Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has sounded the alarm on climate change, warning of its devastating impact on Uganda’s development.
Ms. Among’s warning comes as the country grapples with the impact of climate change-related disasters, including floods in the eastern and southwestern regions, landslides in the mountainous areas, and droughts in the northern and northeastern regions. These disasters have left a trail of destruction, displacement, and death.
Last year, mudslides in the Elgon region killed over 37 people and displaced hundreds, destroying homes and ravaging crops. In 2020, landslides in the Bududa district killed dozens and left many more homeless.
A World Bank report paints a dire picture, projecting that up to 12 million people – approximately 11% of Uganda’s population – could be displaced due to climate change by 2050. Furthermore, the report notes that 200,000 Ugandans are affected annually by weather-related disasters.
The changing climate has also had a devastating impact on the country’s agricultural sector, with droughts and floods destroying crops and livestock. Currently, most parts of the country are experiencing baking temperatures, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could hit a record 40 degrees Celsius until March this year.
The scorching heat has left many Ugandans struggling to cope, with concerns about the impact on health, agriculture, and the economy. Ms. Among emphasized the need for collective action, calling on Ugandans to become champions of environmental conservation within their communities.
Chairing the plenary at Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Among said: “In recent weeks, many parts of the country have experienced unusually high temperatures and humidity. This serves as a reminder that climate change is a real threat, and unless we take deliberate action to mitigate its effects, we remain at risk.”
She encouraged lawmakers to lead by example in environmental conservation and as well rally their constituents towards the cause.
“With the rampant environmental degradation, we must lead by example. If each of the 556 MPs planted 1000 trees, we would add 556,000 trees—a significant step towards environmental restoration and a healthier future for our country,” she said.
Parliament last year launched a greening Uganda initiative with a call to plant over 10 million trees across the country.
“It is essential that we invest our time and effort in environmental conservation, afforestation, responsible waste disposal, and industrial monitoring and surveillance to reduce outdoor air pollution, among other measures,” Speaker Among said.
She urged Ugandans to take action, saying, “I urge you to become champions of environmental conservation within your communities.”