Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has opposed the proposed redevelopment of Kampala’s City Square, calling for the historic public space to remain available to the public rather than being turned into a commercial development.

Akena made the remarks at the UPC headquarters in Kampala amid debate over a proposal by businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda to develop about two acres of City Square into an eco-friendly real estate complex.

The proposed project includes a hotel, shopping mall and other commercial facilities, with solar power among the technologies proposed for the development. President Yoweri Museveni has directed Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda to study the proposal in consultation with KCCA and report back to him.

However, Akena argued that City Square should not be considered simply as another piece of land available for commercial development. He described it as an important public and historical space whose future, in his view, should be considered in relation to the needs of future generations.

“Eco Hotel. You mean that’s the only place you can put an eco hotel? Put an eco hotel anywhere else,” Akena said while questioning why the proposed hotel would have to be located at City Square.

Akena also raised broader concerns about the continued loss of open and green spaces in Kampala. He argued that urban development should not result in every available public space being replaced by concrete structures.

“We need to plan the green spaces for tomorrow’s generation. We can’t just build everything in concrete,” he said.

The UPC leader further argued that government should have clear institutional mechanisms for handling strategic public investments. He pointed to the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) as an institution that could be used where government decides to invest in major projects.

“If government wants to invest for something, we invest through UDC,” Akena said, adding that government should strengthen institutions responsible for public investment instead of allowing individual projects to dominate discussions about public assets.

Akena’s remarks come as the City Square proposal faces wider public scrutiny. Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has also rejected the redevelopment plan, while officials have raised concerns about preserving the square as a public and green space.

For now, the proposed development has not been finally approved. Museveni’s August 30 directive asked Minister Kabanda to study the proposal, consult KCCA and return with a report, meaning the government review process remains central to determining the future of the proposed City Square project.