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Why Kampala cannot afford to lose its public green spaces
As Kampala grows, the debate over City Square raises a bigger question about what the capital should preserve as it pursues modernisation. Protecting public green spaces while accommodating investment and development will be central to shaping a city that is both economically vibrant and liveable, writes Mbabazi Sarah
Mbabazi Sarah. (Courtesy)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Mbabazi Sarah
As Kampala continues to expand, the future of City Square has emerged as one of the most important urban planning debates facing Uganda’s capital. The discussion goes well beyond questions of Land ownership and commercial development. At its core lies a broader issue about how cities should grow and whether public green spaces should be protected as essential community assets. City Square has long stood as one of Kampala’s most recognisable open spaces, offering residents, workers and visitors a place to gather, rest and interact in the middle of a busy commercial district. As pressure for development increases, many observers are questioning what role such spaces should play in the city’s future.
The importance of public green spaces has become more evident as urban populations continue to grow. Parks, squares, and other open areas contribute significantly to the quality of urban life. They provide opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and public events while also helping to improve environmental conditions. Trees and vegetation can help absorb carbon emissions, improve air quality, and reduce the effects of urban heat. In crowded cities, public spaces also provide residents with breathing room and a sense of connection to their communities. For Kampala, where rapid growth has transformed much of the urban landscape, preserving these benefits has become increasingly important.
Supporters of preserving City Square argue that such spaces are difficult to replace once they are lost. While new buildings can be constructed elsewhere, historic public spaces often hold social and cultural value that cannot easily be recreated. City Square has witnessed decades of civic activity and remains part of Kampala’s identity. Advocates of preservation believe that maintaining accessible public spaces is essential to building an inclusive city where people from all backgrounds can enjoy shared amenities. They argue that development should complement these spaces rather than eliminate them.
The importance of public green spaces has become more evident as urban populations continue to grow. Parks, squares, and other open areas contribute significantly to the quality of urban life. They provide opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and public events while also helping to improve environmental conditions. Trees and vegetation can help absorb carbon emissions, improve air quality, and reduce the effects of urban heat. In crowded cities, public spaces also provide residents with breathing room and a sense of connection to their communities. For Kampala, where rapid growth has transformed much of the urban landscape, preserving these benefits has become increasingly important.
Supporters of preserving City Square argue that such spaces are difficult to replace once they are lost. While new buildings can be constructed elsewhere, historic public spaces often hold social and cultural value that cannot easily be recreated. City Square has witnessed decades of civic activity and remains part of Kampala’s identity. Advocates of preservation believe that maintaining accessible public spaces is essential to building an inclusive city where people from all backgrounds can enjoy shared amenities. They argue that development should complement these spaces rather than eliminate them.
At the same time, proponents of commercial development point to the need for economic growth, investment and modern infrastructure. Kampala is a growing capital that must respond to the needs of businesses, investors and a rising population. New projects can create employment opportunities, generate revenue and support broader economic transformation. From this perspective, development is not only desirable but necessary if the city is to remain competitive and meet future demands. The challenge lies in ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of public interests.
Finding that balance requires careful planning and transparent decision-making. Urban development works best when environmental, social and economic considerations are weighed together. Public consultation, professional planning and responsible investment can help ensure that development projects contribute positively to the city while protecting assets that serve the wider community. Rather than framing the issue as a choice between preservation and progress, policymakers have an opportunity to pursue solutions that achieve both.
The debate over City Square ultimately reflects a larger conversation about Kampala’s future. A successful city is measured not only by the scale of its buildings and investments but also by the quality of life it offers its residents. Whether City Square remains a public green haven or gives way to concrete development will ultimately reveal how Kampala defines progress in the 21st century.
The writer is a student at Makerere University Business School
Finding that balance requires careful planning and transparent decision-making. Urban development works best when environmental, social and economic considerations are weighed together. Public consultation, professional planning and responsible investment can help ensure that development projects contribute positively to the city while protecting assets that serve the wider community. Rather than framing the issue as a choice between preservation and progress, policymakers have an opportunity to pursue solutions that achieve both.
The debate over City Square ultimately reflects a larger conversation about Kampala’s future. A successful city is measured not only by the scale of its buildings and investments but also by the quality of life it offers its residents. Whether City Square remains a public green haven or gives way to concrete development will ultimately reveal how Kampala defines progress in the 21st century.
The writer is a student at Makerere University Business School