KCCA Calls for Unified Multi-Sectoral Action to Combat Air Pollution in Kampala

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has today 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 convened key actors who endorsed a joint commitment to collective action and accountability, 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 (S4P) and members of the media.

This dialogue was held in line with the KCCA Clean Air Action Plan (2025–2030) which focuses on reducing health-damaging pollutants (PM2.5) by up to 35-55% through multi-sectoral strategies, including stricter emission regulations, green infrastructure, and renewable energy adoption aimed at improving air quality by promoting cleaner technology, enforcing environmental regulations, and enhancing monitoring to curb rapid pollution increases.

Globally, air pollution is estimated to cause at least 7 million deaths annually, with nearly 30,000 deaths occurring each year in Uganda. In Kampala particularly, air pollution is largely driven by traffic emissions, open burning of solid waste, widespread biomass fuel use, and rapid industrial growth, all of which contribute to significant public health challenges.

While officiating at the dialogue, KCCA 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,” Hajjati Buzeki emphasized.

She further added that Kampala’s future outlook for air quality management entails expanding the existing monitoring coverage, accelerating data sharing, community empowerment and collaborations.

The Director Public Health and Environment at KCCA, Dr Zalwango Sarah emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing the crisis. “We all have a role to play in improving air quality and this requires action from individuals, institutions and government,” said Dr Zalwango.

Dr. Ndyabakira Alex, the District Medical Officer for Makindye Division noted that twenty (20%) of deaths registered in Kampala can be attributed to air pollution. “At KCCA, we started on an evidence-based journey in 2018 regarding air quality before other cities around the world had started doing the same. We are now looking at Air quality from a public health perspective by using measurable actions that will improve the quality of air that Kampala residents breathe every day,” said Dr Ndyabakira.

Engineer Bainomugisha – Professor of computer science at Makerere University and Founder of AirQO noted that everyone should have air quality calendars in their homes  to make informed decisions on where one plans to go or stay. For instance, currently Kawempe consistently shows up with bad air quality in Kampala while bad air is highest between 4am to 10am and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m in Kampala, said Prof. Bainomugisha

 “Air is a commodity we all need to survive and KCCA cannot do it alone. We call upon everyone to identify areas to get involved in making our air quality better for a better city. As KCCA, we are rolling out interventions such as greening initiatives, increasing walking and cycling lanes, air quality ordinances, community engagement, clean air action plan 2025-2030,” said Dr Kunobere James Bond, Deputy Executive Director – Public Health and Environment, KCCA.

KCCA continues to implement a range of interventions to improve air quality, including expanding monitoring systems, promoting cleaner transport options, improving traffic management, and developing non-motorised transport corridors to create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. KCCA is also rolling out tree-planting initiatives, strengthening waste management, and advancing urban planning approaches that reduce exposure to pollution. KCCA further pledged that this year it will introduce electric buses in Kampala to help ease congestion while significantly reducing air pollution.

In her closing remarks, Hajjati 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.