Kampala City marked its remarkable success in securing the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation with a joyous ceremony at the Serena Hotel on Thursday. The award acknowledges cities showcasing extraordinary dedication and inventiveness in tackling urban challenges.
Kampala stood out as an esteemed winner among five global cities, including Xianning (China), Gwangju (South Korea), Chalindri (Greece), and Bogota (Colombia). The city’s triumph is credited to the pioneering Weyonje App, crafted by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), earning global acclaim for leveraging technology to elevate sanitation and hygiene service provision, particularly in informal settlements.
Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajat Minsa Kabanda, received the accolade from KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka. Kabanda expressed enthusiasm for the achievement, recognizing KCCA’s impactful efforts and stressing the significance of leveraging the Weyonje App for cleaner environments, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Minister Kabanda urged viewing the award as inspiration for further progress, emphasizing Kampala’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
The Weyonje App has been instrumental in transforming sanitation services in Kampala by monitoring faecal sludge waste and sanitation services from collection to disposal. Kisaka expressed elation, highlighting the app’s international recognition and its role in job creation, with over 15,000 jobs generated and more than $1 million received by service providers.
The celebration included commendations from John Mary Ssebufu and Olive Namazzi, acknowledging the Weyonje App’s inclusivity and game-changing impact on sanitation. Dr. Sarah Zalwango praised the app as a significant contribution to overall sanitation improvement.
With this global recognition, Kampala anticipates further collaborations and innovations, solidifying its position as a global leader in urban innovation and smart city development. The Guangzhou Award not only honors past achievements but also propels the city toward even greater accomplishments on the horizon.
