Namanve has been identified as the most polluted area in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), with a new assessment indicating that vehicle emissions are playing a bigger role in air pollution than previously believed. The findings come from a specialised study conducted to establish an air quality monitoring network across Greater Kampala. The assessment was carried out by Queenslands and Leeds Consulting Engineers to identify areas experiencing the highest levels of pollution. According to the assessment, Namanve emerged as the most polluted zone, followed by areas including Namuwongo, Bugolobi and Nakawa, which are also experiencing significant pollution levels. The study challenges the long-held perception that industrial activity is the main source of Kampala's air pollution. Presenting the findings, Dr Lammeck Kajubi of Queenslands and Leeds Consulting Engineers said the large volume of daily traffic across the metropolitan area is significantly contributing to the deterioration of air quality. The growing number of vehicles, coupled with persistent traffic congestion, means that large quantities of emissions are released along busy roads and transport corridors. The findings were presented during the release of the Third Annual Performance Assessment (APA3) report for the 2024/25 financial year, which evaluates the performance of the nine entities implementing programmes within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Traffic emerges as a major pollution source Greater Kampala has experienced rapid population growth and an increase in the number of vehicles on its roads. As a result, traffic congestion has become a major environmental concern. The latest assessment suggests that the sheer volume of road traffic is placing considerable pressure on air quality, shifting attention from industrial emissions to the wider transport sector. This means that people travelling, working or living near heavily congested roads may be exposed to vehicle-related pollutants on a daily basis. The situation presents a growing public health concern, particularly as millions of people move through Kampala and its surrounding urban areas every day. Authorities face pressure to tackle transport emissions The findings are expected to increase pressure on urban authorities to strengthen measures aimed at controlling vehicle emissions and improving traffic management. Reducing congestion, improving public transport and promoting cleaner forms of transportation could play an important role in improving air quality across Greater Kampala. The assessment also highlights the need for continued air-quality monitoring so that authorities can identify pollution hotspots and develop targeted interventions. With Namanve now ranked as the most polluted area in the metropolitan region, the findings underline the scale of Kampala's environmental challenge and the need for stronger measures to protect residents from harmful air pollution.