The study conducted by the real Urban Emissions (TRUE) initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Environment program (UNEP), has provided the first ever Real-World emissions data for vehicles on African roads.
Over 6,000 vehicles including passenger cars, minibuses and heavy trucks were tested in real traffic conditions across Kampala, exposing widespread pollution levels far above accepted international standards.
Despite Uganda’s recent policy shift to adopt Euro 4 emission standards for vehicle imports, the findings reveal that enforcement remains laid-back and pollution from vehicles remain dangerously high.
According to the study most of the tested vehicles exceeded Euro 4 emissions limits, regardless of their age or country of origin.
Newer petrol passenger cars under eight years old were also found to emit nitrogen oxides at levels 5.5 times higher than allowed as for the diesel vehicles, the situation was even worse.
Heavy commercial vehicles and light commercial vehicles older than 15 years were pumping out three times more black carbon than slightly newer models, yet commercial vehicles of all ages ranked among the worst performers.
Data from the real-world vehicle emissions measurements highlight the need for effective regulation of both vehicle and fuel standards, the findings provide policy makers with evidence to act and implement harmonised Euro 4 standards across East Africa.
The ministry of works and Transport has started drafting a road map to roll out mandatory inspections for heavy-duty vehicles.
These will be aligned with the regional emission standards and could see a transition from Euro 4 standards by 2030.
The Permanent Secretary ,the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Bateebe noted that clean energy and sustainable transport are becoming national urgencies.
“This is why action is being undertaken through several ministries and agencies, from promoting electric mobility to enforcing vehicle inspections, these efforts will ensure cleaner air and healthier population,” she said.
The scale of the problem, however is not confined to Uganda, more than 140,000 vehicles are imported into the country every year, the majority being used cars from the global north.
Across Africa, over a million used vehicles are brought in annually, many with outdated or poorly maintained emission systems.
For experts like sheila Watson, Deputy director at the FIA foundation, the solution starts with accurate independent data.
“Testing real vehicles on real roads shows us how damaging emissions are on people and the planet. This study arms policymakers with the knowledge and tools they need to act decisively,” she said.
Kampala’s air may be thick with fumes today, but with bold policy changes and firm enforcement, a cleaner future is with in reach.
