For God and my Feet: The pain of walking in Uganda
Jul 08, 2010
IF a survey were conducted to measure the natural beauty of countries, Uganda would score highly. Its vegetation makes Uganda a gem. And this beautiful country does not shy away from piousness — our motto, after all, is “For God and My Countryâ€.
By Patrick Kabanda
IF a survey were conducted to measure the natural beauty of countries, Uganda would score highly. Its vegetation makes Uganda a gem. And this beautiful country does not shy away from piousness — our motto, after all, is “For God and My Countryâ€.
Unfortunately, there are some mannerisms that keep one wondering what is happening to our national civility. One of them is the chronic disregard for pedestrians.
Walking has tremendous benefits: a pollution-free means of transport and a great way to exercise. But instead of celebrating it, we equate it with destitution.
From dust to stinking trash to reckless drivers, pedestrians face insurmountable problems. While I focus on Kampala and its suburbs (excluding posh areas such as Kololo) these problems can be found all over the country.
Uncovered manholes
Many Ugandan roads are in bad shape. When a road is done, sidewalks are often overlooked — footpaths are routinely replaced with water trenches.
Manholes on sidewalks are left uncovered for ages, posing a danger to innocent pedestrians. Here and there, electric circuits on ground level are left exposed. Imagine the risk to walkers, especially children.
Crazy driving
In traffic jams, boda-bodas and motorists often turn to sidewalks. In the absence of parking space, drivers invade sidewalks. Many seldom yield to pedestrians even at zebra crossings.
One evening near Kibuye market a mother among a throng eager to cross the road pleaded with motorists: Ssinga no wabaawo atusasira meaning “I wish someone were kind to usâ€).The mother, with a frail baby on her back, was hoping that one driver would stop for the stranded pedestrians.
When one kind driver finally did so, a cacophony of horns erupted within seconds. Cars started to overtake the Good Samaritan, dispersing crossing pedestrians.
Our leaders, too, disrespect pedestrians. While security is crucial, the breakneck speeds at which presidential and other official convoys move is shocking. The alarming convoys send every moving object scurrying off the roads.
Dust and stagnant water
On our dirt roads, speeding cars routinely leave pedestrians blanketed in dust. And when it rains, the dust disappears but then other problems arise: slippery roads and stagnant water.
If you survive sliding in the mud, be ready for the stagnant water that creates mini lakes in roads. Shameless drivers splash filthy water on pedestrians. And you may regret that your hobby is not canoe building.
Cattle in the streets
Cows loiter on the roads as if they were in the wild. If these animals do not push you off the road, count your blessings.
Untrimmed shrubs
Shrubs along some roads are rarely trimmed. Pedestrians are susceptible to scraping limbs, not to mention deadly snakes that can hide in the thickets.
Dangerous signposts
Around the city some barefaced signposts squat in the middle of walkways like ground-hugging plants. Blink and you will bump in them.
Tight crowds
Ever tried walking in places like Nakivubo market? With people jam-packed, bikes everywhere and minibuses bumper to bumper, inching along here is laborious. The chaos here makes our collective organisational skills look inferior to those of ants.
No streetlights
Night walks can be delightful in proper lighting. Many Kampala streets are in darkness and are only navigable by moonlight.
Way forward:
In The Enforcer, an article in the New Yorker (January 19, 2009), an expert on Human Rights Policy, shed light on “the chronically flawed justice systems†in the developing world.
Exploring cases in Kenya, Cambodia, she quotes Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission: “Without investing in the rule of law for the poor, none of the other investments we make will be sustainable.â€
As we focus on development, the rule of law should be at the centre of our growth. If laws that protect pedestrians are enacted, if speed limits are imposed, how do we ensure that the laws are more than a bunch of jokes?
To garner global attention for pedestrians’ predicaments, the United Nations, which observes days like the World Cooperatives Day and International Day of Peace, could create an International Day of Pedestrians.
Uganda should not wait for the UN. A “National Day of Pedestrians†in Uganda is long overdue. Could the president launch this day by walking at least half a mile?
Benefits of walking
Driving in Uganda is a status symbol, and as the country develops, the number of cars on the roads is skyrocketing. But if everyone in Kampala drove, how would we cope with the resulting congestion?
Walking curbs pollution and induces exercise. It helps cut weight; it should be an indicator of a healthy and vibrant society rather than a sign of poverty ( as many Ugandans think).
“If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world,†says the AARP (www.aarp.org), an organisation committed to enhancing the quality of aging.
“Walking can reduce the risk of diseases like heart attack, stroke and glaucoma. A daily brisk walk also can prevent hip farctures, depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis and impotence.
It helps lengthen lifespan, lower stress levels, relieve arthritis and back pain. It strengthens muscles, bones and joints and improves sleep.â€
Our yardstick for development is generally the number of cars, fancy hotels, shopping malls and mansions we acquire but these items alone should not define development. Imagine the time and energy wasted as engines drone in endless traffic jams.
We need to invest in roads with sidewalks, central parking areas, public transport systems such as trams and buses (accessible by walking outside major public centers), etc.
Such investments should be complemented with a growth in civility. Luckily, we don’t need a penny from the World Bank to promote civility, a necessary ingredient to dignify walking.
