KAMPALA SHOWCASES AIRQUALITY LEADERSHIP AT GLOBAL SUMMIT

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), led by Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, is representing Uganda at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where over 50 cities have convened to share innovative strategies for tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and building healthier urban environments.

At the global gathering, Kampala is emerging as a leader in air quality management, showcasing a series of groundbreaking initiatives that are transforming how cities monitor and respond to pollution.

Among the highlights is the deployment of more than 100 air quality monitors across the city—one of the most extensive urban monitoring networks in Africa. Complementing this is the establishment of a vast network of community air quality champions, empowering residents to actively track pollution levels and identify sources of poor air quality within their neighborhoods.

Kampala has also introduced devices that provide real-time air quality alerts, enabling communities to respond swiftly to emerging risks. These efforts are part of a broader, data-driven approach that places citizens at the center of environmental management.

In collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies, the city is currently developing a comprehensive Air Quality Ordinance and Communication Strategy aimed at strengthening policy enforcement and public awareness.

Further reinforcing its long-term commitment, KCCA has launched the “Clean Air, Action Strategy 2025/2026 – 2029/2030,” a forward-looking framework that outlines Kampala’s roadmap toward improved air quality, sustainable urban health, and environmental resilience.

Kampala’s approach is also notable for its transparency. Unlike many cities that lack consistent monitoring or public data access, Kampala provides open access to its air quality data, enhancing accountability and fostering public engagement.

Residents and stakeholders can track real-time air quality updates through the city’s official monitoring platform:
https://www.kcca.go.ug/kampala-air-quality-monitoring-network

Speaking at the summit, Buzeki emphasized Kampala’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in building healthier communities. She noted that the summit offers a critical platform for knowledge exchange, enabling cities to learn from one another and strengthen collective action against urban health challenges.

The Partnership for Healthy Cities continues to play a pivotal role in uniting city leaders worldwide to implement proven interventions that reduce NCDs and injuries. The Rio 2026 Summit stands as a testament to the growing global movement toward healthier, more sustainable cities, with Kampala firmly at the forefront.