Sustainable urban mobility systems that bridge climate change mitigation and just transitions: A case study of KampalaCity

Abstract

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C remains achievable, but it requires significant global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the transportation sector, despite progress in carbon mitigation across the globe, the implementation of mitigation strategies often overlooks justice principles, particularly in the Global South. This study addresses this gap by proposing pathways for sustainable urban mobility transitions in Kampala city through the justice theory lens. Based on document reviews, semi-structured interviews, and field observations, findings highlight congestion due to poor infrastructure, rising private motorization driven by aspirations, and the reliance on paratransit for public transport as key mobility challenges in Kampala city. The study recommends transport policies tailored to the city’s socio-economic and environmental realities, phased transition strategies with strong monitoring and evaluation, and regular policy revisions. This approach ensures equitable, sustainable, and socially just urban mobility solutions