Climate Change in Uganda: Its Mitigation Measures

Summary:

• Climate change presents significant challenges for Uganda, with impacts including floods, landslides, and agricultural losses. Despite commitments, practical implementation of mitigation measures lags.

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Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to the world today, with its impacts being far-reaching and devastating, particularly for Uganda. Sustainable Development Goal No.13 urges all nations to take urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions. Uganda, like many other countries, has committed to enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. However, despite these commitments, practical implementation remains lacking, evident in issues such as loss of forest cover, floods, landslides, and pollution of lakes and rivers with plastics and polythene, as well as encroachment on national parks.

The effects of climate change are evident across Uganda, with manifestations including uncertain rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, poor air quality, frequent floods, and landslides. Recent examples of such disasters include those in Kasese district, Bukedea, and Sironko, resulting in significant loss of property, lives, and homes. These impacts are particularly acute in mountainous regions such as Rwenzori and Elgon, affecting districts like Bududa, Sironko, Mbale, Kasese, Butaleja, and Buliisa Pakwatch. Reduced agricultural yields, food insecurity, and droughts further compound the challenges posed by climate change.

Climate variability has also hindered development gains in Uganda, with droughts leading to drainages and losses. Precipitation patterns vary significantly across the country, with some areas experiencing increased rainfall while others, particularly in the north and northeast, witness decreases. Extreme weather events, including landslides and floods, have become more frequent, affecting infrastructure and displacing thousands annually.

Uganda’s vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by high levels of poverty and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and forestry. These sectors, vital for livelihoods, are increasingly affected by climate-related impacts, impacting human populations and various facets of economic activity.

Mitigating climate change requires concerted efforts across sectors. The government must prioritize education, awareness, and capacity-building on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Sustainable land management practices, including terracing, contour farming, and reforestation, can reduce flood risks, store carbon, and maintain biodiversity. Additionally, wetland conservation and restoration are crucial for climate regulation and water management.

Policies integrating climate change into development plans are essential, alongside engagement with civil society organizations, local governments, and communities. Strengthening local institutions, such as disaster management and environment committees, and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use are vital steps. Climate-smart agriculture techniques, including agroforestry and conservation agriculture, can enhance productivity and resilience. Restoration of degraded natural forests and the development of policy frameworks supporting renewable energy deployment are also imperative.

In conclusion, conserving and protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. Every Ugandan citizen must play their part in mitigating climate change and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.

The writer, Mr. Gumisiriza Modern is the Executive Director at Youth for Nature Conservancy (YNC). Email: youthfornatureconservancy@gmail.com