NEMA Announces Month-Long Campaign on Clean Air

Uganda, through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), has joined the global Air Quality Awareness Campaign, with nationwide activities scheduled throughout May 2026 under the theme “Clean Air, Healthy Lives: Everyone’s Responsibility.”

The observance aligns with the United Nations Global Air Quality Awareness initiative, which is marked annually in the first week of May, and underscores Uganda’s commitment to improving air quality and safeguarding public health.

According to Akankwasah Barirega (PhD), Uganda’s air quality stands at 13 micrograms per cubic meter of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is significantly better than many regions.

However, he acknowledged that Uganda is still grappling with air pollution, which poses a serious environmental and public health challenge, particularly in urban centres such as Kampala.

It is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy, environmental degradation, and significant economic losses.
Barirega says that, in response, NEMA has introduced air quality monitors in different parts of the country, with Kampala having the most, covering each division.

The government is also intensifying national awareness and action on clean air through a month-long campaign that combines education, community engagement, and practical interventions.

According to Naomi Karekaho, the Head of Communications at NEMA, who spoke to THEUGPOST, a key highlight of the campaign is a nationwide call to action for tree planting, targeting the planting of one million trees across the country as a long-term strategy for improving air quality and increasing green cover.

The campaign is being amplified under the message “Breathe Life, Not Pollution,” encouraging individuals, institutions, and communities to take personal responsibility in reducing air pollution.

“Throughout the month, NEMA will roll out a series of coordinated activities, including daily digital awareness campaigns on air quality and pollution prevention, radio and television talk shows, public service announcements, and community outreach programmes. These will provide practical guidance on reducing emissions, understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI), and adopting cleaner lifestyle and transport choices,” says Karekaho.

She adds that the campaign will also feature tree planting drives in schools, health centres, and urban hotspots, alongside community sensitisation activities targeting transport operators, including boda-boda and taxi associations, on vehicle maintenance and emission reduction.

“Schools will actively participate through essay and art competitions themed ‘My Dream for Clean Air,’ reinforcing environmental awareness among young people.”Uganda Launches Month-Long Campaign on Clean Air