Just like Jinja started it, embracing a car free day is a healthier and a Sustainable practice that will inspire ecological conversion in Uganda. We have heard similar activities influence positive change in Rwanda and the rest of the world. Young people have so much to learn from such well-coordinated activities.
Just like JINJA CITY a local news blog reported “JINJA CELEBRATES 6th ANNUAL CAR FREE DAY”
It was reported that Jinja City became very lively on Sunday 22 as Jinja Main Street was transformed into a car-free zone, stretching from Bell Avenue to Naranbhai Road. The bustling street was filled with laughter and excitement as people of all ages gathered to enjoy a day free from the usual traffic chaos.
The event, now in its 6th year, is part of the global celebration of International Car Free Day, which aims to encourage motorists to ditch their cars for a day and explore alternative modes of transportation.
I strongly believe by promoting efforts like this and encouraging walking and cycling, it allows people to realize the beauty of nature around them and the challenges, the event not only reduces air pollution but also creates a safer and more sustainable environment for all citizens. It’s more of an invitation to individual and collective responsibility in conserving our common home.
It was reported by the Jinja city local news blog that the initiative was first introduced by Cycling out of Poverty – CooP-Africa in 2018 and has since gained momentum with the support of various partners including the Red Cross, the Rolex Joint, BSPW, Fabio, BCC, One More Child, Tjeko, Jinja Scouts, and Critical Mass Jinja. The good news is the City Council has also joined forces to ensure the success of the event and promote non-motorized transport in urban planning.
As Jinja City continues to embrace the Car Free Day tradition, it sends a strong message about the importance of creating cyclist-friendly spaces and promoting sustainable transportation options. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, the annual event has become a much-anticipated celebration that brings the community together in a car-free, fun-filled environment.
I can’t hesitate to pass my Credit to Cycling out of Poverty – CooP-Africa, Jinja Scouts. Laudato Youth are looking forward to Inco-operating this in their next year’s season of creation activities. To inspire conversations and actions around creation care.
As you may know in recent years, the issue of traffic congestion and air pollution have become a growing concern in Ugandan cities. The constant flow of vehicles on the roads not only contributes to the deterioration of air quality but also leads to increased stress levels and health problems among city residents. To combat these issues and promote a more sustainable and healthier environment, it is imperative that Ugandan cities embrace the concept of a car-free day, and different groups could come up and teach about the dangers Carbon emissions and how to reduce emissions them. It’s actually a good step towards reducing our Carbon footprint.
Since this day encourages them to use alternative modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, or public transportation instead of relying on their cars. This initiative not only helps to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution but also promotes physical activity and community engagement thus rejuvenating the strong community solidarity that we embody from the African Traditional understanding of community. We build bridges and sow seeds of hope that way.
I believe if all Ugandan cities implemented a car-free day with well-planned engaging activities that bring together leaders and the communities to talk and work on cleaning cities we could make a difference in our world, and we can significantly reduce the carbon emissions produced by vehicles, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. Additionally, the promotion of walking and cycling as alternative modes of transportation can help improve public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
By coming together to participate in a shared initiative, individuals have the opportunity to interact with one another, build relationships, and create a stronger sense of belonging within their communities.
However, in order to successfully implement a car-free day in Ugandan cities, it is essential for all people to unite and work with local governments to provide adequate infrastructure and support for alternative modes of transportation. This Informa the need for expanding pedestrian walkways while constructing new roads, creating designated cycling lanes, call more discipline among motorists and improving the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation systems.
I loved to see Jinja city embracing a car-free day for me this is a step for all Ugandan cities to embrace as we look towards creating a more sustainable, healthy, and vibrant urban environment for our beloved home Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. By reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, promoting physical activity, and fostering community connections, we can work towards building a brighter and sustainable future for all. Fellow Ugandans and dear leaders let us come together and embrace the concept of a car-free day for the betterment of our cities and our collective well-being of our mother land Uganda. For the future of our Country is in our hands. I can’t wait to see Laudato Youth join hands to amplify voices for a car free day coupled with amazing creation care activities.