Is the air quality good in Kampala?
On November 3, 2026, at 12:40 PM (local time), air quality in Kampala, Uganda, is poor with an AQI of 193, which falls within the "unhealthy" range.
These conditions can cause health effects for everyone, with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions facing the greatest risk.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Kampala ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday afternoon.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Kampala.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Kampala was 44.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 129, which falls into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category and was 8.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Kampala, Uganda ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city on November 3, 2026, at 12:40 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Kampala?
Air quality is expected to improve into the moderate range by tomorrow.
Hourly air quality forecast for Kampala, Uganda on November 3, 2026. Source: IQAir.
While conditions are expected to improve by tomorrow, sensitive groups should continue to monitor local air quality and limit prolonged outdoor activity if pollution remains elevated.
Air quality map of Kampala, Uganda on November 3, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Kampala?
Road traffic and household biomass burning are major contributors to Kampala’s air pollution. Research covering 2019–2023 highlights vehicle emissions and the burning of fuels for household energy as important urban pollution sources (1).
Research also identifies several recurring contributors to pollution in Kampala and other Ugandan urban areas, including:
- Exhaust from vehicles, including older, highly polluting engines (2)
- Smoke from charcoal and firewood used for cooking
- Open burning of household waste, including plastics
- Dust from unpaved roads, construction, and deteriorated road surfaces
- Emissions from industrial activity (3)
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
