The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and its visionary “Weyonje” mobile application have been shortlisted as one of 15 finalists for the prestigious 6th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation.

Weyonje app, a GIS-enabled innovation has not only transformed sanitation services in the city but has also had a profound impact on public health.

Kampala, with a population of over 4 million during the day and close to 2 million at night, faced a significant sanitation crisis that threatened the well-being of its citizens.

Before “Weyonje,” informal pit latrines were commonly used, but their emptying and maintenance were inconsistent, unregulated, and often hazardous.

This led to contaminated water sources and outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, posing serious threats to public health.

In response to these challenges, KCCA leveraged technology for sustainable urban development, leading to the creation of the “Weyonje” app.

This innovative application features a GIS mapping component, providing real-time data on the location of pit latrines throughout the city.

This data allows sanitation teams to efficiently plan their routes, ensuring that no area is overlooked and enabling the prioritization of areas with the greatest need.

Residents can easily request pit emptying services through the app’s transparent and user-friendly system, ensuring that sanitation needs are met promptly. Moreover, the app has transformed pit emptying into a safer and more regulated process, protecting the health of workers.

Sanitation workers receive training, and their work is monitored through the app to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The app collects valuable data that KCCA uses for informed decision-making, including information on the state of pit latrines, frequency of emptying, and the spread of sanitation services throughout the city. This data-driven approach enables KCCA to continuously improve its services and target areas in need.

Weyonje goes beyond its operational capabilities; it fosters community engagement and awareness about the importance of proper sanitation.

Through the app, residents receive information on sanitation best practices, waste disposal, and the consequences of poor hygiene. This educational component helps change behaviors and promotes a culture of cleanliness among citizens.

The initiative also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by reducing the risk of groundwater contamination and the release of harmful pathogens into the environment. This protects the health of the population and safeguards the local ecosystem and natural resources.

KCCA’s success with the “Weyonje” app has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The shortlisting for the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation among hundreds of global entries underscores the project’s significance in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. It serves as an inspiration for cities worldwide grappling with similar urban challenges.​