Kampala pollution action plan launched amidst deepening crisis

The Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP) in Kampala has been launched.

The multi-stakeholder initiative is aimed at tackling rising pollution levels and their growing impact on public health. The program is spearheaded by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), government ministries, civil society, and development partners.

At the launch, city residents were reminded that keeping Kampala clean is not solely the responsibility of the government but also their primary duty, particularly through proper waste management and disposal.

Maria Paola Alia, chairperson of the GAHP board, cited alarming global statistics, noting that pollution causes nine million deaths each year, with 92 per cent occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

“Uganda is also heavily affected by different types of pollution…This is a collaborative process owned by your country. Together, we can tackle these pressing issues,” she said.

“We are not here to impose a program. We are here to listen to your experts and work together to prioritise the most urgent concerns so we can deliver healthier outcomes for communities.”

Hasanatu Anasamake, GAHP’s program manager, explained that the HPAP will prioritise pollution challenges based on health impacts.

“After this inception meeting, we will create a working group to draft the plan, which will then be endorsed by the Government of Uganda,” she said.

James Kunovere, KCCA’s director of public health and environment, painted a vivid picture of the city’s challenges.

“Kampala is now like a construction site. We face traffic emissions, poor liquid waste disposal, and plastics clogging drainage channels. Many hostel owners even open sewer lines when it rains, causing pollution to flow into Lake Victoria,” he noted.

With Kampala’s rapid growth, pollution has escalated from an environmental nuisance to a serious public health crisis. The HPAP is expected to deliver data-driven action, stronger accountability, and long-term solutions.