environment 23 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kawempe Tops Kampala as Most Polluted Division Due to Dust and Biomass Fuels
Kawempe Division in Kampala suffers the worst air pollution from unpaved roads, factories in residential zones, high population density, and heavy use of charcoal and firewood. Health experts warn this drives respiratory illnesses and contributes to 20% of city deaths, urging cleaner cooking alternatives. Source: https://observer.ug/news/why-kawempe-is-the-most-polluted-division
Kawempe stands out as Kampala’s most polluted area, where residents breathe in dust from unpaved roads stirred by motorcycles and heavy foot traffic. Charcoal fires in cramped homes and informal street businesses add smoke to the mix, worsened by scarce trees and factories amid neighborhoods.
Dr. Alex Ndyabakira, KCCA’s air quality focal person, points to dense population as a key driver. ‘High numbers mean more cooking with firewood and charcoal, plus dust from bikes and roads,’ he notes, setting Kawempe apart from other divisions.
Health impacts hit hard: a 2018-2021 study links air pollution to 7,000 deaths in Kampala, or 20% of annual totals. Local hospitals see surges in coughs, allergies, and worsened chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease, with vulnerable groups like children and the elderly at highest risk.
Global data from WHO shows over 70,000 child deaths yearly from pollution, while Makerere research highlights Kampala sources like road dust, vehicles, industries, and biomass burning. Many stick to traditional fuels for taste or cost, despite surveys proving little difference from electric cooking.
KCCA pushes solutions: Dr. Sarah Zalwango calls for switching to gas or electricity, better ventilation, vehicle maintenance, and no burning of waste. These steps aim to cut reliance on polluting fuels and ease the health burden.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)