This report provides an analysis of air quality data for the months of October, November and December 2024 across selected locations in Uganda, focusing on PM2.5 levels. Data was collected from monitoring sites in critical urban areas within the Central, Western, Eastern, and Northern regions. The findings reveal a national average of 33.19μg/m3 across the country. Notable regional differences were observed in the the Central and Western regions exhibiting the highest PM2.5 concentrations, especially in Kampala and Masaka. In contrast, regions like Northern Uganda, including cities such as Gulu and Lira, displaying relatively lower PM2.5 levels, indicating moderate air quality. Throughout the three months selection, sites across the various regions, particularly Jinja, showed major improvement in air quality compared to prior months. However, specific hotspots continue to exhibit elevated pollution levels. This spread suggests differences in air quality conditions across the country, likely influenced by local environmental or seasonal factors.

National State of Air Quality

The average air quality (PM 2.5) recorded for the country for the months of October November and December was 33.19 μg/m3 and Soroti 46μg/m3 recorded the highest average PM2.5 air quality while the best air quality was recorded in Mbarara 20.7μg/m3.

Bar graph showing the average monthly PM2.5 in Central Uganda.

Central Region

The average PM2.5 data for the month of October, November and December in Uganda reveals significant regional variation, particularly with elevated levels in the Central Region. Masaka in recorded the highest PM2.5 concentrations at 42μg/m., while Mityana followed closely with 40μg/m. However, both districts are monitored by only one device each, which could affect spatial accuracy and limit data representation.

In contrast, Kampala and Wakiso, which have denser monitoring device networks, recorded lower concentrations of 32.82 μg/m. and 28.48 μg/m., respectively. This higher device density provides more reliable insights into air quality across diverse urban areas. Mubende reported a lower concentration of 19.82 μg/m. with two devices, reflecting potential variability within sparsely monitored areas.

Other districts like Njeru, Kyotera, and Mukono, where monitoring is also limited, recorded moderate concentrations of 15.70μg/m., 23.20μg/m., and 21.91μg/m., respectively. On average, the PM2.5 concentration across these regions was 27.44μg/m., with a standard deviation of 8.81 μg/m., reflecting substantial variability in PM2.5 levels across the districts. These findings underscore the importance of expanded monitoring to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of air quality across diverse geographic and urban-rural divides.

Western Region

The October- December 2024 air quality data for PM2.5 from Western Uganda shows an average PM2.5 concentration value of 31.8μg/m. across the monitored districts of Mbarara Kabarole, Kasese and Kabale. The PM2.5 concentrations ranged from a minimum of 18 μg/m. in Mbarara to a maximum of 22.86 μg/m. in Kabale. The distribution of values demonstrates some variability, with a standard deviation of 2.41 μg/m. Quartile analysis indicates that 25% of the districts have PM2.5 levels below 19.93 μg/m., while 75% have levels under 22.63μg/m.

This spread suggests differences in air quality conditions across districts, likely influenced by local environmental or seasonal factors.

Bar graph showing the average monthly PM2.5 averages for the selected locations in Western Uganda.

Eastern Region

The district of Soroti had one monitoring point which showed an average of 46 μg/m.. The Given that there is only one monitoring device in Soroti, the results obtained cannot be a true representation of the state of air quality for the district. Air quality recorded in Jinja indicated poor air quality in Buwenge North 47 μg/m. and Lubaga ward 35.5μg/m.. The hotspot identified within Jinja was Buwenge North, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and interventions to sustain good air quality in the area.

Bar graph showing the average monthly PM2.5 averages in Jinja.

Northern Region

The key cities of Gulu and Lira in northern Uganda were the focus for air quality monitoring in Northern Uganda.

The average readings recorded in Gulu was 24.4μg/m., while the average PM2.5 concentrations for Lira was 39.5 μg/m.. Overall, the air quality records for northern Uganda was moderate with a mean of 31.5 μg/m. which consistent with the observed trend in the Northern Region over previous months.

The quarterly PM2.5 concentrations in the Northern Region had a mean of 31.5 μg/m.. The range spanned from a minimum of 12 μg/m. recoded at Mary Queen of Peace in Gulu to a maximum of 73μg/m. recorded at Mukwano road.

Bar graph showing the average monthly PM2.5 averages for the selected locations in Northern Uganda.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the air quality registered in the country during the period of October- December 2024 had an average of 33.39 μg/m. which was moderate. The results show general improved air quality in this period although some districts such as Soroti, Masaka, Mityana and Kampala continue to experience poor air quality.

These findings underscore the necessity for sustained monitoring and targeted interventions to address localized pollution sources. Proactive pollution control measures aligned with these standards are essential to secure long-term improvements in air quality and protect public health. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained monitoring and targeted interventions to address localized pollution sources. Proactive pollution control measures are essential to ensure long-term improvements in air quality and safeguard public health.

Air Quality Index used for describing the various air quality levels in the report i.e moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups