Air Quality in Kampala
Why air quality?
Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to human health, and responsible for millions of deaths annually – more than HIV/AIDS, malaria, war, and road accidents combined. It is also the top risk factor for poor health globally, causing a greater burden of disease than high blood pressure, smoking, or unsafe water. Air pollution is most severe and the toll on human health highest in low and middle income countries in Africa and Asia. Despite the high cost of air pollution on health, many people living in the most affected cities and countries are unaware of their level of exposure or the impact air pollution and their daily activities are having on their lives.
This site serves to share the results of academic research about air quality in Uganda. Between November 2024 and May 2025 our research team conducted a representative survey of Kampala residents about air quality awareness and knowledge. Recent data suggest that Uganda ranks as one of the countries with the highest levels of pollution globally, and air pollution is estimated to reduce life expectancy of Kampala residents by over three years.
In the survey we examine levels of awareness, knowledge, concern, and policy preferences about air pollution, as well as the effect of two common strategies to raise awareness: an informational video and SMS messages about local air pollution exposure. This site serves to share the results of the study with the public. Overall, we document that Kampala residents exhibit low levels of awareness and knowledge about the causes and consequences of air pollution, and underestimate their exposure and its impact on their lives.
Team
Principal Investigators
Melina R.
Platas, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYU Abu Dhabi
J. Andrew
Harris, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYU Abu Dhabi
Research Staff:
Samuel Olweny, Matrice360
Roberta Danieliūtė, Research Associate,
NYU Abu Dhabi