By Primrose Nabankema.
KAMPALA, Uganda: June 26, 2025.
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), with support from the Government of Uganda and Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), hosted a high-level dissemination event to unveil findings from a critical study on heavy metal contamination in urban communities. The event, held at the MakSPH Seminar Room, brought together researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to discuss the health and environmental implications of heavy metal exposure in Kampala, Entebbe, and Mukono.
The study, conducted in Kiteezi (Kampala), Nkumba (Entebbe), and Katikolo (Mukono) all of which have been shaped by rapid urbanisation, informal settlement growth and inadequate waste disposal systems. These areas also host some of the county’s largest formal and informal waste processing sites often situated near densely populated communities. The study revealed the alarming levels of heavy metals such as lead, copper, cadmium, and mercury in the environment posing significant risks to human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
“The realisation of the way waste management is handled is not proper” In his keynote address, Mr. Abdullah Ali Halage, Principal Investigator and environmental health expert, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of heavy metal contamination. “Heavy metals have a lot of consequences on plants, animals, and human beings,” he said. “They accumulate in the soil, water, and food chain, leading to long-term health effects that are often invisible until it’s too late.
Mr. Abdullah Ali Halage.
Mr. Halage’s remarks set the tone for a sobering discussion on the intersection of environmental degradation and public health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas with limited waste management infrastructure.
Mr. Tom Okade, a research associate on the project, presented the study’s findings, which were based on interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions with residents in the three communities. “Heavy metal exposure is associated with both acute and chronic health issues,” he noted.
Mr. Tom Okade.
We found that most residents were unaware of the risks that arise with metal consumption. “Residents reported symptoms such as persistent headaches, respiratory problems, and skin irritations many of which they linked to their proximity to waste sites, though they lacked the technical knowledge to understand the full extent of the risks.
”The research team collected environmental samples from soil, water, and crops near dumpsites and effluent channels. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of heavy metals at concentrations exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) safety thresholds.
Representing stakeholders was Mr. Godfrey Erico of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) who highlighted the systemic challenges facing urban waste management. “There are no well-streamlined systems that could easily pick up the waste,” he said. “This gap has led to informal waste economies and unregulated dumping, which in turn exposes communities to hazardous materials.”
Mr. Godfrey Erico.
Mr. Erico called for stronger collaboration between academic institutions, local governments, and private sector actors to develop sustainable, decentralized waste management solutions tailored to Uganda’s urban realities.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaaka, Deputy Vice Chairperson of Mak-RIF, reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to supporting research that drives societal transformation. “This study exemplifies the kind of evidence-based work we aim to support research that not only diagnoses problems but also engages communities and policymakers in crafting solutions,” she said.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaaka.
Dr. Kitaaka emphasized the importance of integrating environmental health into Uganda’s broader public health agenda, especially as urbanization accelerates and climate-related risks intensify she as well emphasized the need to be responsible with waste management as we stay in our respected communities.
The event concluded with a panel discussion that synthesized the research findings into actionable recommendations: Strengthen policy enforcement around waste disposal and environmental protection, Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of heavy metal exposure, Invest in waste monitoring systems and protective infrastructure near dumpsites, Empower local health units to identify and respond to environmental health risks.
Participants agreed that addressing heavy metal contamination requires a multi-sectoral approach including scientific research, community engagement, and political will.
This research initiative, funded by the Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF, underscores the critical role of academic institutions in shaping public policy and safeguarding community health. As participants emphasised it. This research has made the invisible visible. MakSPH remains committed to advancing research that not only informs but transforms ensuring that every Ugandan, regardless of where they live, has the right to a clean and healthy environment.
