Hon. Minsa Kabanda the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs has urged Ugandans to embrace responsibility for city assets, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding streetlights for aesthetic appeal and the well-being of future generations.
Kabanda highlighted the pivotal role of assets like streetlights in enhancing safety, extending working hours, and contributing to economic growth and social transformation.
Speaking at the launch and handover of new streetlights to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) by ATC Uganda, Kabanda stressed the impact of vandalism on safety, security, and the financial burden it places on the county and KCCA.
“Vandalism not only jeopardizes the safety and security that traffic lights provide but also causes a financial burden to the county and KCCA, Kampala belongs to everybody we should protect our things,” Kabanda highlighted.
She further proposed a reward system for reporting vandalism, aiming to enhance vigilance and community engagement.
The smart poles, part of an initiative by ATC Uganda, integrate outdoor distributed antenna systems in densely populated areas, enhancing telecommunication infrastructure and incorporating solar-powered street lighting for the city’s illumination and safety.
Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of KCCA, acknowledged the alignment of these streetlights with their agenda focusing on technology, infrastructure improvement, and people’s well-being.
She underscored the need for private sector involvement, expressing gratitude to ATC Uganda for their significant role.
Kisaka pointed out that Kampala city currently has approximately 6,000 active streetlights out of an estimated need for 40,000, indicating a substantial gap.
Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and support for the global drive towards net-zero emissions.
“This partnership is a part of our commitment to providing vital telecom infrastructure that combines connectivity with street lighting,” Kabagambe noted.
ATC Uganda’s collaboration with KCCA in 2020 aimed to transform Kampala into a smart city by installing innovative smart poles combining lighting with telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and safety throughout the city.