Uganda’s capital leads the way towards an increasingly popular mode of transportation: biking. In times of urbanisation, recent policies indicate a shift towards greater sustainability. Amanda Ngabirano, Vice President of the World Cycling Alliance, highlights the developments in the city of seven hills.

Uganda, like most developing countries, is undergoing rapid urbanisation, with the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area alone contributing up to 10 per cent of the urbanisation growth rate . Although the establishment of several other cities were recently approved by parliament, Uganda still has only one city, her capital Kampala. This is increasingly becoming a matter of concern in terms of liveability and quality of public space, since density and most socio-economic activities are concentrated in this one area of space. Kampala attracts, after all, most investments and people from all over the country, leaving other towns lagging behind.

To address this continuous growth, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has made tremendous progress in improving the road infrastructure network. However, there are still glaring gaps especially in relation to road safety and the quality of public space. A good number of roads still have potholes, open trenches and lack walkways, let alone bicycle infrastructure. Most of them are also inadequately lit or entirely dark. That’s why any mention of bicycle riding in Kampala will attract shock, fear and excitement at the same time – especially when the bicycle rider is a woman.

Find out more about:

  • Kampala’s mobility experience
  • Local strategies and mobility programs in Kmapala
  • Envisioning the future of mobility

https://www.urbanet.info/kampalas-inspiring-journey-towards-a-cycling-friendly-city/

Amanda NgabiranoAmanda Ngabirano
Urban Planning Lecturer at Makerere University, Kampala
Ms Amanda Ngabirano is a passionate urban and regional planner, and lecturer at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Notably, Amanda loves her bicycle and is one of the few women who ride their bicycles in the busy streets of Uganda’s capital.She is a strong voice for cycling. She studied Urban Planning at Makerere University, Kampala and holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and Development, at Saxion University, Netherlands, and University of Greenwich, UK. She is the Vice President of the World Cycling Alliance. Amanda strongly believes African cities ought to discover the potential of cycling in relation to sustainable and inclusive mobility.

 

image credit: Cycling through Kampala © Amanda Ngabirano