Colonial-era planning in Kampala is still shaping air quality today according to a new study published in the advanced earth and space sciences ,with poorer communities facing higher levels of pollution than wealthier areas.
The research shows that neighbourhoods originally designated for Africans during British rule now experience worse air pollution compared to areas that were set aside for Europeans and Asians.
“We observed significantly higher… PM2.5 concentration in African settlements… compared to European/Asian areas,” the study authors wrote.
During the colonial period, Kampala was divided along racial lines. Europeans settled in well-planned areas such as Kololo and Nakasero, which had better infrastructure and green spaces, while Africans were pushed to less developed or unplanned locations. “British colonial urban planners in Kampala… designed segregated neighbourhoods for Europeans, Asians, and Africans.”
Although segregation officially ended many years ago, the study shows that its effects are still present today. Areas that were historically underdeveloped continue to face challenges such as poor housing, limited services, and high population density. These conditions contribute to higher levels of air pollution, especially in communities where residents rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking and often burn waste due to poor garbage collection.
Researchers used air quality sensors across Kampala between 2021 and 2022 to measure PM2.5, a harmful pollutant that can cause serious health problems, including respiratory and heart diseases. The study also found that these same communities are more socially vulnerable, meaning they have fewer resources to cope with environmental risks. “Air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.”
In contrast, former European and Asian neighbourhoods continue to benefit from better planning, including paved roads, organised waste management, and more green spaces, all of which help reduce pollution levels.
The study also notes that pollution levels change with the seasons, increasing during the dry months and decreasing when it rains, as rainfall helps to clear pollutants from the air.
Overall, the findings show how historical decisions continue to influence modern life in Kampala. “Colonial‐era urban planning decisions likely played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for modern air pollution disparities in Kampala.”
The researchers say there is a need for improved urban planning, cleaner energy use, and better infrastructure to address these inequalities and protect public health.
Photo credit