By Mulengera Reporters
Hajji Farouk Kirunda, the State House Deputy Press Secretary has thrown his weight behind businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda’s proposal to redevelop City Square, arguing that the project deserves to be considered on its economic and development potential rather than being rejected outright.
Kirunda, who is also Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization, says President YK Museveni did the right thing by referring Hajj Bulwadda’s proposal to the responsible authorities for assessment instead of making an immediate decision on the future of the City-Centre piece of land.
The intervention comes amid growing resistance to Hajj Bulwadda’s proposed development, with Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo and other critics arguing that City Square should remain an open public space because of its environmental and historical importance.
Bulwadda is seeking to develop about two acres of City Square into a modern eco-friendly complex featuring a hotel, shopping mall and other commercial facilities, with solar power forming part of the project. Museveni has since directed Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda to study the proposal in consultation with KCCA and report back to him.
Hajj Kirunda’s position is that the presidential directive should not be interpreted as an order to hand over the land to Bulwadda.
Rather, he argues, the process allows the relevant authorities to examine the proposal and consider the legal, environmental, economic, historical and other implications before whether or not the land be given out is decided.
That distinction has become important because opposition to the project intensified after Museveni’s letter to Minsa Kabanda became public, with some critics interpreting the move as a decision to give away the public space.
But the President’s letter only directed Kabanda to study the proposal, consult KCCA and return with a report.
Kirunda argues that such scrutiny is part of the normal process through which major investment proposals reaching State House are handled. He also warns against dismissing investment proposals simply because they initially appear controversial or ambitious, saying Uganda needs to create room for private-sector investment if it is to achieve its wider economic ambitions.
For him, the proposal should therefore be judged on its merits, including what it could contribute to Kampala in terms of investment, employment and modern urban development.
The young tycoon’s proposal has been presented as an eco-friendly development, with the planned complex incorporating solar power and other green features.
This has also become part of the argument over the environmental future of the square, with opponents maintaining that the existing open space is itself an important environmental and recreational asset and should not be surrendered for commercial development.
Eng Balimwezo has specifically insisted that City Square must remain open and has pointed to its importance as one of the few remaining green spaces in the city Centre.
However, argues that modern architecture can allow commercial development and environmental considerations to coexist. He points to the possibility of incorporating green spaces and leisure areas into the design rather than treating construction and environmental preservation as mutually exclusive.
The debate is further complicated by the history of attempts to develop the property, including an earlier proposal associated with businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba. Kirunda maintains that previous proposals should not automatically prevent authorities from considering a new project because circumstances, technology and development concepts can change over time.
Museveni has not approved the transfer or development of City Square. The Ministry for Kampala and KCCA are expected to assess the proposal and provide their findings before the President makes a final decision.
Kirunda’s intervention nevertheless marks a significant expression of support from within State House, putting the presidential administration’s argument more clearly into the public debate, that Hajj Bulwadda’s proposal should be subjected to proper scrutiny, but not rejected before its potential economic and urban-development benefits have been examined. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
