Having studied and lived in The Netherlands for almost 16 months, I came to terms with the fact that

Uganda is a beautiful country exposed to excessive informality spatially, a trend I call a threat to her beauty and potential to fast and smart development; my country is getting rapidly disorderly as our spaces pace with urban development amidst minimal effective planning intervention. I learned so much which we can deliberately apply in Uganda. I never left my family to study my masters degree in order to be different, but to learn how I can be relevant to my country’s development, through exposure, knowledge acquisition and sharing.

EXPRIENCES – TOWARDS SMART & INCLUSSIVE CITIES

Policy is key, but more its implementation

From the Dutch experience, it is clear that a national policy is key, but more key is its implementation. If the relevant ministries could implement only of Ugandans policies, her citizens would live far more full filling lives and the gap between the rich and the poor would not be that glaring.

Coordinated & Integrated Planning

It also became obvious that there has to be deliberate coordination of some some key sectors; given the interdependence of urban aspects; for instance the environment and transport; transport and land uses; people and places, health and transport, energy and efficiency, gender equality and development opportunities, etc. The lack of this coordination is causing slow pace of development, let alone being un-smart and expensive in the long run.

Public participation for sustainability

What was so representative of social democracy was the level of public participation, marketing of projects and stakeholder engagement. However long a project takes, once it is acceptable and owned by the major beneficiaries, then its sustainability is guaranteed, moreover leaving citizens proud of their country and her leadership.

Pilot Projects

Even the longest journey begins with a single step. The fear to take up new concepts is understandable and that is why it is important to try out pilots before investing massively in them. I proposed a pilot concept for inclusive mobility down town Kampala, and KCCA has adopted it and is yet to have it implemented.

This can be rolled out in the whole of Uganda, if the government prioritizes it. It will improve the quality of public space in the busiest areas, hence improving business performance. It is also in line with Vision 2040, regarding improved non-motorized transport.

Role Model

As a lecturer at Makerere University, a mother and an urban planner, I regard myself as a role model. I ride my bicycle once in a while, as I aim to individually change the negative image which has led to it being neglected. After all the prime minister of The Netherlands rides to work. Leaders are the best role models society can have.