By Aggrey Baba
Hajji Hassan Bulwadda’s plan for Constitutional Square is shaping up as a major urban redevelopment proposal that could bring thousands of trading spaces, a hotel, public amenities and new green areas into the city centre.
Far from proposing to simply cover the two-acre site with concrete, the businessman’s plan incorporates greenery, recreation areas and solar energy alongside the commercial facilities.
According to the proposal details, one of the planned buildings, located towards the Supreme Court side, would accommodate about 1,000 shops and a 250-room hotel.
The space in front would retain grass and trees, with ordinary city users able to sit and relax without paying, while the design also provides for water features and areas where people could take selfies.
The second building, towards Kampala Road, would contain about 2,500 shops, bringing the proposed total to approximately 3,500 retail spaces.
The development would also provide free public toilets, Wi-Fi, banking facilities and designated areas where visitors can rest.
The youths and young entrepreneurs would reportedly be prioritized in accessing some of the shops (unlike other building in Kampala where getting a shop is a real tug of war, or even more expensive than the capital needed to start a business), while a tourism exhibition area would give the Ministry of Tourism space to showcase Uganda’s attractions and products.
The upper levels would incorporate additional green spaces, while solar energy would contribute to powering the complex.
This detail is important in a debate where opponents have largely framed the proposal as a threat to Kampala’s remaining green space. Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has rejected the redevelopment, arguing that City Square should remain open.
But the young billionaire’s proposed design presents a different model, of a commercial development alongside green areas and facilities intended for public use. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
