectural design, which he said would not eliminate the character of Constitutional Square but instead enhance it into a more environmentally friendly public space.
According to Kwebiha, the square would remain accessible to the public after redevelopment.
“Following the redevelopment, it will remain a public place where people will walk in freely because any development that comes in should give that leverage,” he says.
He adds the proposed development would increase the amount of green cover at the site.
“The structure that is coming on board is over 600 per cent of what the green cover is. It has a very big terrace with green cover. It also has balconies with green cover,” he says.
The ground floor, he adds, would include open space for members of the public to enjoy the environment.
“People will be free to walk in, take a selfie, do shopping and enjoy the green cover,” Kwebiha says.
The proposed facility would also provide free Wi-Fi to the public.
“People should not fear. The facility will also provide free Wi-Fi to the public because internet access has been recognised internationally as important to access to information and opportunities,” he says.
Kwebiha adds that the complex would accommodate more than 1,000 shops, creating opportunities for income-generating activities. He also said the development would generate revenue for government through trade licences, utility payments, including water and electricity, and other taxes.
Proposed museum
Here, Kwebiha notes that the developers are also considering establishing a museum at the site to preserve its history.
“We are also looking at creating a city museum. A lot of things can go into the museum. But I think KCCA has not really thought of this, and since this is a historical site,” he says.
He emphasizes that the site had historical links to the colonial period, when it was planned as an area for government offices.
“According to the arrangements of the colonial masters, City Square was a planned area for the colonial masters to put government offices in 1901,” Kwebiha notes.
He says the plans were later abandoned after the Second World War as Britain faced financial difficulties.
“After World War II, Britain was a little bit financially unstable and then it gave up on that. It is now 126 years, and we are bringing this dream alive,” he said.