Advancing Uganda's Health and Pollution Action Plan

As in many other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Uganda is currently facing several environmental and public health challenges, including exposure to harmful chemicals, contamination by heavy metals, polluted sites, water pollution, poor sanitation, unsafe waste disposal practices, unsustainable farming methods, and the degradation of wetlands and catchment areas. According to Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III 2020/21–2024/25), these issues threaten natural resources, increase the cost of clean water, and contribute to disease and premature mortality. 

In collaboration with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), national stakeholders, and local partners, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) is developing Uganda’s Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP) with support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the UK Government. 

On September 11, 2025, GAHP and NEMA jointly convened an inception meeting at Hotel Africana, Kampala to introduce the HPAP to key stakeholders. This meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for integrating pollution prevention into Uganda's policy agenda, strengthening government commitment, and identifying concrete actions to reduce pollution exposure and mitigate related health impacts. Ms. Leila Akello Gonasa, Senior Manager, Department of Environment Compliance from NEMA emphasized that the HPAP is crucial for incorporating pollution prevention into the country’s policy framework. She expressed gratitude to GAHP and its global coalition for their support in making the event possible and welcomed collaboration from ministries, academia, civil society, and international partners such as United Nations Development Program and World Health Organization, whose involvement is vital to this effort. 

Laying the Groundwork 

During the inception meeting, Dr. Florence Nantaba, GAHP’s Health and Pollution Action Plan Coordinator presented findings from the HPAP preliminary assessment report on the status of pollution in Uganda.  

The preliminary goal of the HPAP is to improve health outcomes by addressing pollution-related challenges in Uganda. To achieve this, the plan reviews existing policies and interventions, identifies key gaps and obstacles, and engages stakeholders to refine the assessment and help shape practical solutions and policy recommendations. 

The report highlighted key pollution issues, including air pollution, water pollution, poor waste management, heavy metal contamination, and agrochemical use and misuse. During the inception meeting, participants reviewed the preliminary findings, identified additional gaps, and shared insights based on their expertise and experience. 

Formation of the HPAP Technical Working Group 

To support the development of the HPAP, GAHP will establish a technical working group comprising 40 participants representing a diverse range of stakeholders including government ministries, departments and agencies, local stakeholders, the private sector and civil society organizations. This working group will meet regularly to refine strategies, address data gaps, and contribute to the development of a comprehensive action plan.   

Building on the agreed-upon priorities, stakeholders will collaborate to potentially suggest policy changes, design targeted interventions and concept notes that will form the backbone of the national HPAP. The action plan will include project proposals suitable for submission to national and international donors for funding consideration. 

Way Forward 

With input from various stakeholders, GAHP will refine the Health and Pollution Action preliminary report as a basis for developing the HPAP. The draft HPAP will undergo a thorough review, and validation by the technical Working Group, local and international partners, government MDAs, CSOs, NGOs and private sector stakeholders. The outcome aims at being a plan that is nationally owned, technically sound, and addresses real pollution challenges with practical solutions. 

Maria Paola Lia, the Executive Director of GAHP, highlighted that the inception meeting was an important step in Uganda's efforts to address the health impacts of pollution. "GAHP is honored to be part of the process bringing together key ministries, national stakeholders, and experts to review preliminary findings and share experience and expertise.  This meeting sets the foundation for a country-led approach that will support national ownership, leadership, and coordination in the development of a targeted, evidence-based Health and Pollution Action Plan."

Featured are representatives from GAHP, NEMA, and YADNET, including GAHP Uganda team members and partners.