KCCA RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS TO TACKLE WORSENING AIR POLLUTION

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has called for urgent, collective action to tackle worsening air pollution in Kampala, warning that deteriorating air quality poses a growing threat to public health and the city’s sustainability.

Buzeki made the remarks during a multi-sector policy dialogue on air quality management held on April 30 at the Mayor’s Parlor, organised by KCCA in collaboration with Solutions for People.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Works and Transport, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Makerere University, Kyambogo University and the media.

“With the growing population, the air quality challenge is becoming more serious, but we are taking deliberate steps to address it,” Buzeki said, pointing to open burning of waste, traffic emissions and use of biomass fuels as major drivers of pollution.

Data presented at the dialogue showed that Kampala’s average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration stands at 50.4 micrograms per cubic metre, with the highest pollution levels recorded during early morning and evening hours due to heavy traffic.

Buzeki outlined a number of interventions being implemented by KCCA to address the challenge, including the installation of more than 100 air quality monitors across the city to support data-driven decision-making.

She added that improvements in road infrastructure, including 22 functional signalised junctions, are helping to ease traffic congestion and reduce vehicle emissions.

The authority has also expanded non-motorised transport corridors, creating safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, while greening initiatives such as tree planting are being rolled out to improve the urban environment.

KCCA is further investing in waste management systems, promoting the four Rs; reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse to minimise pollution from solid waste.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango the Director Public Health and Environment emphasised the need for collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.

“We all have a role to play in improving air quality. This requires action from individuals, institutions and government,” she said.

The authority is also working closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport to reduce vehicle emissions and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to promote cleaner cooking solutions.

Officials noted that KCCA has put in place regulatory frameworks, including the Air Quality Management Ordinance and the Clean Air Action Plan (2025–2030), to guide long-term interventions.

Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha from AirQo said the goal of air quality monitoring is to protect human life through timely and accurate data.

KCCA Air Quality Focal Person Dr. Alex Ndyabakira said air pollution is among the leading environmental health risks in the city, contributing to about 20% of deaths.

“The main sources of pollution include transport emissions, dusty roads, biomass burning for cooking, waste burning and industrial activities,” Ndyabakira said.

Stakeholders at the dialogue called for integration of green infrastructure in road construction, including tree planting and pedestrian walkways, as well as improved traffic management to further reduce emissions.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for sustained collaboration and public participation, as KCCA and its partners push for cleaner, healthier air in Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relation Officer