Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy , such as noise, heat or light. pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants.
In Uganda pollution is becoming more noticeable day in and out. It is becoming the biggest killer in the country. And due to the rapid urbanization, the numbers are increasing year after year at a faster rate.
In Uganda the main causes of pollution are transport where by their is rapid motorization than active transport. This is happening at a faster count especially in the central business district where traffic jam is frequent at all times. Mining and open waste burning is causing a great impact and pollution in both urban and rural areas of Uganda.
There are many lung problems cropping up in both children and adults. This is mostly the lungs, heart and other body systems. People are getting chronic lung disease, like bronchial asthma, chronic obstructed lung diseases. Even lung cancer has been reported associated with air pollution.
According to WHO ,pollution kills more people than malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis combined. nonetheless, pollution often remains under the radar of policy makers.
Studies by Ugandan scientists suggest about 14 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 14 living in Kampala have bronchial asthma and similar cases were found in the rural district.
Other forms of pollution in Uganda are indoors from smoking.
It is observed that one reason air pollution is not a higher priority is that it's less visible than other problems.for example you find that poor road infrastructure, electricity, are all visible so these are the mostly prioritized areas of focus by policy makers than the pollution which is not visible.
Recently, however, Ugandan health officials and the government, have started a campaign to raise awareness about lung disease caused by air pollution.
TOTAL Uganda has also introduced Total Excellium fuel which not only cleans the engine but also enables all types of cars to consume less fuel and reduce on carbon emissions. This has been provided to 125 Total service stations across the country the fuel is said to be compatible with all existing diesel and gasoline vehicles, including cars, light utility vehicles, two-wheelers and trucks.
My view is that active transport should also be prioritized in Uganda to make people get out of their cars and walk. Walking brings both a health body and sustainable environment. This must be done before Uganda is not only congested by cars but also by fumes.
8 Comments
It is good to read that Uganda started a campaign to raise awareness about lung disease caused by air pollution. Introduction of Total Excellium fuel all over Uganda is another great eco initiative for clean and safe environment. Thanks for a well written report. Keep it up.
Posted 12-09-2016 21:26
Thanks for sharing reports in Uganda, Joanita! I feel also interested about the newly introduced fuel called 'excellium fuel'. What are the components, and how can it reduce the level of pollution? Hope to hear further about the issue, and have a great day!
Posted 11-09-2016 21:49
Interesting. I would like to know exactly what this total excellium fuel is comprised of.
Posted 11-09-2016 17:46
Interesting...
Posted 11-09-2016 13:45
Welcome to this organization and thanks for uploading the first report on time. I believe we didn't have an ambassador from Uganda last time but now I see we have an excellent source to tell us more about things happening in central African regions. cheers!
Posted 10-09-2016 15:05
Good news, Joanita. I am very happy with hearing your country's contribution to reduce global warming.
Posted 05-09-2016 18:14
Good news, ambassador. This will go a long way to reduce the carbon footprint of the country.
Posted 04-09-2016 06:17
Great report E-gen Joanita Babirye .
It sad to know that our governements do not proritize environmental friendly polices despite the fact that pollution is harshing our economy.
We must also understand that our goal is to promote both development and sustainability without entraving any of these.
Great report ,hapy to hear news from a huge country as Uganda.
Posted 03-09-2016 14:26