JINJA — The heart of Jinja City came alive on Sunday as residents and visitors thronged the city centre to celebrate Car Free Day, an event held in commemoration of World Car-Free Day.
From as early as 7am, sections of Main Street and Iganga Road were cordoned off from motorised traffic, creating a safe and open space for pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and families to freely enjoy the city’s streets.
The closure, which stretched between Bell Avenue and Clive Road, lasted until 2pm, with diversions in place for motorists and boda boda riders.
The event, aimed at promoting non-motorised transport and raising awareness about road safety, was officiated at Igar Tower by Jinja City Mayor Peter Kasolo, alongside city technocrats led by City Planner Charles Nampendho.
Organisers emphasised that the day was about showcasing a people-centred city while encouraging healthier and environmentally friendly alternatives to motorised transport.
“Car Free Day is a demonstration of how Jinja can become a safer, healthier, and more liveable city for everyone. It is about sharing the road equally, promoting fitness, and creating a sense of community,” said Mayor Kasolo.
The activities kicked off with a Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, which began at Central Police Station at 9:00 a.m. following a warm-up session led by EastEnders.
Cyclists, including Mayor Kasolo and the Town Clerk, rode an 8-kilometre route, highlighting the growing need for safe cycling infrastructure in the city.
In addition to the group ride, residents enjoyed a vibrant mix of free activities such as street play sessions, picnics, skating, skipping games, and a bicycle race featuring men’s, women’s, and children’s categories. Winners in each race walked away with prizes.
Jinja’s Car Free Day, first introduced by CooP-Uganda, has now been officially taken up and hosted by Jinja City Council starting this year.
The initiative forms part of a global movement observed in more than 2,000 cities across 46 countries, where millions of people avoid using cars on September 22 to embrace sustainable transport alternatives.
This year’s celebration in Jinja was organised by a wide coalition of partners, including CooP-Uganda, Bikeventures Tours and Rentals, Green Hub, Critical Mass Jinja, Jinja Scouts, Busoga Cycling Club, Tjeko, Fabio, Africrooze, AirQo, Uganda Red Cross Society, and EastEnders.
By the end of the day, the streets of Jinja had not only been free of vehicles but had also been filled with laughter, colour, and a renewed sense of what a people-centred city could look like.