Uganda urged to act now to end lead exposure in paints
In one case, a two-year-old child was hospitalised with severe abdominal pain caused by flaking lead-based wall paint at home.
Hoima: As the world marks International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from 19–25 October 2025 under the theme “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure,” Uganda faces a silent but serious threat the continued sale of toxic paints containing lead. These paints endanger the health of children in homes, schools, and playgrounds across the country.
According to Peter Akugizibwe Araali, Executive Director of Western Media for Environment and Conservation (WEMECO), a 2017 study of paints in Kampala revealed alarming results: 67 percent of sampled paints exceeded the safe limit of 90 parts per million (ppm), with some reaching as high as 150,000 ppm.
“The tragedy is that safer alternatives already exist and are produced locally,” Akugizibwe noted. “Protecting children from lead exposure is entirely possible.”
He explained that young children absorb up to five times more lead than adults. Even low exposure levels can severely affect brain development, reduce learning ability, cause behavioural problems, stunt growth, and lead to kidney damage or hearing loss.
In one case, a two-year-old child was hospitalised with severe abdominal pain caused by flaking lead-based wall paint at home.
“Uganda lags behind countries like Kenya, which enforces a 90 ppm limit, and the East African Community, which is moving toward harmonised standards,” Akugizibwe said. “The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) must act urgently to regulate, monitor, and enforce safe paint manufacturing practices. Without decisive action, our children and communities remain at risk.”
He appealed to parents to take immediate precautions avoid old or cheap paints, clean floors and toys using wet methods, and repaint with certified lead-free products.
“Manufacturers should stop producing toxic paints, while regulators must adopt and enforce a mandatory lead limit for all decorative paints,” he added.
Uganda successfully eliminated lead from petrol years ago proving that coordinated action works. The science is clear, safer alternatives are available, and the human cost of inaction is far too high.
Every wall should protect, not poison, our children.
About WEMECO:
Western Media for Environment and Conservation (WEMECO) advocates for environmental protection, public health, and sustainable practices in Uganda.
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