By Aggrey Baba
UPC President Jimmy Akena has sharply opposed the proposed redevelopment of Kampala’s City Square, warning President Yoweri Museveni against allowing the capital’s remaining public and green spaces to be swallowed by private commercial interests.
Akena, speaking at the Uganda People’s Congress (IPC) headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, described City Square as a historical public space that should be protected for future generations rather than converted into another commercial complex. Full Akena video is hereunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HArMbVy1NQ&t=174s
His remarks come amid growing controversy over a proposal by businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda to develop two acres of City Square into an eco-friendly real estate complex comprising a hotel, shopping mall and other commercial facilities.
President Museveni last month directed Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda to study the proposal in consultation with KCCA and report back to him.
But Akena said the proposal reflects a wider problem in the way public assets are being handled, arguing that Uganda must establish clear systems for government investment rather than allowing State House to become involved in individual business arrangements.
Aken insisted that places like City Square and constitutional square are historical monuments and that such spaces should not simply be handed over to private developers.
He questioned why a proposed hotel would have to be located on City Square when other sites are available in Kampala.
“Eco Hotel. You mean that’s the only place you can put an eco hotel? Put an eco hotel anywhere else,” he said.
Akena indicated that the issue goes beyond the proposed hotel or shopping mall. He argued that Kampala has steadily lost open spaces and that turning every available piece of land into concrete threatens the quality of life of future generations.
“We need to plan the green spaces for tomorrow’s generation. We can’t just build everything in concrete,” he said.
The UPC leader also invoked Uganda’s history of public investment, pointing to several buildings around Kampala that he said were established with specific public purposes. He cited the Uganda Housing Construction Company, the former People’s Bank and the Upper Hotel, arguing that previous governments had deliberately invested in institutions and infrastructure intended to serve workers and ordinary Ugandans.
Akena said Uganda should instead strengthen institutions such as the Uganda Development Corporation to handle strategic government investments.
“If government wants to invest for something, we invest through UDC,” he said, arguing that government already has structures through which public investments can be undertaken.
His intervention adds to mounting resistance to the City Square proposal. Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has also opposed redevelopment, saying the square should remain open and protected as public space. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
