Overview:
Uganda's transport sector stakeholders urge adoption of sustainable transport solutions to tackle Kampala's worsening air pollution. A recent study showed a 50% drop in air pollution during COVID-19 lockdown, highlighting transportation's impact.
Kampala, Uganda – Stakeholders in Uganda’s transport sector are urging faster adoption of sustainable transport solutions to tackle the city’s worsening air pollution.
The call came at the Green Mobility Stakeholders Forum in Kampala, jointly organised by the Ministry of Works and Transport and Makerere University’s AirQo Project.
“Transport is the dominant cause of air pollution and greenhouse emissions in major cities globally, including Kampala,” said Katushabe Winstone, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety.
A recent study by AirQo found that air pollution levels in Kampala dropped by 50% during the COVID-19 lockdown, highlighting the significant impact of transportation on urban emissions.
Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, AirQo Project Lead, said: “This research illustrates the critical role transportation plays in air pollution and underscores the urgent need for sustainable mobility solutions.”
Rising emissions
Uganda’s transport sector is growing rapidly, with a 7.9% increase in newly registered motor vehicles and motorcycles in 2022, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes over 8 million premature deaths worldwide annually, with more than 1.2 million deaths in Africa and over 27,000 in Uganda.
Sustainable solutions
To address the issue, the AirQo Project has developed an autonomous technology solution to capture traffic data and estimate vehicle emissions.
“This system will provide detailed estimates of vehicular emissions, enabling authorities to prioritize sustainable mobility options,” Prof Bainomugisha said.
Experts say data-driven insights are crucial to inform sustainable transport policies and promote cleaner, healthier urban spaces.