President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, to study a proposal seeking to redevelop Kampala City Square into a modern solar powered commercial complex and return to him with recommendations after consultations with Kampala Capital City Authority.
In a directive dated August 30, 2026, the President said he had received a proposal from businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda, who wants to transform the two acre City Square into an eco friendly business development 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,” Museveni wrote.
The President instructed Kabanda to evaluate the proposal together with KCCA before reporting back to him.
“Study the proposal, discuss with Kampala Capital City Authority and come back to me,” he said.
The directive was copied to Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Hajj Hassan Bulwadda, signaling that the proposal has been formally submitted for government consideration.
City Square is one of Kampala’s most recognizable public spaces, located in the heart of the central business district near Parliamentary Avenue, Kampala Road and major government offices. The site has historically served as a recreational area and a venue for public gatherings, making any proposed redevelopment likely to attract significant public interest.
The proposal comes as the government continues to encourage private sector investment in urban infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Uganda has increasingly promoted the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of efforts to expand clean energy adoption and support environmentally sustainable growth.
At this stage, the President has not approved the project. His directive requires the Ministry for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs and KCCA to assess the proposal before a final decision is made on the future of the prime city centre land.
The proposal comes months after President Museveni directed Businessman Hamis Kiggundu to redevelop the Nakivubo Channel, one of Kampala’s busiest drainage corridors, as part of efforts to modernise the city and curb flooding.
The project has transformed sections around Hamz Nakivubo Stadium, with the channel widened, reinforced and cleaned to improve water flow and the city’s appearance.
Government says the works are aimed at ending years of destructive floods that have disrupted businesses and claimed lives in Kampala’s central business district.
The proposed City Square redevelopment is expected to complement these ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, greener and more modern Kampala through public and private investment.
