KCCA PARTNERS WITH ATC UGANDA TO LIGHT CITY STREETS

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has joined forces with telecom infrastructure provider ATC Uganda to introduce over 80 smart streetlights to the city.

On Wednesday, the partnership reached a milestone with the official handover of the smart streetlights to KCCA.

This initiative is part of the ongoing collaboration between KCCA and ATC Uganda, which began in 2020 and is in line with the Kampala Smart City initiative.

The project involves the installation of innovative smart poles that seamlessly integrate lighting with telecommunications infrastructure, thereby enhancing connectivity and safety across the city.

The handover event was presided over by Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, who expressed strong support for the partnership.

Kabanda highlighted the forward-thinking nature of the integration of solar-powered streetlights with telecommunication infrastructure, aligning with the government’s vision for a modern and sustainable Kampala City.

"This partnership with ATC Uganda is a significant step in our journey to enhance the city’s infrastructure and provide our citizens with reliable services,” Kabanda emphasized.

The dual-function smart poles not only offer high-speed connectivity for mobile data and voice call services but also provide eco-friendly, solar-powered street lighting.

These smart poles, functioning as outdoor distributed antenna systems, are strategically being installed in densely populated areas of the city, including Old Taxi Park, Nakivubo Blue, and Namayuba Taxi Park.

Dorothy Kisaka, KCCA Executive Director, highlighted the broader significance of the Smart City Initiative, stating, “The Smart City Initiative is more than just a blueprint; it is our strategic commitment to building an integrated, efficient, and sustainable urban environment here in Kampala. Leveraging technology is at the core of this initiative, aimed at improving the well-being of our citizens by enhancing the delivery of services.”

Recognizing the need to address the issue of streetlighting, KCCA emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the private sector.

ATC Uganda's involvement is acknowledged as crucial, contributing significantly to the deployment of smart poles and streetlights across various locations in the city.

Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project, stating, “We are happy to note that we have so far deployed streetlights across different parts of the city with the recent addition on the busy Nkrumah Road and Nile Avenue. This partnership is a part of our commitment to providing vital telecom infrastructure that combines connectivity with street lighting.”

Semanda also highlighted the sustainability aspect of the initiative, emphasizing that the streetlights are solar-powered, aligning with ATC Uganda’s dedication to sustainability and supporting the global drive towards net-zero emissions.

The impact of this collaborative effort extends beyond physical installations, marking a transformative shift in the way the city operates and ensuring a brighter and more connected future for all residents.​