From Research To Policy Action: Addressing Lead Pollution In Uganda

_{Supported by the Canton and the Republic of Geneva (2024–current) and Pure Earth (2023–2024).}

Lead exposure is a major public health and environmental issue in Uganda, affecting millions, particularly children. With current support from the Canton and the Republic of Geneva, and previous support from Pure Earth, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, in collaboration with government agencies, national and international partners, has been working to identify sources of lead contamination, advocate for stronger policies, and implement community awareness initiatives.

The project has progressed in two phases:

• Phase 1: Research & Assessment (2023–2024): Funded by Pure Earth, this phase focused on drafting a comprehensive preliminary assessment of the various lead contamination sources and formulating key recommendations/priorities to address the subsequent lead exposure. The preliminary assessment was done by the Lead Working Group composed of government agencies, public and private sector stakeholders, and research centers—namely the Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Health, Finance, Gender Labor and Social Development, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), YADNET, Eco Trust, Global Paints Limited, and many others. The working group identified priority areas and categorized and prioritized interventions as policy, regulatory, and institutional for the sound management of lead in Uganda. The lead awareness campaign is one of the intervention priorities included in the preliminary assessment report and is currently being implemented during Phase 2.

• Phase 2: Policy Advocacy & Action (2024–Present): This phase is funded by the Canton and the Republic of Geneva. In this phase, GAHP, in collaboration with YADNET, is implementing a Lead Awareness Campaign in at-risk neighborhoods in Kampala, Uganda. The lead awareness campaigns, identified as a priority by the Lead Working Group, were launched during the multistakeholder meeting and press conference held on January 23 in Kampala. The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness on the dangers of lead exposure, and to promote policies and practices that reduce or eliminate lead pollution among communities in Kampala. The five key areas the campaign focuses on are solid waste disposal, used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, metallic and ceramic cookware, lead in consumer products, and lead in paint. The campaign will be implemented over a five-month period and aims to use various mediums (webinars, social media, documentary, talk shows, etc.) to raise awareness among the general public, regulators, and policymakers about the dangers associated with lead pollution and steps people can take to reduce/minimize exposure in their homes and communities.

By integrating scientific research, policy engagement, and grassroots advocacy, GAHP is working towards reducing lead exposure and improving health outcomes.

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PHASE 1: RESEARCH & ASSESSMENT (2023-2024)

Key Findings from the Lead Uganda Assessment Report:

With support from Pure Earth’s Strategic Policy Fund, GAHP collaborated with Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to assess the scope of lead pollution in the country. This research laid the foundation for targeted action, led by multi-stakeholder working groups focused on key sources of exposure.

Among the priority areas identified:

• Raising public awareness through media campaigns and community outreach

• Promoting safe recycling of used lead-acid batteries (ULAB) by engaging manufacturers, importers, and consumers

• Advocating for stricter regulations on lead-containing plumbing materials and lead-free cookware

• Addressing gaps in law enforcement and testing capacity

• Highlighting the risks from improper solid waste disposal and lead-contaminated water and food sources

These priorities are driving GAHP and partners’ efforts to reduce lead exposure in Uganda through policy support, public engagement, and system-level change.

PHASE 2: POLICY ADVOCACY & ACTION (2024-PRESENT)

Now, with funding from Canton and the Republic of Geneva, GAHP is leading a policy-focused, action-driven campaign to address Uganda’s lead pollution problem.

1. Promoting Policy Awareness & Safer Practices

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and to encourage the adoption of policies and practices that reduce or eliminate lead pollution in Kampala’s at-risk communities. By spotlighting the most common sources of exposure—such as lead in paint, cookware, and used batteries—the campaign supports ongoing dialogue and action toward safer, healthier environments at the local level.

2. Raising Public Awareness

To further influence policy change and promote safer practices, educating the general public—especially those living in at-risk communities—plays a critical role. Raising awareness empowers individuals to advocate for stronger protections and take steps to safeguard their own health and that of their families.

Key public engagement activities include:

• Nationwide media campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of lead exposure.

• Training teachers, parents, and school children on how to identify and avoid lead-contaminated products.

• Driving ongoing public dialogue on lead hazards through digital campaigns, webinars, and educational talk shows.

Expected Impact

By scaling up advocacy, policy reforms, and awareness efforts, we aim to:

1. Increase lead awareness around exposure and contamination in Uganda.

2. Increase government and industry accountability in managing lead pollution.