14 Ugandan Cities Exceed Recommended Air Pollution Limits, Data Reveals

Air quality in the majority of Uganda’s major urban centers is alarmingly poor, with 14 out of 15 monitored cities exceeding annual pollution guidelines set by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). This stark finding comes from data collected by AirQo, an organization that utilizes a network of low-cost sensors to monitor air quality across the country.

Martin Bbaale, Head of Digital Platforms at AirQo, explained that the expansive sensor network allows for broader geographical coverage and generates crucial evidence for policymakers, researchers, and urban planners. “We are in the business of evidence generation, ideally through data,” Bbaale stated, emphasizing the importance of their monitoring efforts.

The use of affordable sensors enables AirQo to gather data from numerous locations and at different times, effectively capturing the variability of air pollution within cities. “Air pollution is not evenly distributed and can vary significantly between neighbourhoods and locations,” Bbaale noted.

Kampala recorded the highest average pollution concentration, with 37.6 micrograms per cubic metre across 105 monitoring sites. Lira was the only city that met NEMA’s annual guidelines. Data over several years shows no sustained decline in air pollution nationwide, with levels dipping in 2022 before rising again by 2025. This temporary dip might be linked to reduced activity, though further analysis is required.

AirQo also employs population-weighted analysis, integrating data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, to better understand pollution exposure among residents. This approach provides a more accurate picture by considering the number of people living in affected areas.

The Buganda Kingdom is actively addressing the issue, collaborating with AirQo and NEMA to install air quality monitors and raise public awareness. Teddy Nabakooza Galiwango, Principal Environmental Officer at Buganda Kingdom, highlighted urbanization, industrialization, and open waste burning as key contributors. “Awareness alone is not enough without action,” she asserted, as the Kingdom seeks partnerships to enhance air quality management.

Recent population-weighted analysis from 2023-2025 shows consistently high pollution in Kampala and Kamuli, with Fort Portal and Gulu experiencing an upward trend. AirQo stresses the need to combine air quality data with health information to guide policy interventions.

This information is based on findings reported by Nile Post.