Uganda Joins Global Air Quality Week Commemoration, Advocating for Health and Environmental Protection
Kicking off today, from 6th to 10th May 2024, Uganda aligns with the rest of the world in observing Air Quality Week under the theme “Knowing your air to Protect Human Health and the Environment’’.
Air Quality Awareness Week serves as a platform to heighten public consciousness regarding the criticality of air quality to human health and the environment, while also spotlighting actionable steps towards continual improvement.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, Akankwasah Barirega (PhD), the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), underscored that air pollution, notably fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and tropospheric ozone, alongside their precursors, stand as the foremost environmental peril to human health. Shockingly, 99% of the global population contends with air pollution levels surpassing WHO guidelines.
According to data from the World Health Organization, air pollution is accountable for approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually, eclipsing other known causes of mortality. Barirega emphasized the urgency of addressing air pollution, pointing out its unparalleled impact on global health.
In Uganda, compromised air quality exacts a heavy toll, with nearly 31,600 individuals succumbing to air pollution-related illnesses annually, particularly in urban centers. Transport emerges as the primary contributor to air pollution, trailed by domestic and biomass burning, industrial emissions, and dust from untarred roads.
Barirega revealed concerning statistics indicating a surge in air pollution in Kampala, with annual average levels escalating from 39.5µg/m3 in 2019 to 41µg/m3 in 2024. These figures substantially exceed the WHO’s recommended guideline of 5µg/m3, highlighting a pressing need for intervention.
In response to this dire situation, the Government of Uganda has initiated several measures:
- Establishment of National Standards and Regulations for Air Quality, a historic milestone for Uganda.
- Intensified tree planting efforts, resulting in an enhanced national forest cover of 13.3%, up from 9.5%.
- Mandating industries to install pollution control devices and automated air quality monitors to curb emissions.
- Implementation of stringent regulations and penalties for industries emitting above allowable standards.
- Enhanced waste management practices to deter open burning.
- Accelerated tarmacking of roads to minimize particulate matter emissions.
- Implementation of measures to curb vehicular pollution, including restrictions on engine technologies and age.
- Promotion of cleaner energy sources for households, such as gas and renewable energies.
- Ongoing research and development endeavors in renewable energies and air quality monitoring technologies.
Barirega called upon all stakeholders, including citizens, government entities, private sector actors, and civil society organizations, to embrace these interventions for effective mitigation of Uganda’s escalating air pollution crisis.
