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The executive director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Dr Barirega Akankwasah, has expressed concern over uncontrolled air pollution claiming over 30,000 people annually in Uganda.

With its devastating consequences on urban residents due to rapid growth and development, Dr Akankwasah who was addressing the media at Uganda Media Centre about the Air Quality Awareness Week starting Monday 6 to Friday 10, 2024, warned the public against destroying the environment.

“In Uganda, compromised air quality increases disease burden with close to 31,600 people dying from air pollution-related diseases annually, especially in urban areas starting with Kampala. This is a staggering number, and it's time we take action to address this silent killer,” he said.

Air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and burning of fossil fuels. Kampala's rapid urbanisation and population growth have led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, as well as a rise in industrial activities.

“Unfortunately, many households in Kampala and other urban centres in the country still rely on burning charcoal and firewood for cooking, which also contributes to air pollution,” he added.

The tiny particles in the air can cause respiratory problems, lung disease, and other health issues.

“Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The economic impacts of air pollution in Kampala are estimated to be in the billions of dollars,” he analysed.

Air pollution not only affects people's health but also has significant economic impacts. The health effects of air pollution result in lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and reduced economic activity.

“Air pollution can damage crops, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food security. Fortunately, there are several possible solutions to address air pollution in Kampala implementing policies to reduce industrial emissions and promote cleaner production practices,” he highlighted.

Akankwasah disclosed that air pollution is the leading environmental risk to human health, with 99% of people worldwide exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

“Globally, air pollution is associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually, which is a significantly higher number than deaths from malaria, HIV, road accidents, and battle-related deaths combined,” he revealed.

Despite the alarming statistics, air pollution control in Uganda remains underfunded and under-prioritised.

“The leading causes of air pollution in Uganda are transport, domestic and biomass burning, industrial emissions, and dust released from untarmacked roads,” Akankwasah identified.

New air quality standards

The Government of Uganda, he said, has implemented several measures, including the establishment of national standards and regulations for air quality, tree planting, and the requirement for industries to install scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and fabric filters to reduce industrial emissions.

Governments cuts taxes on the importation of electric vehicles to curb down air pollution crisis in the country. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“Industries will be required to install automated air quality monitors that transmit data automatically to a central database, and those that emit above allowable standards will require permits and will be penalised,” he directed.

Akankwasah suggested other measures including proper waste management, tarmacking of roads, addressing vehicular pollution, promoting cleaner energies, and continuous research and development in renewable energies, air quality monitoring technologies, and cleaner production technologies.