environment 13 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala Deploys 100 Air Quality Monitors, Shares Expertise with Harare
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has installed over 100 air quality monitoring stations to tackle urban pollution and inform public health strategies. This initiative has attracted interest from other African cities, including Harare, seeking to learn from Kampala's data-driven approach. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kampala-sets-up-100-air-quality-monitors-as-harare-seeks-lessons-on-combating-urban-pollution-5630736
Kampala is taking significant steps to combat urban air pollution with the establishment of a network comprising over 100 air quality monitoring stations across the city. Launched in 2018, this initiative by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) aims to generate crucial local environmental data, integrate air quality considerations into urban planning, and implement evidence-based public health interventions.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s Director of Public Health and Environment, highlighted that the monitoring network is foundational for informed decision-making and fostering collaboration. “The authority had established the monitoring network since 2018 to generate data that informs decisions on air pollution management,” she stated. KCCA is actively working with government agencies, academic institutions, development partners, and communities to enhance public awareness and embed air quality concerns into urban development plans.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of clean air, green spaces, and urban health, KCCA is pursuing reforms in transport and environmental conservation. Efforts include promoting cleaner transportation options, increasing urban green cover, and encouraging community involvement in environmental protection through awareness campaigns.
This proactive approach has garnered attention from other African cities. Recently, a delegation from Harare, Zimbabwe, visited Kampala under the Partnership for Healthy Cities initiative to study the city’s air monitoring framework. Harare, facing pollution from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and charcoal burning, is keen to establish a similar system.
“We need a strong air quality monitoring system that will give us evidence and help us strengthen our legislative framework,” said Mr. Richard Chigerwe, head of Harare’s Health Services Planning, who led the delegation. The Zimbabwean officials sought to understand Kampala’s data collection methods, how this data informs policy, and its community engagement strategies.
KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi noted that Kampala’s rapid population growth exacerbates traffic congestion and consequently worsens air quality. “The city’s population rises from about 1.7 million residents at night to approximately 3.5 million during the day, increasing demand for transport and contributing to traffic congestion,” he explained. He emphasized the value of peer-to-peer learning facilitated by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, allowing cities to adapt effective solutions to their unique contexts.