As Kampala steadily advances toward becoming a smart city, the focus must evolve, from merely laying down infrastructure to embedding intelligence.
The real question is no longer about roads, synchronized traffic lights, or free Wi-Fi hotspots; it’s about the city’s ability to think. Can it anticipate and adapt to changes as they happen? Can it respond to a spike in foot traffic, identify and de-escalate violent incidents before they erupt, redirect cleaning services to actual litter hotspots, or predict flooding based on rainfall and water levels? This isn’t science fiction.
The new Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)has outlined her three-year- vision for “winning the future” rooted in a 10-point masterplan, striking a familiar tone of unity and reconciliation as she revitalised her predecessor’s emphasis on turning the former “Hill of Impalas” into a smart city.
President Museveni with the help of the Public Service Commission has appointed Ms Sharifah Buzeki as the new executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority, replacing Dorothy Kisaka who was sacked at the height of the Kiteezi landfill collapse in August this year that left at least 35 people dead and others missing.
Read more: UG: New KCCA ED Buzeki unveils 10-point plan to transform city
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has deployed the city’s first-ever smart pole street lights totaling 87. The lights which are anchored on telecom infrastructure have been placed around various places in the city.
Thirty-three of them are deployed along Kololo Hill Drive, thirty along Nile Avenue, and 18 along Nkrumah Road.
Read more: UG: ATC boosts KCCA’s smart city agenda with 87 innovative streetlights
Kampala, the bustling capital of Uganda, stands at a pivotal crossroads as it seeks to reimagine its urban landscape and chart a path towards sustainable development. Amidst rapid population growth and urbanization, the city grapples with myriad challenges ranging from congestion and inadequate infrastructure to environmental degradation and social inequalities. However, ambitious plans are underway to transform Kampala into a well-planned city that fosters economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of Kampala's revitalization efforts lies the concept of urban planning, a fundamental tool for shaping the city's future trajectory. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, urban planners advocate for integrated land use policies, efficient transportation systems, and equitable access to basic services. By envisioning Kampala as a compact, walkable, and vibrant urban centre, stakeholders aim to enhance livability and foster a sense of community among residents.
Read more: Revitalizing Kampala: Transforming Uganda's Capital into a Planned City
Efforts to solve Kampala's current infrastructural challenges and achieve government’s smart city plan is being stymied by unreliable data land management systems, an expert has said.
As such government’s programs to reorganize the city and ensure that Kampala conforms to the 21st century requirements are not achieving the desired results as fast as needed.
Read more: UG: 'Kampala smart city progress hampered by lack of reliable land management database’