First African Bicycle Information Organisation (FABIO) is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that seeks to promote the use of sustainable transport solutions with major emphasis on active transport and mass public transport. It uses the bicycle as a tool for improving the livelihoods of the vulnerable communities through enhancing the community access to basic services.
The challenge
Uganda has many transportation and infrastructure issues that make life difficult for the population. Especially in rural areas of Uganda, access to safe and affordable transportation is non-existent. In order to have access to markets, educational institutions, health centers, etc. many have to walk long distances, often transporting heavy things sometimes on their heads or backs. There is no safe infrastructure with a sustainable transport policy and even for the few available regulations, implementation is still a problem. Another problem is that unemployment remains high, especially among youths who are the majority of the Ugandan population.
Climate change and pollution affects all countries around the world and are increasingly important issues also in Uganda.
THE CHANGE
A Bicycle can make a change. To get out of poverty, accessibility is one of the most important tools. FABIO improves lives through many different programs around sustainable and affordable mobility. One focus is on women's groups gaining access to markets and also enhancing their ability to do the household chores faster hence improving on their productivity. Another focus is on school children, especially girls, by providing bicycles they can improve their school retention and performance. To enable and strengthen their effectiveness in supporting communities on health related issues FABIO also provides bicycle ambulances to village health teams in rural communities.
Furthermore, FABIO wants to break with cultural constraints (e.g women not being allowed to ride and own bicycles), improve the image of the bicycle in Uganda, support sustainable transport and be the bridge between citizens and policy makers.
FABIO HAS BECOME A ONE STOP CENTRE ON ISSUES OF ACTIVE TRANSPORT
NETWORKS WE HAVE PATNERED WITH
