Building a Sustainable Kampala: How an Electrified Metro Could Transform Urban Life

The article published in Multimodal Transportation addresses one of Uganda’s most urgent urban challenges: how to reimagine transport for sustainability in a rapidly growing metropolis. Conducted by researchers from Makerere University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Makerere University Business School, and the College of Business and Management Sciences, the study centers on the potential of an electrified metro system to transform mobility in Kampala. Framed within the United Nations projection that 60 percent of the global population will live in cities by 2050, the work positions Kampala both as a warning of what unchecked urban growth can produce and as a possible pioneer of low-carbon transport innovation. It aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the third National Development Plan, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on energy, climate, and sustainable cities.

The Strains of Business-as-Usual

Kampala today is burdened by severe congestion, worsening air quality, and an inefficient mix of transport options. Informal systems of minibuses and motorcycle taxis dominate mobility, yet they generate dangerous emissions, increase accident risks, and drain productivity through long delays. Private cars further crowd the streets, compounding the gridlock. The reliance on fossil fuels locks the city into a high-carbon path that undercuts its climate ambitions and erodes quality of life. The researchers warn that if left unchecked, these conditions will deteriorate further as urbanization accelerates, entrenching environmental and economic costs. To illustrate potential futures, they employ the TIMES-VEDA model, a respected energy systems optimization tool capable of simulating long-term trajectories under different scenarios.

Four Pathways, One Sustainable Future

The study outlines four scenarios. The Business-as-Usual case projects steep rises in both energy use and emissions, essentially locking the city into crisis. The Reduction in Electricity Consumption pathway, though aimed at curbing energy demand, achieves little because transport growth outpaces modest efficiency gains. The Renewable Electricity Portfolio scenario envisions a major expansion of renewables to supply power, which lowers emissions but still leaves congestion and demand unresolved. Only the Carbon Reduction Target pathway, which couples renewable energy expansion with the adoption of an electrified metro system, delivers genuine progress toward sustainable mobility. Here, the modeling shows significant declines in carbon output and improved transport efficiency, demonstrating that deep decarbonization is achievable when technical solutions are matched with ambitious policy commitments.

The Promise and the Politics of a Metro

At the center of the analysis is the electrified metro, envisioned as the backbone of a new transport system. Unlike incremental fixes, a metro offers reliable, high-capacity, low-emission travel that can ease dependence on motorcycles and cars. The authors stress that its benefits extend beyond cutting emissions. Reduced commuting times, greater worker productivity, and the stimulation of economic activity along metro corridors are cited as likely outcomes. Yet they caution that technology is no silver bullet. Uganda’s policy frameworks already contain bold aspirations, but successful implementation hinges on governance, financing, and institutional capacity. Political will and transparent project management are decisive; without them, even technically sound infrastructure can stall. The study also stresses that international climate finance and innovative public-private partnerships could play critical roles in making such a project financially viable.

Building an Inclusive Mobility Future

The researchers emphasize that sustainability is not just about technology but also about equity. A metro system that serves only affluent residents risks reinforcing social divides. To avoid this, the system must be designed as an inclusive backbone of green mobility. Affordability, accessibility, and integration with other modes of transport are critical. Routes must be planned to serve densely populated low-income areas, while pricing models should ensure broad usability. Complementary networks of buses, bicycles, and pedestrian infrastructure are essential for last-mile connectivity. The paper advocates for digital ticketing, safe interchanges, and multimodal planning to ensure that the metro works as part of a larger ecosystem rather than a stand-alone project. By doing so, the city can provide equitable mobility while reaping the economic and environmental benefits.

Kampala as a Model for Africa

The study closes by situating Kampala within a broader continental narrative. African cities are at a decisive moment where explosive growth collides with climate imperatives. Kampala reflects both the pitfalls and possibilities of this dynamic. Its transport struggles mirror those faced by many cities in the Global South, yet by adopting a holistic approach that combines electrified mass transit, renewable energy, and inclusive planning, it could become a model for sustainable urban transformation. The electrified metro is portrayed not just as an infrastructure project but as a catalyst for systemic change, one capable of redefining the city’s trajectory and proving that a greener, fairer, and more productive urban future is within reach.