Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda

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

Tackling Pollution Through Evidence, Action, and Inclusion

Pollution poses one of Uganda’s most urgent public health and environmental challenges. Rapid urbanisation, limited waste infrastructure, and agrochemical misuse have intensified threats to clean air, safe water, and productive land. In 2024, our work in Uganda focused specifically on lead and involved a multi-stakeholder consultation, bringing together the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry of Health, Makerere University, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, the private sector, international partners, and others to establish a National Lead Working Group and develop a Lead Preliminary Assessment Report. 

This collaborative approach was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive assessment of pollution priorities. Building on this foundation, the Uganda Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP) is currently being developed under the Environmental Pollution Programme in Uganda (EPP-UG). EPP-UG expands the effort to address multiple pollution challenges - air, water, solid waste, agrochemicals, and heavy metals—through six coordinated ongoing work packages (2025 and 2026). 

Programme Components

1. Policy and Framework Review

GAHP is guiding a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s waste and agricultural policies in the context of pollution, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), and human health. The review aims to identify policy gaps where women, youth, and marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by pollution and formulate recommendations to include GEDSI considerations for targeted interventions. 

2. Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP)

In partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other national ministries, the private sector, academia and research centres, international partners, and CSOs, GAHP is facilitating the development of Uganda’s HPAP, a roadmap prioritising pollution control measures that yield the greatest health benefits and guide donor investments.

3. Research on Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP)

In collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Makerere University, GAHP is advancing a source apportionment study to investigate the importance of traffic-related air pollution in Kampala on human exposure, focusing on particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10). The data will be used to assess the health impacts of TRAP on different groups and enable targeted interventions to reduce air pollution and exposure, as well as mitigate health inequalities. 

4. Civil Society Mobilisation

Through GAHP’s coordination with the Youth Advocacy and Development Network (YADNET) and partner Civil Society Organisations, Equal Lives Foundation, Anai Climate Inclusion Network, and Hands of Hope Initiative, the programme empowers youth and communities in Uganda to champion awareness campaigns on pollution prevention and environmental health. By working hand in hand with these local partners, GAHP strengthens grassroots action, strengthens local capacity, and amplifies community voices in the fight for a cleaner and healthier environment.

5. Local Partnership Development

GAHP is identifying and formalising partnerships with in-country organisations to strengthen delivery. GAHP has partnered with NEMA since 2024 and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officialise this partnership. GAHP is also collaborating with several ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, the Kampala Capital City Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, among others. GAHP's mission is to foster a multi-stakeholder collaboration with in-country organisations to strengthen delivery, sustainability, and national ownership.

6. Future Planning

Insights from various EPP initiatives and projects will guide GAHP’s advocacy in fostering partnerships and promoting interventions that address the country’s identified priorities.

Our Impact

Through EPP-UG, GAHP bridges science, policy, and community action, collaborating with Uganda to establish an inclusive and data-driven foundation that reduces pollution, protects human health, and advances sustainable development.

This initiative reflects GAHP’s broader mission: partnering with developing countries to address pollution as a public health priority and integrate clean-environment goals into national development planning.