The European Union (EU) Delegation in Uganda and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have partnered to promote cycling as a sustainable solution to combat climate change and traffic congestion in Kampala.
As part of the EU Green Diplomacy Week and Kampala Cycling Day, EU diplomats and Ugandan cyclists embarked on a cycling exercise from KCCA offices at City Hall to Kololo Senior Secondary School.
According to the EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, the event aimed to demonstrate the importance of individual choices in protecting the environment.
“Cycling is a simple yet effective way to reduce carbon emissions, ease traffic congestion, and promote healthy lifestyles,” Ambassador Sadek said.
Frank Rusa, Acting Executive Director of KCCA, emphasized the numerous benefits of cycling. “We are killing many birds with one stone. Cycling is good for our health, the environment, and helps to reduce traffic congestion,” Rusa said.
However, despite the benefits of cycling, Uganda’s roads pose a significant safety concern for cyclists and pedestrians. The lack of dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways, combined with inadequate lighting, has resulted in numerous fatalities.
Engineer Justus Akankwasa, Director of Engineering and Technical Services at KCCA, acknowledged these challenges and assured the public that measures are being taken to address them.
“We are working to make roads safe for both pedestrians and cyclists. We have already started constructing walkways and cycling lanes in various parts of the city,” Akankwasa said.
The EU has committed to supporting Uganda’s efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation. Ambassador Sadek encouraged Ugandans to make individual choices that contribute to a more sustainable future. “You can choose to go by car or by bike. My message to all citizens in Kampala is to try the bike as a mode of transportation,” he said.
As Kampala joins global efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation, residents are encouraged to embrace cycling as a sustainable solution to combat climate change and traffic congestion.
