Environment minister decries pollution

PIC: Minister Kitutu cuts cake with pupils of Seeta Parents School in Mukono and their teachers. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Environment minister Mary Goretti Kitutu has decried Uganda's pollution dilemma. Uganda has been ranked number five in having bad breathing air in the East African region.

Kitutu expressed her sentiments on Saturday at Seeta Parents School in Mukono district during the school's end of year art exhibition and Christmas festival on.

The minister cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) report that says 80% of Ugandans breathe polluted air.

"I attended one conference abroad, but as minister of environment, I was ashamed to be minister who was coming from the country ranked fifth. Reports and research from WHO state that the level of pollution is high, putting the health of people in Uganda at risk," Kitutu said.

She observed that the quality of the air around you whether on the streets, or nice living rooms, is very important. Air pollution is said to be the major public health problem of the current generation.

It is linked to several illnesses, such as respiratory infections, lung cancer, poor birth outcomes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels, which all significantly contribute to deaths.

PIC: Pupils of Seeta Parents School in Mukono district show off their skills

WHO estimates that about six million people deaths each year are linked to air pollution.

Kitutu cited some of the sources of pollution as old vehicles, small and large scale industries, burning of waste and construction works concentrated within an area of about 190 square kilometers - the case of Kampala - for several hours a day.

Within the household, the most common source is the use of dirty fuels (firewood and charcoal) for cooking and possibly smoking.

The minister said health professionals must monitor and safeguard components of environmental health, which include water, sanitation and hygiene; food safety; housing; other forms of pollution - water and soil, and occupational health."

Kitutu disclosed that the line ministry is striving to achieve the Vision 2020 dream of clean water for all, countrywide.

She encouraged hand washing, saying it is the basic for personal hygiene and sanitation. Kitutu tasked parents to raise responsible disciplined children, who appreciate the value of work, to ensure continuity.

"I was pleased for what I saw, of pupils sewing, making shoes, table cloths from crochet, making mats, among others. It shows that they can do something after school which can help them to be job creators and not job seekers," Kitutu said.   

Kitutu lamented and warned against afforestation by charcoal producers, and degradation of wetlands by brick makers in the district.

Mukono Mayor George Kagimu, commended teachers and advised parents to continue developing children's talents. He promised to tarmac the road leading to the, as the municipality pushes for city status.