KAMPALA WINS GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR URBAN INNOVATION

Kampala City has emerged winner of the prestigious Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation, alongside four other cities across the World.

Alongside Kampala, the other five winners are; Xianning (China), Gwangju (South Korea), Chalindri (Greece) and Bogota (Colombia) these were announced by the Mayor of Guangzhou.

Kampala’s win is attributed to the innovative Weyonje App, developed by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This innovative application has garnered international acclaim for its role in advancing technology to enhance sanitation and hygiene service delivery, particularly within informal settlements.

“Caring for people is a basic human ingredient to develop the world and the advancement of technology enables us to apply solutions to the pressing problems,” a cheerful Ms Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director of KCCA said in her acceptance speech during the awards gala on December 6 in Guangzhou,China.

With 274 initiatives from 193 cities and regions in 54 countries vying for recognition, Kampala City's success underscores its commitment to embracing and implementing innovative solutions to address the unique challenges faced by its urban landscape.

“The core objective of the Application is to track the faecal sludge waste and sanitation services from collection to disposal,” said Dr. Daniel Okello Ayen, Director Public Health and Environment at KCCA, adding, “This online sanitation service system has and continues to help to provide jobs for the Fecal sludge Private Entrepreneurs and enables KCCA to monitor sanitation service delivery.”

This award reflects not only the Weyonje App's success but also Kampala City's dedication towards creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Environment.

In line with the city's Smart City agenda, the Weyonje App embodies the holistic TIP approach - Technology use, Infrastructure improvements, and People well-being. It stands as a testament to Kampala's commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of its citizens.

The Guangzhou Award not only recognizes outstanding initiatives but also serves as a global platform for cities to share and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative spirit in the pursuit for Sustainable Urban Development.

As KCCA celebrates this achievement, we look forward to continued collaborations and innovations that contribute to the betterment of urban living.