By Mulengera Reporters
Following Cabinet’s decision to reverse the proposed redevelopment of Constitutional Square, Kawempe Division Mayor Dr Emmanuel Serunjogi has called for renewed efforts to protect Nakivubo Settlement School, saying the fight to preserve Constitution Square should inspire Kampala leaders to defend public assets and affordable education for the poor.
Serunjogi, who chairs the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Environment and Natural Resources Committee, made the call while congratulating Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, opposition Leader of Parliament (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, Kampala MPs, KCCA Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki, members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), division mayors and KCCA councillors for their role in the campaign to preserve the City Square.
He said the decision to retain the square as a heritage site demonstrated what leaders could achieve through collective action and determination, urging them not to allow the unity forged during the campaign to fade.
“My sincere gratitude goes to His Worship the Lord Mayor, LOP, Kampala MPs, ED, CEC, Division Mayors, the Authority Council, and everyone who stood firm in the fight to preserve Constitution Square,” Serunjogi said.
He added that their efforts had secured them a place in Kampala’s environmental conservation history, particularly in defending public green spaces against competing interests.
However, the mayor said the next priority should be Nakivubo Settlement School, where he wants city leaders to unite in protecting the interests of low-income families who depend on affordable education.
“Our attention must now turn to Nakivubo Settlement School, where we must remain equally vigilant, united, and determined to protect the interests of the low-income earners who depend on affordable schools,” he said.
The school has become a subject of concern amid plans associated with the development of the Nakivubo area, with questions being raised about the future of affordable learning facilities serving disadvantaged communities.
Serunjogi urged the Lord Mayor, CEC members, division mayors, Authority councillors and other stakeholders to rally behind a common position on the school, calling for constructive engagement through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.
He said the interests of affected communities must be heard and protected, warning that the success recorded at Constitution Square should not mark the end of collective efforts to safeguard public spaces and community assets.
“We must not allow our unity to end with Constitution Square. Let us build an even stronger team, remain focused on our shared responsibility, and work together to secure a fair and sustainable outcome for the affected communities,” he said.
Serunjogi further called for unity, courage, strategy and persistence, arguing that city leaders must remain focused on the needs of ordinary citizens when making decisions affecting public facilities.
His remarks signal a possible new front in the debate over the future of public assets in Kampala, with the Kawempe division mayor seeking to build on the coalition that pushed for the preservation of City Square.
He said protecting the environment must go hand in hand with social justice and safeguarding the rights of ordinary citizens. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
