By Ambrose Gahene
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called for immediate halting of plans to construct a real estate at Kampala’s City Square. The call was made during a press conference at UPC Head office in Kampala on Wednesday.
Business tycoon Hajj Hassan Bulwadda recently proposed to develop the two acre City Square into eco-friendly real estate, with a Hotel and Shopping Mall among others.
Ms. Sharon Arach Oyat, UPC Spokesperson, said the City Square has faced persistent threats to its cardinal role, where in 2001, it was nearly leased to a private business tycoon, but the intervention of then Minister of Local Government Hon. Jaberi Bidandi Ssali saved it.
“It must be recalled that the public that once enjoyed this park freely can no longer access it. Yet this same Square hosted H.E. Yoweri President Yoweri Museveni after his swearing-in ceremony in January 1986. Such a history and legacy, which range from 1903, call for respect and preservation, not destruction”, she said.
Ms. Arach said UPC notes with great concern, that Constitutional Square has vital roles, which cannot be ignored or easily substituted.
“It is a vital green lung that purifies the air we breathe and improves air quality for the city. In a city full of concrete pavements with very poor water absorption, the square acts as a natural sponge that sucks up rainwater and reduces flooding”, she added.
She added that Kampala city needs such a park not only for leisure, but as an emergency assembly point, in case the Central Business District is faced with fire outbreaks or floods.
Regarding water shortage in the City, Ms. Sharon said Uganda has just experienced a prolonged dry spell and heatwave, with extremely high temperatures day and night.
“While the country is well endowed with natural water bodies that require minimal cost to treat for domestic and industrial use, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) struggles to supply water full-time due to institutional limitations”, she said.
She said UPC is calling on Government and all stakeholders, including Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), municipal authorities, the Ministry of Health and NWSC, to establish effective rapid-response teams to provide decent, hygienic toilet facilities, repair water and sewage systems, and strengthen waste management systems as the country prepares for heavy rains.