By Mulengera Reporters
Attorney General Dr Sam Mayanja has described Kampala’s historic City Square as a hideout for criminals who allegedly use the public space to plan attacks on shops and surrounding communities, arguing that Hajji Hassan Bulwadda’s proposed redevelopment offers an opportunity to restore the area’s safety, greenery and public appeal.
Mayanja, in a video recorded recently, said the situation at the two-acre site had deteriorated to the extent that police personnel and a police truck were permanently stationed there to deal with suspected criminals, raising questions about whether the square was still serving its intended purpose as a public recreation space.
According to the Attorney General, some suspected criminals allegedly use City Square as a resting place after disturbing different parts of the city, before planning further attacks on businesses and residential areas.
He argued that the presence of police officers constantly dealing with suspected offenders had undermined the square’s appeal to families, visitors and other members of the public who might otherwise use the space for recreation.
“Now that must be stopped,” Mayanja said, insisting that Kampala could not continue with an arrangement in which one of its prominent public spaces was associated with insecurity rather than leisure and tourism.
His remarks add a public-safety dimension to the debate surrounding businessma Hassan Bulwadda’s proposal to transform City Square into a modern commercial and tourism complex.
The businessman’s plan envisages new shopping facilities, hotel accommodation, landscaped green spaces, a water fountain, free public Wi-Fi and other amenities intended to give the city centre a more modern appearance.
Dr Sam Mayanja argued that restoring greenery should be among the priorities, saying the existing green space had deteriorated and needed to be reintroduced as part of the proposed transformation.
He also highlighted the proposed water fountain as a potential attraction where Ugandans and visitors could take photos, while calling for the preservation of the monument at the square to maintain its historical significance.
The Attorney General’s vision goes beyond beautification. He wants City Square to become a place where people can comfortably relax, connect to the internet and learn about the country’s history without being discouraged by insecurity.
Under the proposal, modern internet connectivity would allow visitors to access Wi-Fi while in the city centre, while improved public facilities would help make the square more attractive to residents and tourists.
Dr. Mayanja said such improvements could help Kampala compete with major international cities, arguing that the capital should aspire to public spaces that reflect modern urban standards.
His position presents the proposed redevelopment as an opportunity to address several urban challenges at once, including public safety, deteriorating green space, limited recreational appeal and the need for modern amenities in Kampala.
For Bulwadda, the proposal offers a vision of a more commercially active and better-equipped city centre, with shopping facilities, hospitality services and recreational amenities occupying the site.
Mayanja’s remarks suggest that, in his view, the debate should not be limited to whether City Square should remain as it is, but should also consider whether its present condition adequately serves the public.
