When Communities Learn Together

Pollution remains a significant but often under-recognised threat to health in many communities, particularly when its sources are embedded in everyday environments. Through the Defra-funded Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP) in Uganda, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) worked with civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen awareness, build technical capacity, and support community-driven responses to environmental health challenges. 

The series of capacity-building training from late 2025 was designed to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to understand pollution impacts on health and lead effective advocacy campaigns in vulnerable communities in Kampala. The training focused on inclusive messages and approaches for safer and more inclusive practices in the communities they serve.

For many participants, the training brought to life  forms of pollution that had previously gone unnoticed and their impacts on daily life. Ogwang Rogers from Equal Lives Foundation shared that the sessions deepened his understanding of environmental risks, particularly those that are less visible.

This increased awareness is helping shape how CSOs approach their work, with greater attention to how pollution affects different groups and the importance of inclusive responses. 

Participants also gained practical insights into integrating environmental and social priorities. Nawaguna Tabo Samalie from Anai Climate Inclusion Network highlighted how the training strengthened her understanding of the connections between climate, waste, and pollution.

She has begun applying these insights in her organisation’s activities, particularly by incorporating gender considerations and strengthening advocacy on lead and mercury pollution. The training also fostered a stronger sense of collaboration, opening opportunities for CSOs to work together towards shared environmental goals. 

At the community level, the impact of the training is already beginning to take shape through individual action. Ssenyange Sarah from Hands of Hope Initiative was struck by the risks associated with commonly used household items, such as locally made cookware that may contain hazardous elements.

Following the training, she shared this knowledge within her household and is now planning to raise awareness through her church and wider community. This progression from personal awareness to community outreach highlights how knowledge can spread beyond the training setting.

By working closely with local organisations, GAHP continues to strengthen community capacity to address pollution and protect health through informed, inclusive, and collaborative approaches. 

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).