Fresh dispute emerges over City Square ownership

Motorists bypass a section of City Square, formerly Government Sqare, in Kampala. Photo | Stephen Otage

A fresh ownership dispute has emerged over the prime City Square property in Kampala, with businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba telling Parliament that his company won the right to redevelop the 2.5-acre site through a competitive bidding process and holds a 49-year sublease.

Mr Basajjabalaba told the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Wednesday that then Kampala City Council (KCC) advertised City Square for redevelopment and Haba Group was among about six companies that bid for the property.

"KCC advertised City Square for redevelopment and we bid it. There were like six companies, one of the companies were from Kenya. After bidding, we were the winners. Then we were requested to pay a premium of Shs1.65 billion, which was paid in 2001," he said.