KAMPALA, May 4, 2026 — Kampala Capital City Authority [KCCA] has set an ambitious target to reduce harmful air pollutants in the city as concerns over deteriorating air quality intensify.
The authority aims to cut pollution levels to 35 per cent, down from the current estimated 55 per cent, through a multi-sectoral strategy that includes stricter emissions regulations, investment in green infrastructure and the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
These measures will also promote cleaner technologies, strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations and enhance monitoring systems to curb the rapid rise in pollution levels.
Speaking during a recent public dialogue hosted by KCCA under the theme “Clean Air, Shared Responsibility: Advancing Multi-Sector Action for Urban Air Quality,” Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki called for urgent, coordinated action among stakeholders to tackle the growing air pollution crisis in Kampala and across Uganda.
Buzeki warned that worsening 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,” she said.
She added that the city’s future air quality management strategy will focus on expanding monitoring coverage, accelerating data sharing, empowering communities and strengthening partnerships.
Alex Ndyabakira, the District Medical Officer for Makindye Division, noted that about 20 per cent of deaths recorded in Kampala are linked to air pollution.
“At KCCA, we embarked on an evidence-based approach to air quality management in 2018. We are now addressing air quality from a public health perspective, using measurable actions to improve the air residents breathe every day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bainomugisha, Professor of Computer Science at Makerere University and founder of AirQo, urged residents to use air quality data in their daily decision-making.
“Air is a shared resource we all depend on, and KCCA cannot address this challenge alone. Everyone has a role to play in improving air quality for a healthier city,” he said.
Data from AirQo indicates that Kawempe Division consistently records the worst air quality in Kampala, with peak pollution levels typically occurring between 4:00am and 10:00am, and again from 6:00pm to 2:00am.
James Bond Kunobere, KCCA’s Deputy Executive Director in charge of Public Health and Environment, said the authority is rolling out interventions including greening initiatives, expanded walking and cycling lanes, air quality ordinances, community engagement and the Clean Air Action Plan 2025–2030.
KCCA is also scaling up monitoring systems, promoting cleaner transport options, improving traffic management and developing non-motorised transport corridors to create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additional efforts include tree-planting campaigns, improved waste management and urban planning approaches aimed at reducing residents’ exposure to pollution.
Buzeki further pledged to introduce electric buses in Kampala to ease congestion while significantly cutting emissions.
Globally, air pollution is estimated to cause at least seven million deaths annually, with nearly 30,000 of these occurring in Uganda.
In Kampala, the main drivers of air pollution include vehicle emissions, open burning of solid waste, widespread use of biomass fuels and rapid industrial growth — all of which continue to pose significant public health challenges.
https://thecooperator.news/kcca-advances-on-waste-to-energy-facility-in-mukono-district/
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