The Buganda Kingdom has called on the Government of Uganda to strengthen enforcement of laws regulating road construction activities, warning that unchecked dust and emissions are contributing to deteriorating air quality and rising health risks.
The appeal was made by the Kingdom’s Minister for Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs, Joseph Kawuki, during the opening of a training workshop on air quality management held at Bulange, Mengo.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Environment under the theme, “Empewo Bwe Bulamu” (Air is Life), brought together planners from various counties across Buganda.
Kawuki expressed concern that some road construction companies operate without adequate environmental safeguards, generating excessive dust and harmful emissions that affect surrounding communities.
“I appeal to the government to fully implement and enforce laws governing road construction companies, especially those that fail to sprinkle water on roads under construction. The dust that rises from such activities is dangerous to people’s health and has also increased the number of road accidents,” Kawuki said.
He noted that prolonged exposure to dust and polluted air has been linked to respiratory illnesses and other serious health conditions, placing additional strain on families and the healthcare system.
Kawuki urged county planners who attended the workshop to spearhead sensitisation campaigns in their respective areas, encouraging communities to take an active role in improving air quality.
He stressed that public awareness and collective action are critical in mitigating environmental degradation.
The Kingdom’s Minister for Community Self-Help, Environment, Water and Gender, Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo, commended participants for prioritising environmental protection.
She encouraged the public to plant more trees and desist from degrading wetlands, describing forests and wetlands as natural filters that play a vital role in purifying the air.
Environmental experts who facilitated the workshop highlighted the broader sources of air pollution. Prof. Rebecca Larson from the University of Wisconsin–Madison warned that the air people breathe contains dangerous pollutants largely originating from vehicle emissions, burning of materials and other human activities.
Prof. Melina Platas from New York University Abu Dhabi emphasised personal responsibility in environmental conservation, urging individuals and institutions to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
She said her institution would continue collaborating with the Buganda Kingdom to promote public education on clean air initiatives.
The Kingdom’s Environmental Officer, Teddy Nabakoza Ggaliwango, said the workshop was prompted by expert findings indicating that air quality in many parts of Uganda remains poor due to environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation.
She called for coordinated efforts among government agencies, cultural institutions, academic bodies and local communities to prevent further deterioration.
The Buganda Kingdom reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and pledged to continue partnering with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and safeguard clean air for future generations.
