An assessment of walkability in Entebbe municipality, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate walkability in Entebbe Municipality. Investigations were guided by the three specific objectives, namely: to investigate pedestrian movement patterns in Entebbe Municipality, to assess people’s perceptions towards walkability in Entebbe Municipality, and to strategies for improving walkability in Entebbe Municipality. To conduct the study, a mixed-method research design was adopted, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research focused on Entebbe Municipality as a single-case study, with a specific emphasis on key routes like Kiwafu Road, Nsamizi Road, Entebbe-Kampala Road, and Nakiwogo Road, along with secondary roads including Market Road, Fulu Road, Circular Road, and Portal Road. The target population comprised 700 residents of Entebbe Municipality. Data was collected from 153 respondents through questionnaires, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 28 key informants, including the Town Clerk, Physical Planner, Municipality Engineers, Mayor, Traffic Police Officers, and Municipality Administrators, using purposive sampling. Simple random sampling was used for the questionnaire survey, specifically targeting pedestrians. Additionally, various data collection methods were employed, including questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, mental mapping, and observation. Regarding the findings related to pedestrian movement patterns in Entebbe Municipality, walking emerged as a primary mode of transportation for the majority of residents, highlighting its significance in their daily lives. Furthermore, the residents' perceptions of walkability in the municipality highlighted the influential role of factors such as visual aesthetics, comfort, and a sense of security in promoting walking as a preferred mode of transportation. Lastly, the study aimed to identify effective strategies for enhancing walkability in Entebbe Municipality. The findings revealed a consensus among respondents regarding key strategies for improvement. These included the creation of a safe and conducive walking environment, exploration of car-free zones, allocation of resources for pedestrian planning, implementation of clear urban design guidelines, reinforcement of legal frameworks, and robust public outreach efforts. In conclusion, the study findings emphasized the paramount importance of pedestrian safety in enhancing walkability. As the major recommendation, it is imperative for urban managers to prioritize safety measures, including well-lit pathways, secure crossings, and crime prevention strategies, to foster a safer and more favourable walking environment in the municipality.