By Tony Achidria – Senior Environment Awareness Officer – NEMA

Uganda took a bold step forward in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time, pollution and its growing impact on public health. From 6th to 7th October, experts, policymakers, scientists, and activists gathered at Hotel Africana in Kampala for the Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda (EPP-UG) Conference.

The conference was organized under the Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda (EPP-UG) which is an initiative implemented by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) with support from the UK Government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The programme is being carried out in partnership with the Government of Uganda, through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and brings together several other key institutions including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), among others.

The Environmental Pollution Programme is a coordinated national effort to identify Uganda’s most critical pollution challenges and tackle them head-on. Pollution in Uganda, whether from industrial waste, poor waste management, traffic emissions, or agricultural chemicals, continues to threaten both human health and ecosystems. The EPP-UG seeks to change that by combining scientific evidence, community awareness, and strong policy action.

The two-day conference provided a platform to review progress on ongoing activities, share findings from recent studies, and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders. It also served as a moment to take stock of Uganda’s pollution reality and brainstorm practical solutions that can work within local contexts.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Achaye Innocent, the Manger for Chemicals, Waste, Radiation and Pollution Safety emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action across government and private sectors to curb pollution and protect public health. He noted that Uganda’s rapid urbanization and growing industrial base have led to increasing pollution levels, particularly in urban centers.

He was joined by Toks Akinseye, Head of the International Hub, Chemicals, Pesticides & Hazardous Waste at DEFRA, who reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to supporting countries like Uganda to build stronger systems for pollution management. Raymond Ruyoka, Board Chair of GAHP, and Maria Paola Lia, the Executive Director of GAHP, also highlighted the global dimension of pollution control, noting that pollution knows no borders and requires both local and international cooperation.

Key discussions

A series of informative presentations shaped the heart of the conference discussions.

Hassanatou Anna Samake, GAHP’s Programme Manager, provided an overview of the Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda, outlining its goals and achievements so far.

Dr. Emmanuel Tebandake and Dr. Florence Nantaba, both from GAHP, shared insights from the Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP) Preliminary Assessment Report, which highlights the direct link between pollution and the rise in non-communicable diseases, particularly in urban areas.

Dr. Innocent Achaye from NEMA gave a candid presentation on the challenges of pollution in Uganda and the gaps in current interventions, urging stronger enforcement and better coordination among agencies.

Nabafu Erina from the Ministry of Water and Environment spoke on environmental pollution and climate change, reminding participants that the two are closely connected and must be tackled together.

Dr. James Bond Kunobere, Acting Deputy Director of Sanitation and Environment at KCCA, shared sobering insights into the health and environmental impacts of improper waste management in Kampala, including how open dumping and poor waste segregation affect both the environment and human health. He further informed participants about a plan to introduce biodegradable carrier bags made from maize residues which are able to decompose in 190 days. Once implemented, this innovation will go a long way in curbing the menace of plastic pollution in the city.

From academia, Dr. Dimitrio Bousiotis, a Research Fellow from the University of Birmingham, presented preliminary results from the Traffic-Related Air Pollution Study in Kampala, showing high levels of particulate matter in the city’s air levels that far exceed World Health Organization standards.

On the advocacy side, Brian Okabaki, Country Director of the Youth Advocacy Development Network (YADN) Uganda, and his team; showcased how young people would mobilize communities to understand and act on pollution challenges through awareness campaigns and grassroots initiatives.

Call for practical action

Beyond the technical presentations, one of the key highlights of the conference was the collaborative discussions among participants, which focused on identifying sustainable interventions and developing a roadmap for addressing priority pollution challenges.

Participants agreed on the need for a stronger legal framework to enforce pollution control standards, improved public awareness campaigns, and better integration of health and environment policies. There was also a consensus on strengthening research and data collection to better inform policy and practice.

Importantly, the discussions recognized that while Uganda has made progress in environmental management, much more remains to be done. Pollution is no longer an invisible threat; it’s affecting air quality, water safety, soil fertility, and the health of communities. The time for action is now.

As the conference concluded, one message stood out clearly: addressing pollution requires all hands on deck. From government ministries and local authorities to universities, civil society organizations, and the private sector; everyone has a role to play.

The EPP-UG marks a promising step in that direction, bringing together science, policy, and community action in one unified effort. With continued collaboration and commitment, Uganda can pave the way for cleaner air, safer water, and healthier communities.

Pollution control is not just about cleaning the environment; it’s about safeguarding the future of our people.