The World Bank has called on Uganda to urgently translate its climate change strategies into concrete action, warning that delays could deepen the country’s vulnerability to floods, droughts, and economic shocks.
The appeal came during the launch of Uganda’s latest climate change strategies and the Champions of Green Industrialisation awards in Kampala. World Bank representatives noted that while Uganda has made strides in drafting policies and integrating climate concerns into national planning, the country now faces the harder task of implementation.
According to the Bank, climate extremes are already hitting households and infrastructure hard. Recurrent floods and landslides are disrupting food production, with the poorest families bearing the brunt. Studies show that up to 80% of low-income households affected by climate shocks are forced to cut food consumption, leading to malnutrition and deepened poverty.
Infrastructure losses are another major concern. Road networks alone could face damages estimated at US$33 billion by 2050, cutting national GDP growth by as much as 3% if preventive measures are not fast-tracked.
Despite these risks, the World Bank commended Uganda for recognizing climate change as a development challenge rather than just an environmental one. Policies are increasingly being tied to fiscal planning and disaster risk management, but gaps remain in financing, early warning systems, and inter-agency coordination.
The Bank urged Uganda to build stronger partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and young people to strengthen resilience efforts. It also reaffirmed its support, pointing out that over the past decade it has invested US$2.2 billion in climate-related programs in Uganda.
Officials stressed that with the right actions now, Uganda can not only safeguard its people and economy but also seize opportunities in renewable energy, green industry, and sustainable agriculture.