FDC: Threatens Court Action Over Uganda Constitutional Square Development

• The FDC opposes a proposal by businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda to develop two acres of Kampala's Constitutional Square into a hotel and shopping mall.
• FDC Vice Chairperson Robert Franco stated that Constitutional Square is a gazetted National Cultural Monument and public trust land that should remain accessible.
• The party warned that commercializing public spaces could worsen urban issues like flooding and congestion, advocating for more green spaces instead.
• The FDC has threatened to seek a court caveat on the land to prevent any unlawful transaction or change of ownership if alienation attempts proceed.
• The party urged Kampala's Minister Minsa Nabbengo Kabanda and Lord Mayor Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo to reject the commercialization of this vital public space.

The FDC has explicitly warned that any further attempt to transfer, allocate, lease, sell or otherwise alienate the land will prompt the party to seek a court-ordered caveat, aiming to prevent any unlawful transaction or change of ownership.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has voiced strong opposition to a plan that would transform a portion of Kampala's Constitutional Square into a commercial complex featuring an eco-friendly hotel and a shopping mall. This proposal, put forth by city businessman Hajj Hassan Bulwadda, has been met with a stern warning from the FDC, which has vowed to legally challenge any attempt to alienate this public land.

During a media briefing held on Monday, Robert Franco, the FDC Vice Chairperson, characterized Bulwadda's initiative as both "ill-conceived" and "unpatriotic." The FDC's stance stems from the square's designation as a gazetted National Cultural Monument and historical site, asserting that it must remain freely accessible to the public. The party's reaction follows a letter reportedly sent by Bulwadda to President Yoweri Museveni on August 18, 2026, requesting permission to acquire two acres of Constitutional Square for his proposed development.

The FDC emphasizes that Constitutional Square is not vacant land available for private acquisition; rather, it is public property held in trust for the citizens of Kampala. As such, the party argues it cannot be transferred, leased, sold, or otherwise alienated through a private request made to the President. Franco underscored the square's status as a gazetted National Cultural Monument and Historical Site, stressing its importance as one of the few remaining civic green spaces within the city center.

Drawing parallels to past incidents, the FDC highlighted what it described as a pattern of public asset loss under the guise of investment. Examples cited include the UBC land in Nakasero, the Naguru-Nakawa Housing Estate, and the Shimon Primary School land. The party also pointed to Nairobi's Uhuru Park and Jeevanjee Gardens as successful models of public spaces that have been safeguarded from commercial development, advocating for similar protection for Kampala's remaining green areas.

The FDC firmly rejected the characterization of the proposed development as "eco-friendly," arguing that merely installing solar panels on a private hotel would not offset the loss of a crucial public green space. Franco asserted that Kampala's urban environment requires more public breathing room, not additional private commercial centers, warning that such developments could exacerbate existing issues like flooding and congestion. He challenged Hajj Bulwadda, acknowledging his financial means, to pursue his investment by acquiring private land on the open market instead.

The opposition party has called upon key city officials, including Minsa Nabbengo Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala, and Lord Mayor Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, who leads the Kampala Capital City Authority, to actively oppose any efforts to transfer or commercialize the land. The FDC has explicitly warned that any further attempt to transfer, allocate, lease, sell, or otherwise alienate the land will prompt the party to seek a court-ordered caveat, aiming to prevent any unlawful transaction or change of ownership.

Beyond the land dispute, the FDC's briefing also touched upon other critical national issues. The party advocated for increased government funding for Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. Additionally, they called for the provision of free menstrual hygiene materials for schoolgirls and the implementation of a government-funded school feeding program. The FDC also reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of its founding president, Dr. Kizza Besigye, citing concerns regarding his health while in detention.

Lawyers advising on land development or public-private partnerships in Uganda should note the FDC's explicit threat of legal action (seeking a caveat) against any attempt to alienate Constitutional Square, signaling increased litigation risk for projects involving gazetted public land and potential for public interest litigation.

Source: Original reporting via Independent (Kampala)