Uganda lacks laboratory capacity to detect lead in paint

Uganda possesses a robust regulatory framework to manage hazardous chemicals, yet faces significant challenges in enforcing laws regarding lead paint due to a lack of detection capacity. Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), noted that while policies are adequate, the country lacks the laboratory infrastructure necessary to differentiate between safe paint and paint containing dangerous levels of lead.

The need for improved detection comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for the 14th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in October 2026. Global health data from the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation (IHME) indicates that lead exposure was attributed to more than 3.5 million deaths worldwide in 2023, primarily due to cardiovascular effects, and accounted for over 71 million years lost to disability.