KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, to study a proposal to redevelop about two acres of land at City Square into a modern commercial complex.
In a letter dated August 30, 2026, Museveni said businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda had proposed developing the site into an eco-friendly real estate complex featuring a hotel, shopping mall and other commercial facilities powered by solar energy.
“I have received a letter from Hajj Hassan Bulwadda dated the 18th of August, 2026, proposing to develop the two acres at City Square in Kampala into a modern, eco-friendly real-estate complex, with a hotel, shopping mall, etc, using solar power, etc,” Museveni wrote.
The President instructed Kabanda to assess the proposal in consultation with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) before reporting back to him.
“Study the proposal, discuss with Kampala Capital City Authority and come back to me,” Museveni directed.
The directive was copied to Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, according to reports.
The proposal has drawn public attention because City Square is one of the remaining open public spaces in central Kampala. The proposed redevelopment would significantly change the use of the two-acre site if approved.
However, the presidential letter directs officials to study and evaluate the proposal; it does not itself constitute approval of the development or a transfer of the land to Bulwadda. Any redevelopment would remain subject to the relevant planning, land-management and regulatory processes.
The proposal comes as Kampala continues to face competing demands for commercial development and preservation of public and open spaces.
For now, the next step rests with the Ministry for Kampala and KCCA, which are expected to examine the proposal and report their findings to the President.
