[PRESS RELEASE] 2025-2026 Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda, 6th October 2025 - Uganda faces multiple pollution challenges, including indoor and outdoor air pollution, agrochemical misuse, contaminated sites, water pollution, and heavy metals. According to Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDPIII 2020 / 21–2024 / 25), these issues threaten natural resources, increase the cost of clean water, and contribute to disease and premature death.

The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and with support from the UK Government Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), is organising an Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP-UG) Conference on 6th and 7th October 2025.

The EPP-UG Conference in Uganda will serve as a milestone platform to review progress and share findings from ongoing initiatives. Key updates will include:

• The Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP)

• The traffic-related air pollution study

• Civil society–led pollution and health awareness campaigns

• Reviews of Uganda’s agriculture and solid waste management policies

• A study on the economic impacts of pollution

Beyond reporting progress, the conference will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, providing an open space to exchange insights and strengthen partnerships.

Participants will explore key pollution challenges in Uganda and the difficulties in addressing their health and environmental impacts. The conference aims to close with a collaborative exchange of ideas, which will be shared with the HPAP working groups focusing on potential interventions and mitigation strategies, and identifying practical directions for future action.

"Collaborative action among government, CSOs, and the private sector is key to tackling pollution through shared platforms, clear roles, financial incentives, inclusive policies, and community engagement. Each actor contributes uniquely to the government through policy and funding, private sector through sustainable investments, and CSOs through accountability, advocacy, and mobilization." Raymond Ruyoka, Board Chair, GAHP.

"The EPP Conference is a major opportunity to address the escalating environmental pollution in Uganda. It serves as a multi-stakeholder platform for knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, capacity building, and guiding collaborative action." Dr. Innocent Achaye, Chemical Safety Radiation and Pollution Prevention Manager, NEMA Uganda.

"Academic research and innovation are crucial in addressing pollution issues. They help identify the health impacts of pollution, develop effective interventions, and provide the necessary data and evidence for policymakers to design and implement environmental policies and regulations aimed at protecting the population." Dr. Emmanuel Tebandeke, Chair, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University.

"YADNET Uganda emphasises that true grassroots mobilisation involves co-creation, not just outreach. By using participatory research, awareness campaigns, environmental monitoring, and indigenous knowledge, they empower communities to influence national pollution policies. Their approach ensures local voices inform evidence-based decision-making and strengthen environmental governance in Uganda." Brian Okabaki, Acting Country Director, YADNET Uganda.

The design and implementation of this project have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

• For EPP-UG Inquiries: Hassanatou Samake | Programme Manager | hassanatou@gahp.net

• For Media Inquiries: Tran Dinh Truong Thinh (Kevin) | Communication Manager | kevin@gahp.net