Cabinet has halted a proposed redevelopment of Constitution Square in central Kampala, retaining the public space’s protected heritage status and preserving the historic 1945 War Memorial.
The decision reverses plans to transform the 1.172-hectare site into a commercial real estate complex following public opposition to the proposed development.
The Government of Uganda announced the decision on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, saying Cabinet had reversed the proposal and retained Constitution Square’s existing legal status as a protected heritage site.
The meeting was chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, announced the decision.
The proposed redevelopment had attracted criticism from residents and heritage advocates concerned that commercial construction would compromise one of Kampala’s historic landmarks and reduce public open space in the increasingly built-up city centre.
Constitution Square is home to the 1945 War Memorial, which commemorates soldiers who died during the Second World War. Its historical significance has made the site an important part of Kampala’s public landscape.
The proposed project, associated with businessman Hassan Bulwadda, had sparked debate over the future of the square and the balance between commercial development and the preservation of public heritage.
Under the Cabinet decision, the site will retain its protected status under the applicable heritage framework, including the Museums and Monuments Act.
The reversal means the proposed commercial complex will not proceed under the plan that had drawn public opposition.
The decision also highlights the continuing debate over how Kampala should accommodate investment and urban growth while safeguarding historic sites and public spaces.
The Government’s announcement did not provide further details about whether alternative development proposals for the site would be considered or what future plans, if any, Cabinet has for improving the square.
