Bugolobi, Luzira among worst-polluted, says new air quality report
Namuwongo belt and several industrial corridors are experiencing the highest levels of air pollution in the metropolitan area.
KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi speaks during the launch of the 3rd Annual Performance Assessment Results for the 2024/2025 financial year for nine entities in the Kampala Metropolitan Area at the Ministry of Finance on August 12, 2026. Centre is Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)
__________________ Lammeck Kajubi of Queensland and Leeds Consulting Engineers gives an update on air quality in the Kampala Metropolitan Area during the launch of the 3rd Annual Performance Assessment Results for the 2024/2025 financial year for nine entities in the Kampala Metropolitan Area at the Ministry of Finance on August 12, 2026. Right is Stephen Ajalu, a Senior Urban Development Specialist. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)
Parts of Mpigi and Entebbe have emerged as the cleanest areas in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), while Namuwongo, Luzira and Bugolobi rank among the worst-polluted areas, a new air quality report has revealed.
Presenting findings from air pollution dispersion modelling, air quality consultant Lameck Kajubi said the Namuwongo belt and several industrial corridors are experiencing the highest levels of air pollution in the metropolitan area.
Kajubi said the assessment integrated traffic volumes, industrial emissions, land-use patterns, topography and meteorological data to map pollution distribution across the region.
The Namuwongo belt was identified as one of the most affected zones, recording high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).
Kajubi attributed the readings to heavy commuter traffic, industrial activity and prevailing wind patterns that transport pollutants across the city.
Other pollution hotspots include Bweyogerere, Nakawa and Luzira, where industrial operations and high traffic volumes continue to degrade air quality.
Kampala Minister, Minsa Kabanda appending her signature the 3rd Annual Performance Assessment Results for Financial Year 2024/2025 launched at the Ministry of Finance, August 12, 2026. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)
Some of the political leaders and technocrats from nine entities that form the Kampala Metropolitan Area who attended the launch of the 3rd Annual Performance Assessment Results for Financial Year 2024/2025. The event took place at the Ministry of Finance on August 12, 2026. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)
In contrast, Mpigi and parts of Entebbe currently show relatively low pollution levels.
However, Kajubi cautioned that rapid urbanisation and expanding industrial activity could reverse this trend if growth is not properly managed.
The findings were presented on Wednesday (August 12) during the launch of the Third Annual Performance Assessment Results for the 2024/2025 financial year at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Kampala.
The annual performance assessment is spearheaded by the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs.
He noted that air pollution is not confined to its source, explaining that wind and weather conditions can carry pollutants over long distances.
"Air pollution does not stay in one place. Unlike solid waste, which remains where it is dumped, air quality is heavily influenced by meteorology and wind movements. A pollutant plume emitted in one area can easily end up in places like Nakawa or Luzira," Kajubi said.
Kajubi also called for sustained investment in technical capacity, data management systems and compliance with international air quality standards to ensure reliable information for planning and policy decisions.
Declining air quality poses severe risks to human health, natural ecosystems and economic stability.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ambient air pollution accounts for over 4 million premature deaths globally each year, primarily through cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Inhaling polluted air increases the risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged exposure also significantly raises the risk of developing lung cancer.
Ultra-fine particulate matter can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and other toxic airborne pollutants can impair cognitive development in children and has been linked to accelerated neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, in older adults.
Pregnant women exposed to poor air quality face a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, premature birth and developmental complications in their babies.