Uganda takes a firm stand against air pollution with new law
Uganda has enacted a groundbreaking law that imposes severe penalties on individuals and corporations found guilty of polluting the air. The new legislation, which came into effect recently, demands a jail term of up to 10 years or a hefty fine of up to Shs1 billion (approximately $270,000) depending on the severity of the offence.
Under the new regulations, individuals or entities that emit or cause the emission of objectionable matter, including smoke, gases, vapours, fumes, grit, dust, or other pollutants, will face stringent consequences. For continuous offences, additional fines of up to Shs40 million (approximately $10,800) a day may be levied.
The new law, as part of the National Environment (Air Quality Standards) Regulations 2024, sets clear limits on the emission of toxic gases by factories, vehicles, motorcycles, and other potential sources. The legislation also prohibits the open burning of waste, a significant contributor to urban pollution.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has been crucial in the development of these regulations. The executive director of NEMA, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, highlighted the urgency of the situation while expressing concern over uncontrolled air pollution claiming over 30,000 people annually in Uganda.
“In Uganda, compromised air quality increases disease burden with close to 31,600 people dying from air pollution-related diseases annually, especially in urban areas starting with Kampala. This is a staggering number, and it's time we take action to address this silent killer,” he was quoted by New Vision as saying.
He also added when he was addressing the media on May 6 that air pollution-related sicknesses cost Uganda billions of dollars.
“Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The economic impacts of air pollution in Kampala are estimated to be in the billions of dollars,” he added.
The law demands that individuals or corporations cannot emit or cause to emit any objectionable matter or obnoxious smells, including smoke, gases, vapours, fumes, grit, dust, or other particulate matter that can be dispersed in the atmosphere. The government has set specific limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide, which should not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic meter over eight hours.
With the emergence of the new air quality standards, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah added that “Industries will be required to install automated air quality monitors that transmit data automatically to a central database, and those that emit above allowable standards will require permits and will be penalised.”
