Let’s be the change we wish to see
We recently celebrated Uganda’s 56th independence, but the lingering question is how this independence manifests in the life of an ordinary Ugandan. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- To enable pathways to sustainable cities, we must be ready to invest in planning processes and support leaders in urban centres to assume stewardship. Everybody needs to know they have a role to play and should be equipped with the tools necessary to deliver on that role.
On my recent evening drive through Kadama Town in Kibuku District, the scene is illustrative of many towns in Uganda. The place bustles with roadside vendors, taxi operators, boda boda riders and masses of young men and women arriving from their day jobs, some scanning the street food menus on offer.
No one seems bothered by the nearby garbage heap and the swarming flies. I am about to express my concern about the garbage to a fellow traveller when a posh vehicle speeds by, out of which flies an empty mineral water bottle and roast maize cobs that barely make it to the heap.
Our towns and cities are strewn with litter and garbage and as a people, we do not seem to mind. Sadly, while adults are throwing bottles and plastic bags through car windows, children are watching and learning.
We recently celebrated Uganda’s 56th independence, but the lingering question is how this independence manifests in the life of an ordinary Ugandan. Recently, I watched as Ugandans being interviewed on TV talked about what independence meant to them.
Some said, “It means we are in charge of our country.” Others noted “It meant that we could make decisions and determine our direction as a country.” All acknowledged that this nation’s future has to be shaped by its citizenry.
So, what are we doing to shape the Uganda we want as the country becomes increasingly urban? According to the 2018 UN World Urbanisation Prospects Revision, 68 per cent of the world’s population is projected to be urban by 2050.
Kampala already has a total population of 1.5 million people and this increases to approximately 4 million during the day, according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics report, 2014. The urgency to properly plan for the urban population surge is critical.
To enable pathways to sustainable cities, we must be ready to invest in planning processes and support leaders in urban centres to assume stewardship. Everybody needs to know they have a role to play and should be equipped with the tools necessary to deliver on that role.
Emily Katarikawe,
Kampala
