'Multi-sectoral approach key to solving rising Kampala air pollution'

Air pollution continues to pose a serious environmental and public health challenge in Uganda, especially in urban centres. It is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy, environmental degradation and significant economic losses.

As a result, Uganda is taking part in the global Air Quality Awareness Campaign.

Partly driven by Kampala city’s rapidly growing population, air pollution challenges have intensified, prompting the adoption of a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral approach as the most effective strategy to curb its escalation.

The drive includes intensifying national awareness and action on clean air through a month-long campaign that combines education, community engagement and practical interventions.

A public dialogue held on May 4, 2026, convened under the theme “Clean Air, Shared Responsibility: Advancing Multi-Sector Action for Urban Air Quality”, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders and secured a joint commitment to collective action and accountability.

Key participants included the ministries of energy, works and transport, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Solutions for People (S4P), and members of the media.

Globally, air pollution is estimated to cause at least seven million deaths annually. 
In Kampala, particularly, air pollution is largely driven by traffic emissions, open burning of solid waste, widespread biomass fuel use, and rapid industrial growth, all of which contribute to significant public health challenges.

Stakeholders at the dialogue emphasised that without urgent and co-ordinated intervention, the city risks increased respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, reduced productivity, and escalating healthcare costs.

Makindye Division district medical officer Dr Alex Ndyabakira said 20% of deaths registered in Kampala can be attributed to air pollution.

“At KCCA, we started on an evidence-based journey in 2018 regarding air quality before other cities around the world had started doing the same," Dr Ndyabakira stated.

He added that "we are now looking at Air quality from a public health perspective by using measurable actions that will improve the quality of air that Kampala residents breathe every day,” Ndyabakira said.

Eng. Bainomugisha from Makerere University and a founder of AirQO, said everyone should have air quality calendars in their homes to make informed decisions on where one plans to go or stay.

For instance, currently Kawempe consistently shows up with bad air quality in Kampala, while bad air is highest between 4:00am and 10:00am and from 6:00pm to 2:00am in Kampala, Bainomugisha said.

Participants at the dialogue further called for increased investment in cleaner transport systems, stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, expanded air quality monitoring infrastructure, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between government institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, and the media in advancing sustainable urban solutions that protect public health and ensure cleaner air for all residents of Kampala.

A key highlight of the campaign is a nationwide call to action for tree planting, targeting the planting of one million trees across the country as a long-term strategy for improving air quality and increasing green cover.

The campaign, according to NEMA, is being amplified under the message “Breathe Life, Not Pollution,” encouraging individuals, institutions, and communities to take personal responsibility in reducing air pollution.

Throughout the month, NEMA will roll out a series of co-ordinated activities including daily digital awareness campaigns on air quality and pollution prevention, radio and television talk shows, public service announcements, and community outreach programmes.

These will provide practical guidance on reducing emissions, understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI), and adopting a cleaner lifestyle and transport choices.