Proactive Measures and Early Warnings Crucial in Mitigating Climate Change Impact in Uganda
As climate change continues to unleash its harsh realities globally, with soaring temperatures, flooding, droughts, and severe storms becoming more commonplace, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is emphasizing the significance of anticipatory actions and enhanced early warning systems. This focus is particularly critical in Uganda’s vulnerable Rwenzori region, where the impacts of climate change are acutely felt.
According to the Global Humanitarian Assistance Report of 2023, a staggering 83 percent of the 406.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance worldwide faced multiple risk factors, including conflict, climate-related issues, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. With humanitarian assistance expenditure reaching USD 46.9 billion in 2023, efforts primarily centered on mitigating post-disaster effects in conflict or climate-affected zones globally.
In Uganda, the consequences of climate change are vividly evident, ranging from the capricious offerings of nature to attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Droughts, flash floods, landslides, and above-normal rainfall have become recurrent calamities, affecting at least 50,000 people annually. The cost of flood impacts in the country, estimated at USD 62 million, accounts for 0.13 percent of the National Gross Domestic Product, according to FAO.
Recognizing the urgency of proactive measures, especially in the face of anticipated heavy rains, FAO initiated the project “Strengthening flood early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action in hot-spot areas in Uganda.” Funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium with USD 1 million (Shs3.7bn) through the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), the project strategically targeted flood hotspots, leveraging existing data and extensive research.
Under this initiative, FAO undertook measures such as desilting over 810 meters of River Kirumya in Bundibugyo and 2 km of the Kamulikwizi channel in Kasese. These actions significantly reduced the risk of flooding and related disasters, ensuring the safety of residents and safeguarding vital infrastructure and agricultural lands.
In Bundibugyo District alone, home to about 240,000 people, over 400 families permanently vacated their homes due to floods. The desilting measures had tangible benefits, with more than 550 households along the river reaping the rewards of pre-disaster management. This proactive intervention not only prevented flooding but also protected the livelihoods of more than 900 households in Bundibugyo and Kasese Districts.
Sulaiman Baluku, a resident of Kirumya town council, highlighted the impact of worsening floods, stating, “It is not easy to leave your ancestral home, but what choice do we have after losing all that you own.”
The success of these endeavors underscores the importance of anticipatory actions in disaster-prone regions. The next phase aims to extend similar measures to additional disaster-prone areas in the country, addressing the escalating impacts of climate change swiftly and effectively.
Uganda recently achieved a significant milestone by holding its first-ever National Dialogue on Anticipatory Action in November 2022. This event brought together around 200 stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of anticipatory action, providing a platform to share best practices and define a national vision for anticipatory action.
