This archive report was first published on 2 November 2021.
On October 21, 2021, a study on reforming Kampala's public transport was presented at the Kampala Serena Hotel, sparking a heated discussion among stakeholders.
Prof Julius Kiiza, a political economist at Makerere University, delivered a scathing critique of the study, accusing leaders and planners of exhibiting a 'boda boda psychology' – a diminished view of themselves and their society in comparison to other countries.
Prof Kiiza argued that this mindset prevents Uganda from embracing modern solutions to its transport problems, such as drone taxis and flyover networks, which are being experimented with in countries like Korea and China.
He lamented the failure to apply available technology to solve transport problems, citing the use of drones in Uganda for taking wedding pictures instead of overcoming transportation obstacles.
The professor also highlighted the neglect of water transport, which could be a cheap and efficient solution to Uganda's traffic gridlock, given the proximity of several urban centers along Lake Victoria.
Prof Kiiza's diagnosis has sparked a debate about the need to reset the mindset of Uganda's leaders and planners in order to tackle the country's traffic gridlock.
