Uganda: FDC Opposes Proposed Development of Constitutional Square, Threatens Court Action

What the report says

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda has opposed a proposal to develop part of Kampala’s Constitutional Square into an eco-friendly hotel and shopping mall, saying it would challenge any move to take the land to court. The reaction was reported by The Independent (Kampala) and distributed by AllAfrica. FDC vice chairperson Robert Franco raised the issue at a media briefing in Kampala, describing the plan as inappropriate and arguing that the square should remain open to the public.

According to the report, the proposal came from Kampala businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda, who reportedly wrote to President Yoweri Museveni on August 18, 2026, seeking permission to take over two acres of the site. Franco said Constitutional Square is a gazetted national cultural monument and historical site, and that it should not be transferred, leased or sold through a private arrangement. He also argued that the city needs more public green space rather than additional commercial property.

The FDC warned that commercial development of the square could worsen congestion and flooding, and cited other public spaces in the region as examples of land that has been preserved. The party also urged Kampala authorities and the minister for Kampala to resist any transfer of the land. If further steps are taken to alienate the property, Franco said the FDC would seek a court order and request a caveat to block any transaction.

Separately, the party used the briefing to call for more education funding and other social support measures, and it renewed its appeal for the release of its founding president, Kizza Besigye.