Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has convened a public dialogue with a cross-section of multi-sectoral stakeholders, calling for collective action to combat air pollution in Uganda.
Held under the theme "Clean Air, Shared Responsibility: Advancing Multi-Sector Action for Urban Air Quality," the dialogue brought together key actors including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Works and Transport, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Solutions for People, and members of the media.
Participants endorsed a joint commitment to collective action and accountability.
The dialogue aligns with the KCCA Clean Air Action Plan (2025-2030), which aims to reduce health-damaging pollutants (PM2.5) by 35-55% through multi-sectoral strategies. These include stricter emission regulations, green infrastructure, and renewable energy adoption, all targeted at improving air quality through cleaner technology, stronger enforcement, and enhanced monitoring.
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Globally, air pollution is estimated to cause at least 7 million deaths annually, with nearly 30,000 occurring each year in Uganda.
In Kampala, pollution is largely driven by traffic emissions, open burning of solid waste, widespread biomass fuel use, and rapid industrial growth, contributing to significant public health challenges.
While officiating at the dialogue, Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki called for urgent and coordinated stakeholder action to address the growing air pollution crisis in Kampala and across Uganda. She warned that deteriorating air quality poses a serious threat to public health and the city's long-term sustainability.
"Kampala's rapidly growing population will only intensify air pollution challenges if we fail to act collectively," Buzeki emphasized. She added that the city's future air quality management will focus on expanding monitoring coverage, accelerating data sharing, strengthening community empowerment, and enhancing collaboration.
Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Sarah Zalwango, emphasized the need for shared responsibility.
"We all have a role to play in improving air quality, and this requires action from individuals, institutions, and government," she said.
District Medical Officer for Makindye Division, Dr. Alex Ndyabakira, noted that 20% of deaths registered in Kampala can be attributed to air pollution. He highlighted KCCA's evidence-based approach to air quality since 2018, focusing on measurable public health interventions to improve the air residents breathe daily.
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Professor of Computer Science at Makerere University and AirQO Founder, Eng. Bainomugisha, emphasized the importance of air quality awareness.
He advised households to use air quality calendars to make informed decisions, noting that areas such as Kawempe consistently record poor air quality. He also observed that pollution levels tend to peak between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Deputy Executive Director for Public Health and Environment at KCCA, Dr. James Bond Kunobere, reiterated the need for collective action.
"Air is a commodity we all need to survive, and KCCA cannot do it alone. We call upon everyone to identify areas where they can contribute to improving air quality for a better city," he said.
KCCA continues to implement a range of interventions, including expanding air quality monitoring systems, promoting cleaner transport options, improving traffic management, and developing non-motorised transport corridors for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additional efforts include tree-planting initiatives, improved waste management, and urban planning strategies that reduce pollution exposure. The Authority also plans to introduce electric buses this year to ease congestion and significantly reduce emissions.
In her closing remarks, Sharifah Buzeki emphasized that clean air is the foundation of a vibrant, livable, and healthy city, and called for stronger partnerships and increased public awareness to improve air quality in Kampala.
