New York University Abu Dhabi, National Environment Management Authority, and the Uganda Media Centre

Air pollution is a serious health threat in Uganda, yet the majority of air quality monitoring today happens in the capital, Kampala. Our project will expand real-time air quality monitoring to all of Uganda’s ten cities—from Arua to Soroti to Hoima—creating the country’s first urban monitoring network with national coverage. The sensors will measure fine particle pollution and share real-time readings, including on public screens. As a team of academics and government partners, including the National Environment Management Authority and the Uganda Media Centre, we aim to measure air quality across the country, help residents learn about the air they breathe, raise public awareness about the causes and effects of air pollution, and provide local governments with the data they needs to put Uganda’s new air quality standards into action.

Uganda has been a leader in air quality monitoring in Africa. We are excited to complement these efforts by extending real-time air quality monitoring to all of Uganda’s ten cities, from Arua to Mbale to Masaka. Together with the National Environment Management Authority and the Uganda Media Centre, we will work to ensure air quality data is accessible to both local governments and the public, raising awareness about air pollution and supporting efforts to make Uganda’s new air quality standards a reality.

Prof. Melina Platas, Associate Professor of Political Science, New York University Abu Dhabi