Uganda is experiencing the impacts of climate change at an accelerated pace compared to the global average. The Climate Knowledge Portal reports that average temperatures in the country have risen by 1.3°C since the 1960s, surpassing the global average. Uganda’s rate of climate change, estimated at 0.28°C per decade, is higher than the global average of 0.18°C per decade. These effects are already being observed and are anticipated to worsen, prompting concerns about environmental and socio-economic stability.
Climate change’s consequences in Uganda include erratic rainfall patterns, resulting in longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons. This poses negative consequences for agriculture, as crops lack adequate water during dry spells. Additionally, the country is witnessing a surge in extreme weather events like floods and droughts, causing infrastructure damage and displacing communities.
The agriculture sector is also threatened, with extreme weather harming crops and an increase in pests and diseases affecting productivity. Health-wise, more heatwaves are leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses, while vector-borne diseases like malaria are becoming more common.
In response to these challenges, the Ugandan government is taking steps to address climate change. Initiatives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 22% by 2030, focusing on improving water management and disaster preparedness to enhance climate resilience, and promoting sustainable practices in energy and agriculture sectors.
These measures aim to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and build a more resilient future for Uganda and its people.