She has made significant contribution to the transport sector
Amanda A. Ngabirano, holds an MSc Urban & Regional Planning & Development, University of Greenwich. She is also a Public Speaker, Communications Expert and Urban Planning Lecturer at Makerere University. She was recently recognized as a remarkable woman in transport by Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI). She was interviewed about the recognition and bellow is the excerpt.
How do u feel about TUMI recognition of your efforts and contribution to the transport sector?
I am so happy that my efforts to a more sustainable and inclusive transport system in my country, and continent are being recognized both locally and internationally. Being recognized on International Women’s day implies that my input is indeed appreciated, but more so because I am a woman. It implies that yes; we can impact our societies in several ways. You realize that we aren’t so many in this profession and as passionate-even in boardrooms and positions of responsibility to make a meaningful contribution. But within our means, we are working towards better cities. You may disagree, but when a city is not safe for a woman, it is not safe for anyone. Women are the mirror of cities in many ways. It is true that when we have more women in transportation, with supportive systems, we are likely to have safer and more inclusive cities.
How were you selected?
For me to recognized as a remarkable woman in transport had nothing to do with my position as the Vice President, World Cycling Alliance, representing Africa. TUMI has several partners, who include GIZ, KfW, UN-Habitat, WRI (World Resources Institute), ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, C40 Cities, and the The German Federal Ministry for Economic Development, among others. As a transport, committed and passionate expert, TUMI partners recommended me as one of the Remarkable Women in Transport causing a mobility change for better cities.
Why were you selected?
Haha…I wouldn’t want to brag about it and what I am doing to have a better Kampala, for instance, because those who have been following my work will admit that it was only fair that I am recommended and actually recognized globally. When I went to study in The Netherlands, I learnt a lot, and realized we can do a lot to uplift our international reputation. I committed to return home and focus on a better transportation system, within my means. And this is what I am doing. For the last few years, I have been working tirelessly with several entities, including the Ministry of Works and Transport, and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), now with Hoima Municipality, among other entities. My focus is on green modes of transport; walking and cycling, and planning for public transport. My message, particularly, in the award winning “Cycologic’ documentary film was a big step, as most cities were inspired by my zeal and energy to bring a shift in the thinking about these modes of transport. Transportation systems are usually an indicator of several societal aspects; ranging from equality, governance and equality to inclusiveness and development. African cities are yet to appreciate smart mobility for all. And that has been my message not only to our African cities but those in other continents, who, surprisingly, are a bit like ours. I have, without fear, and firmly challenged leaders across the globe at different fora and indicated to them what they are not doing well for inclusiveness in cities. I have supported local governments on how best we can change our cities without losing our identity- and not copying and pasting.
I am not an activist, but a professional urban planner in actively linking theory and practice, who has an idea about how an efficient and fair transport system should be. As a pedestrian and a cyclist in my city, I can only keep up the pace, work with the local authorities for better and safer cities in my country, and continent. And now I am looking forward to an improved down town Kampala, where work is in progress for Non-motorized transport by KCCA. It will be another milestone for our city, country in terms of inclusiveness. And I am glad I played a key role in this project.
What this recognition means?
This recognition means a lot for Uganda, for being represented as transport is a hot topic globally. It also means I should widen my network for better results. More importantly, it means women can! And women should jump onboard, and change the world-the world of mobility.
It also means we are doing something good, right? 😀😀
Ends.
