By Mulengera Reporters
Kampala’s historic City Square should be transformed into a modern tourism attraction with restored greenery, a water fountain, free Wi-Fi and facilities capable of drawing families and international visitors, Attorney General Dr Sam Mayanja has argued, throwing his weight behind businessman Hajji Hassan Bulwadda’s proposed UGX400 billion redevelopment project.
In a recent video seen by Mulengera News, Mayanja described his vision of a modernized City Square where Ugandans could relax, take pictures, access the internet and reconnect with the country’s history, arguing that Kampala should have public spaces capable of competing with those in major international cities.
He wants the proposed transformation to go beyond commercial buildings, with greenery restored, the historical independence monument preserved and modern amenities introduced to make the two-acre site more attractive to residents and visitors.
The Attorney General particularly highlighted the proposed water fountain as an attraction where Ugandans could take photos and enjoy the surroundings, while the existing monument would remain an important feature reminding visitors of the country’s history.
He also envisages a public space equipped with modern internet connectivity, allowing people to access free Wi-Fi while visiting the city centre.
His vision is that City Square should become a place where families can spend time together, visitors can appreciate Kampala’s attractions and city residents can enjoy a more welcoming environment in the heart of the capital.
Dr Mayanja further argued that Kampala should aspire to the standards of major international cities, citing New York, Washington, London, Paris and Berlin as examples of urban centres whose public spaces contribute to their appeal.
His remarks provide a broader perspective on Hassan Bulwadda’s redevelopment proposal, which seeks to combine commercial investment with facilities intended to improve the experience of people visiting the city centre.
Under the plan, a commercial complex on the Supreme Court side of City Square would accommodate approximately 1,000 shops and 250 hotel suites, while another development along Kampala Road would provide about 2,500 additional shops.
The proposed complex would therefore provide approximately 3,500 shops alongside hotel accommodation, creating a substantial commercial hub within the central business district.
Other planned facilities include free public toilets, free Wi-Fi, banking services, resting areas, tourism exhibition space, solar energy installations and rooftop greenery.
If approved and implemented as proposed, the project would significantly change the use and appearance of the site, introducing commercial facilities while incorporating recreational and other public amenities.
The businessman’s proposal presents an opportunity to modernize a strategically located property while contributing to Kampala’s commercial and tourism potential.
