environment 12 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Namanve Tops Air Pollution in Greater Kampala, Traffic Blamed Over Industry
A new study reveals Namanve is the most polluted area in Greater Kampala, with vehicular traffic identified as the primary culprit, surpassing industrial emissions. The findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the urgent need for better traffic management. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/namanve-named-most-polluted-area-in-greater-kampala-as-traffic-overtakes-industry-5555040
Namanve Industrial Park has been identified as the most polluted area within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), according to a recent environmental study. Following closely behind are other urban centers like Namuwongo, Bugolobi, and Nakawa.
The study, titled “Establishing an Air Quality (AQ) Monitoring Network for Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area,” was conducted by Queenslands and Leeds Consulting Engineers. Its findings challenge the prevailing notion that industrial activities are the main drivers of air pollution in the capital.
Dr. Lammeck Kajubi, representing Queenslands and Leeds Consulting Engineers, presented the report, emphasizing that the sheer volume of daily vehicular traffic is the dominant factor degrading air quality across the metropolis. This shift in focus from industrial smokestacks to congested roadways underscores a significant change in the pollution landscape of Kampala.
The report’s findings were released during the Third Annual Performance Assessment (APA3) for the 2024/25 financial year, which monitors progress within the GKMA’s nine implementing entities. As Kampala continues to experience rapid population growth and an increase in vehicle ownership, the implications for public health are serious.
Millions of residents are exposed to hazardous emissions daily simply by navigating the city. This research places increased pressure on urban authorities to prioritize and implement effective transport management strategies to mitigate air pollution and protect the health of the metropolitan population.