Capital city in Central Region, Uganda
Air quality in Kampala
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Kampala was 60.1 µg/m³ in 2019, about 12.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Dust, traffic and burning make Kampala one of Africa's more polluted cities, worst in dry spells and at rush hour.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 60.1 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Kampala.
- Worst months: Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb.
- Recent average: 57.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2013 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Kampala bad?
Severely polluted: 60.1 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 12.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb.
When is the air worst in Kampala?
Dust, traffic and burning make Kampala one of Africa's more polluted cities, worst in dry spells and at rush hour.
How does Kampala compare with the rest of Uganda?
People in Uganda breathe 31 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 60.1 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Kampala
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Entebbe International Airport (CAA Uganda)
- Uganda Tourism Board
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.