KCCA says planning cyclist, pedestrian lanes

KAMPALA - The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) says it is planning to redesign roads to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians.

The move, according to the authority, is aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and improving road safety.

KCCA traffic management and control manager Joel Wasswa, Friday, June 27, 2025, said the authority has developed a cycling network and plan for the citizens of Kampala.

This plan includes infrastructure to facilitate cycling, such as designated cycling lanes and parking facilities for bicycles. 

The revelation was during the monthly Kampala cycling day, which is aimed at encouraging cycling as a zero-emission mode of transport, aligning with the city's vision of becoming a greener and healthier city.

According to Wasswa, KCCA constructed a non-motorised transport (NMT) 2km pilot route in 2018 along Namirembe Road from Bakuli to Entebbe Road, and it is exclusively for pedestrian traffic.

"A second phase of the pilot route is planned to cover the upper section of City Square and part of Shimoni Road along Grand Imperial, and the authority plans to extend the cycling network to cover other parts of the city centre, providing dedicated infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians,’’ Wasswa said.

He added that KCCA has a dedicated budget each financial year to promote cycling by buying electric bicycles for staff use, and that the authority plans to acquire more electric bicycles to encourage staff to adopt cycling.

Wasswa said that despite the progress, challenges persist, including encroachment by motorcycle riders locally known as (bodaboda) on designated cycling lanes, and because of that, KCCA aims to address this issue by providing clear markings and separation between vehicle lanes and cycling lanes.

Wasswa said that organisations such as eBee Mobility, Safeway Right Way Uganda, and Fun Cycling Uganda are working together to advocate for safe cycling spaces and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

KCCA is working together with the organisers of the monthly Kampala Cycling Day, eBee mobility, the manufacturers of electric bicycles and other organisations such as Safeway Right Way Uganda and Fun Cycling Uganda to advocate for safe cycling spaces and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

Hakim Owiny, the environmental, social, and governance (esg) advocacy and marketing manager at eBee Mobility, said the Kampala Cycling Day movement envisions a city that prioritises people over cars, valuing the safety and dignity of all road users.

‘’This vision aligns with KCCA's efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce traffic congestion,’’ said Owiny.

Irene Namuyiga, the General Manager of Safeway Right Way Uganda emphasised the importance of advocacy and training more female cyclists to increase visibility and push for safer cycling spaces.

Ras B Ssali, the founder of Fun Cycling Uganda, shared his personal experience of discovering cycling during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ssali highlighted the benefits of cycling for fitness, health, and environmental sustainability and noted a positive change in the mindset of bodaboda riders, who now show more respect for cyclists.

Ssali concluded that the Kampala Cycling Day movement is driving change, pushing for a city that values the safety and dignity of all road users.

With continued advocacy and collaboration, Kampala can become a more cyclist-friendly city, promoting sustainable transportation and community engagement.