In a powerful move to amplify climate action in Uganda, the Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U), in collaboration with the Rural Action Community Based Organization (RACOBAO) secured a dialogue with Uganda’s Parliamentary Climate Change Committee. The meeting, chaired by Hon. Biyika Lawrence Songa Member of Parliament Ora County who is the chairman of the committee, on 10 September, 2024 focused on the implementation of the Climate Change Act 2021, an essential legislative tool that underscores Uganda’s commitment to combat climate change and safeguard its environment.
Climate Action
As one of the most influential coalitions of climate-focused organizations in Uganda, with 200 member organizations across the dialogue provided a key opportunity for CAN-U to drive home the urgency of climate action, ensuring that the provisions of the Climate Change Act are fully implemented.
The Climate Change Act 2021 is Uganda’s most comprehensive climate legislation, designed to mainstream climate adaptation and mitigation across sectors. However, the Act’s implementation has faced numerous challenges, including delays in finalizing regulations, inadequate resource allocation, and limited public awareness. CAN-U, with its vast network of climate advocates and technical expertise, is playing a pivotal role in pushing for a comprehensive approach to tackling these barriers.
“This dialogue is crucial not just for holding the government accountable but for identifying the gaps in the system and finding ways to fix them collaboratively,” noted Philip Eric Bakalikwira Chairman Board of Directors CAN-U. “Climate change is already affecting every aspect of life in Uganda environmentally, socially, and economically and we need to act fast to build resilience.” He added.
Strategic Recommendations
During the dialogue, CAN-U presented a series of strategic recommendations aimed at accelerating climate action and ensuring the effective implementation of the Climate Change Act 2021. Some of the key proposals that were presented include:
- Full Implementation of the Climate Change Act: CAN-U urged the government to expedite the completion of regulations related to climate mechanisms and agency responsibilities. This includes ensuring that all sectors are actively reporting on climate actions in accordance with the Act.
- Resource Allocation for Climate Research and Early Warning Systems: Advocating for increased investments in Uganda’s climate research capacity and in technological infrastructure such as early warning systems. These systems are essential for improving disaster preparedness and resilience at both the national and community levels.
- Strengthening Decentralized Climate Services: By empowering district-level natural resources offices, Uganda can ensure more effective local responses to climate risks. CAN-Uganda is pushing for enhanced resources and technical support for districts to implement climate action plans.
- Urban Climate Resilience: Uganda’s rapidly growing urban centers are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. CAN-Uganda proposes the development of well-funded urban climate resilience plans that focus on renewable energy, waste management, and disaster mitigation efforts.
- Urgent Policy Reforms: Outdated environmental policies, such as the National Forest Policy (2001) and the Wetlands Policy (1995), must be updated to align with the Climate Change Act. CAN-U emphasizes that without modern, integrated policy frameworks, Uganda’s ability to respond to climate threats will remain inadequate.
- Financing for Loss and Damage: As Uganda faces increasing climate-induced disasters, CAN-Uganda is calling for the establishment of robust financing mechanisms for loss and damage. This includes advocating for a mix of domestic and international funding to support recovery efforts in vulnerable communities.
Anthony Wolimbwa National Coordinator Climate Action Network advocated for alternative funding mechanisms pointing out that loans are a heavy burden to the country and have risks attached. “While loans can be a valuable tool for financing climate projects, they also come with certain risks and drawbacks of relying heavily on loans for climate action for our country” noted Anthony.
Leading the Charge for Evidence-Based Climate Policy
The approach used by Climate Action Network Uganda to climate advocacy is grounded in evidence and research, making it one of the most trusted voices in the climate policy space in Uganda. By fostering collaboration between local and international partners, CAN-U ensures that Uganda’s climate policies are aligned with global best practices while addressing the unique needs of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
“Climate change is a development issue, not just an environmental one, our goal is to ensure that climate action is integrated into national and local decision-making processes, and that it is backed by the right data, funding, and political will.” Hon. Christine Kaaya Nakimwero, Shadow Minister for Water and Environment.
Paving the Way Forward
As Uganda faces the mounting pressures of climate change, CAN-U’s leadership in mobilizing stakeholders, driving policy reform, and advocating for increased investments in climate resilience is more critical than ever. The organization is calling on all relevant actors’ government ministries, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector to step up and play their part in safeguarding Uganda’s environment and its people.
CAN-U continues to lead the charge, pushing for a climate-resilient Uganda that is prepared to meet the challenges of today’s climate crisis head-on.
OUR PARTNERS
UYDNET is a community based organization working within Najjembe sub-county in Buikwe District near Kampala, Uganda. It has much emphasis on children, youth at risk in poverty, sexually transmitted diseases including the HIV / AIDS scourge , harassment, sex abuse and others.These vulnerable youth at risk are faced with scandalous and strenuous life of dropping out of school, loss of relatives, lack of guidance, lack of support, idle and unorganized, and lack of skills.
Tree Talk Plus (TTP) is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered by the Registrar of Companies (Reg. No. 181679). It is supervised by a Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls towards compliance with the laws and policies of Uganda, including financial practices and reporting.
Real Ecosystems Solutions Limited (RESO) was incorporated under the laws of Uganda on the 11th December, 2017. We contribute to the management and wise use of ecosystems for socio-economic benefits in Uganda and beyond. Our thematic areas are; Awareness raising, training, education and capacity building, climate knowledge management and advocacy, research and agricultural value chain development for livelihoods and sustainable development.