By Aggrey Baba
Hajji Hassan Bulwadda’s UGX400 billion plan to transform Kampala’s City Square into a commercial and tourism hub has reached a crucial stage, with the Ministry of Lands and the Solicitor General’s office having submitted their views to the inter-ministerial committee examining the proposal.
Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, who chairs the committee, said, according to earlier reports by Nile Post, that the views had been incorporated into a report to be submitted to President Yoweri Museveni.
“We involved other ministries like Lands and the Solicitor General, and they have shared their thoughts with us in a report that is going to be delivered to the President,” Kabanda said.
The city businessman wants to turn the prominent city-centre site into a major commercial complex featuring thousands of shops, a 250-room hotel, four floors of parking and landscaped spaces for public recreation.
Hajji Bulwadda says the project would attract tourists, expand commercial activity and create opportunities for Ugandans. He has also proposed an innovation hub as part of his broader vision for the development.
“We are going to build a shopping centre and an innovation hub. Who is going to benefit from that? Ugandans,” Bulwadda said.
The committee, reportedly assessed the proposal against several considerations, including City Square’s historical significance, tourism potential and location. It also examined a separate proposal concerning Nakivubo Settlement Primary School land.
The City Square plan has attracted debate over the future of public land, with Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo questioning the consultation process and arguing that Kampala Capital City Authority should have been involved.
The committee’s inquiry is now complete, but the proposed project has not received final approval. Museveni’s consideration of the report is expected to determine the next steps, alongside any further approvals required.
The outcome will be crucial to Hajji Bulwadda’s plan to establish a major commercial destination in the heart of Kampala, combining business facilities with tourism and public amenities. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