From homesteads to houses of worship, from schools to the media, from parliament to local councils, let’s promote the value of walking. The benefits we will reap as a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly nation are immense.
The writer is the school organist and music instructor, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
IF a survey were conducted to measure the natural beauty of countries, Uganda would score highly. Its vegetation makes Uganda a gem. And this beautiful country does not shy away from piousness — our motto, after all, is “For God and My Countryâ€.
Unfortunately, there are some mannerisms that keep one wondering what is happening to our national civility. One of them is the chronic disregard for pedestrians.
Walking has tremendous benefits: a pollution-free means of transport and a great way to exercise. But instead of celebrating it, we equate it with destitution.
From dust to stinking trash to reckless drivers, pedestrians face insurmountable problems. While I focus on Kampala and its suburbs (excluding posh areas such as Kololo) these problems can be found all over the country.
Uncovered manholes
Many Ugandan roads are in bad shape. When a road is done, sidewalks are often overlooked — footpaths are routinely replaced with water trenches.
Manholes on sidewalks are left uncovered for ages, posing a danger to innocent pedestrians. Here and there, electric circuits on ground level are left exposed. Imagine the risk to walkers, especially children.
Crazy driving
In traffic jams, boda-bodas and motorists often turn to sidewalks. In the absence of parking space, drivers invade sidewalks. Many seldom yield to pedestrians even at zebra crossings.
One evening near Kibuye market a mother among a throng eager to cross the road pleaded with motorists: Ssinga no wabaawo atusasira meaning “I wish someone were kind to usâ€).The mother, with a frail baby on her back, was hoping that one driver would stop for the stranded pedestrians.
When one kind driver finally did so, a cacophony of horns erupted within seconds. Cars started to overtake the Good Samaritan, dispersing crossing pedestrians.
Our leaders, too, disrespect pedestrians. While security is crucial, the breakneck speeds at which presidential and other official convoys move is shocking. The alarming convoys send every moving object scurrying off the roads.
Dust and stagnant water
On our dirt roads, speeding cars routinely leave pedestrians blanketed in dust. And when it rains, the dust disappears but then other problems arise: slippery roads and stagnant water.
If you survive sliding in the mud, be ready for the stagnant water that creates mini lakes in roads. Shameless drivers splash filthy water on pedestrians. And you may regret that your hobby is not canoe building.
Cattle in the streets
Cows loiter on the roads as if they were in the wild. If these animals do not push you off the road, count your blessings.
Untrimmed shrubs
Shrubs along some roads are rarely trimmed. Pedestrians are susceptible to scraping limbs, not to mention deadly snakes that can hide in the thickets.
Dangerous signposts
Around the city some barefaced signposts squat in the middle of walkways like ground-hugging plants. Blink and you will bump in them.
Tight crowds
Ever tried walking in places like Nakivubo market? With people jam-packed, bikes everywhere and minibuses bumper to bumper, inching along here is laborious. The chaos here makes our collective organisational skills look inferior to those of ants.
No streetlights
Night walks can be delightful in proper lighting. Many Kampala streets are in darkness and are only navigable by moonlight.
Way forward:
In The Enforcer, an article in the New Yorker (January 19, 2009), an expert on Human Rights Policy, shed light on “the chronically flawed justice systems†in the developing world.
Exploring cases in Kenya, Cambodia, she quotes Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission: “Without investing in the rule of law for the poor, none of the other investments we make will be sustainable.â€
As we focus on development, the rule of law should be at the centre of our growth. If laws that protect pedestrians are enacted, if speed limits are imposed, how do we ensure that the laws are more than a bunch of jokes?
To garner global attention for pedestrians’ predicaments, the United Nations, which observes days like the World Cooperatives Day and International Day of Peace, could create an International Day of Pedestrians.
Uganda should not wait for the UN. A “National Day of Pedestrians†in Uganda is long overdue. Could the president launch this day by walking at least half a mile?
Benefits of walking
Driving in Uganda is a status symbol, and as the country develops, the number of cars on the roads is skyrocketing. But if everyone in Kampala drove, how would we cope with the resulting congestion?
Walking curbs pollution and induces exercise. It helps cut weight; it should be an indicator of a healthy and vibrant society rather than a sign of poverty ( as many Ugandans think).
“If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world,†says the AARP (www.aarp.org), an organisation committed to enhancing the quality of aging.
“Walking can reduce the risk of diseases like heart attack, stroke and glaucoma. A daily brisk walk also can prevent hip farctures, depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis and impotence.
It helps lengthen lifespan, lower stress levels, relieve arthritis and back pain. It strengthens muscles, bones and joints and improves sleep.â€
Our yardstick for development is generally the number of cars, fancy hotels, shopping malls and mansions we acquire but these items alone should not define development. Imagine the time and energy wasted as engines drone in endless traffic jams.
We need to invest in roads with sidewalks, central parking areas, public transport systems such as trams and buses (accessible by walking outside major public centers), etc.
Such investments should be complemented with a growth in civility. Luckily, we don’t need a penny from the World Bank to promote civility, a necessary ingredient to dignify walking.
From homesteads to houses of worship, from schools to the media, from parliament to local councils, let’s promote the value of walking. The benefits we will reap as a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly nation are immense.
The writer is the school organist and music instructor, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, USA.