KCCA sounds alarm over rising air pollution in Kampala
Buzeki identified major sources of pollution as open burning of waste, vehicle emissions, and widespread use of biomass fuels for cooking, warning that the situation is worsening alongside the city’s growing population. “The air quality challenge is becoming more serious, but we are taking deliberate steps to address it,” she said.
Authorities in Kampala have raised fresh concern over worsening air pollution, with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) warning that deteriorating air quality is fast becoming a major public health and urban sustainability threat.
Speaking at a multi-sector policy dialogue on April 30, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki called for urgent and collective action to address the crisis, citing rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion, and poor waste management as key drivers.
The meeting, held at the Mayor’s Parlor and organised in collaboration with Solutions for People, brought together stakeholders from government ministries, academia, and environmental agencies.
Data presented at the dialogue painted a worrying picture, with Kampala’s average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration standing at 50.4 micrograms per cubic metre, well above recommended levels. Pollution peaks were recorded during early morning and evening hours, largely due to heavy traffic emissions.
Buzeki identified major sources of pollution as open burning of waste, vehicle emissions, and widespread use of biomass fuels for cooking, warning that the situation is worsening alongside the city’s growing population. “The air quality challenge is becoming more serious, but we are taking deliberate steps to address it,” she said.
Among the interventions, KCCA has deployed over 100 air quality monitors across the city to support data-driven decision-making. The authority is also improving road infrastructure, including the installation of 22 signalised junctions to ease congestion and cut emissions. Expansion of non-motorised transport corridors for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside urban greening initiatives such as tree planting, are also part of the strategy.
KCCA Director of Public Health and Environment Sarah Zalwango emphasised the need for shared responsibility, noting that tackling air pollution requires coordinated efforts from individuals, institutions, and government.
Meanwhile, KCCA Air Quality Focal Person Alex Ndyabakira warned that air pollution contributes to nearly 20% of deaths in the city, making it one of the leading environmental health risks.
Experts, including Prof. Bainomugisha of AirQo, stressed the importance of accurate and timely data in protecting public health, while stakeholders called for stronger integration of green infrastructure, improved traffic management, and cleaner energy solutions.
KCCA officials noted that regulatory frameworks such as the Air Quality Management Ordinance and the Clean Air Action Plan (2025–2030) are already in place to guide long-term interventions. However, participants at the dialogue agreed that sustained collaboration and public participation will be critical to reversing pollution trends and ensuring cleaner, healthier air for Kampala’s residents.
