DEPUTY DUTCH AMBASSADOR ETTRO JOINS KAMPALA CYCLING DAY

Joost van Ettro, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, visited the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to participate in the monthly Kampala Cycling Day.

The event, held every last Friday of the month, aims to advocate for cleaner, greener urban transport solutions in response to the city's significant challenges related to road safety, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

"If you plan and build cycling lanes and non-motorized facilities, people will start cycling. You will make the city beautiful and build a healthy population. In the Netherlands, we cycle a lot," stated van Ettro during the event.

Ettro was received at KCCA by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Eng. Justus Akankwasa.

Akankwasa expressed KCCA's commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.

"We are intentional as KCCA, and we are going to provide more non-motorized roads and promote cycling for sustainable development," he affirmed.

KCCA has been a key partner, facilitating necessary support through efforts to integrate cycling infrastructure into the city's urban planning, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more cyclist-friendly city.

The event, which started at City Hall, saw participation from several cyclists. It was is being organised by KCCA in partnership with eBee Uganda, an e-mobility company specializing in electric bicycles.

The initiative is supported by a broad-based community partnership that includes Fun Cycling Uganda the New Vision and the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Uganda, among others.

Kampala Cycling Day was established to advocate for a cleaner, greener city by promoting cycling as a viable and attractive option for daily commutes.

The transport sector in Kampala significantly contributes to road safety issues, traffic congestion, and air pollution, which in turn impacts public health and the environment.

By encouraging the use of bicycles, the event aims to reduce vehicular traffic and emissions, contributing to improved air quality and less congested roads.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and advocate for the development of safe cycling infrastructure in Kampala.

The positive impacts of the event include contributing to broader environmental and public health goals. Reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions lead to improved air quality, benefiting all city residents. Additionally, cycling promotes physical activity, which helps reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases.

By Geoffrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer