Multi-Stakeholder Inception Meeting on Lead Pollution Awareness in Uganda

UGANDA—On January 23, 2025, stakeholders from various sectors convened at Hotel Africana, Kampala, for a multi-stakeholder meeting and press conference to address lead pollution in Uganda. The event, hosted by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), brought together government representatives, environmental experts, public health professionals, and media personnel to deliberate on the pressing issue of lead contamination and outline strategies for a national awareness campaign. This initiative is supported by the Canton and State of Geneva.

Lead Pollution Challenges in Uganda

Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no safe level of exposure. It is linked to severe neurological, cardiovascular, and developmental health impacts, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Studies show that lead exposure is responsible for over 1 million deaths globally each year, with many more suffering long-term health consequences. In Uganda, lead pollution stems from various sources, including:

• Lead-based paints, where children are extremely vulnerable to lead exposure through normal hand-to-mouth behavior (IPEN, 2021).

• Improper solid waste disposal, exposing communities to contaminated air, soil, and water.

• Used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, which lacks environmental safeguards.

• Lead-contaminated drinking water and plumbing materials.

• Lead-contaminated metallic cookware,often made with lead-alloyed metals for improved malleability, poses a serious health risk. During cooking, lead can leach from cookware—such as saucepans—into food, exposing communities to harmful chemical exposure.

Despite existing chemical management policies, they are too broad to effectively address lead pollution. As a result, focused legal, policy, and social interventions are urgently needed to mitigate this growing health risk.

A National Awareness Campaign: Defining the Strategy

The meeting aimed to finalize the strategic framework for an upcoming lead pollution awareness campaign.GAHP Board Chair Raymond Ruyoka actively contributed, emphasizing the need for stronger action and collaboration to tackle lead pollution and protect public health. Building on this discussion, Dr. Emmanuel Tebandeke, GAHP Project Coordinator in Uganda, moderated a key session to identify the campaign’s target audience and priority concerns. The discussions highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of laws, improved public education, and collaborative action among stakeholders.

Leila Akello Gonasa, Senior Manager Environmental Compliance, who represented the Executive Director of NEMA, emphasized the commitments in addressing the lead pollution in Uganda, stating:

"NEMA, in partnership with GAHP, is dedicated to combating lead pollution in Uganda. Our mission remains clear: sustainable development, environmental conservation, and safeguarding public health."

Leila Akello Gonasa, Senior Manager Environmental Compliance, who represented the Executive Director of NEMA, addresses the audience during the Multi-Stakeholder Inception Meeting on Lead Pollution Awareness.

Maria Paola Lia, GAHP Executive Director, emphasized GAHP’s mission on the matter, stating:

"Our goal is to support communities in implementing practical solutions to tackle lead pollution. Uganda is leading the way in driving impactful change, and strong partnerships are essential to sustaining action"

Maria Paola Lia, GAHP Executive Director, delivers her remarks virtually during the Multi-Stakeholder Inception Meeting on Lead Pollution Awareness.

Key Areas of Concern & Solutions Proposed by Working Groups

During the meeting, participants were divided into four working groups, each focusing on a major lead pollution challenge and presenting targeted solutions:

1. Raising Public Awareness of Lead Pollution:

   • Proposed activities: Media campaigns, community outreach, and public engagement to increase awareness of lead pollution dangers.

2. Used Lead-Acid Batteries (ULAB):

   • Solution: Implement best available environmental recycling techniques, targeting manufacturers, importers, and consumers to promote responsible ULAB disposal.

3. Lead Contamination Risk in Drinking Water & Plumbing Products:

   • Strategy: Social media engagement to push for stricter regulation of lead-containing consumer products, ensuring only lead-free materials are imported and used.

4. Law Enforcement & Regulation:

   • Identified gaps: Lack of testing equipment and absence of penalties for non-compliance.

   • Proposed campaign: Target regulatory bodies such as UNBS, NEMA, and the private sector to enforce stricter lead pollution laws.

5. Waste Management & Solid Waste Disposal

   • Concern: Poor solid waste disposal was among the key challenges that needed to be addressed.

   • Strategy: Strengthen public awareness through media campaigns and community outreach, emphasizing the dangers of improper waste disposal and its contribution to lead exposure.

6. Lead-Contaminated Metallic Cookware

   • Concern: Some metal fabricators use lead-alloyed metals to manufacture cookware such as saucepans. During cooking, lead can leach into food, posing serious health risks. 

   • Recommendation: Increase awareness on the health hazards of lead exposure from cookware and advocate for the adoption of safer, lead-free alternatives.

Mobilizing Action & Awareness Initiatives

The meeting concluded with Maureen Anino, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environment Sector Services at the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasizing the importance of effective public awareness. She urged consultants and campaign managers to craft clear, simple messages that resonate with the general public. The ultimate goal is to ensure the widest possible outreach and education on lead pollution.

Maureen Anino, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environment Sector Services at the Ministry of Water and Environment, delivers the closing remarks.

Moving forward, the next steps will include:
✔ Finalizing campaign messages based on group discussions.
✔ Developing an integrated media and outreach strategy.
✔ Officially launching the campaign with widespread media coverage.

With a strong multi-stakeholder approach, Uganda is taking a proactive stand against lead pollution, ensuring a healthier future for its communities.