Ugandan climate activists are raising a red flag, urging the government to significantly bolster its financial commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

 While a recent budget increase for natural resources and the environment represents a tentative step forward, activists argue it falls far short of the resources needed to address Uganda’s growing vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Climate action is a critical existential issue for Uganda. The country faces a relentless barrage of climate threats, including increasingly frequent and intense floods, droughts, and landslides. 

These extreme weather events displace communities, disrupt livelihoods, and inflict substantial economic losses.

According to reports, climate-related disasters have already inflicted a staggering bill of over $80 million on Uganda.

The recently released 2024/2025 national budget allocated 516.78 billion Ugandan shillings to natural resources, the environment, climate change, land and water management. 

This reflects a modest increase from the previous year’s allocation of 417 billion Ugandan shillings.

However, Ugandan climate activists argue this increase is a mere drop in the ocean compared to the vast climate finance gap.

Uganda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitted in 2022, estimated the total cost of implementing climate change actions at a staggering $28.1 billion. 

This figure, more than half of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlights the immense financial resources required for a comprehensive climate response.

The current budget allocation for climate change and related environmental issues represents a meager 0.8% of the total national budget.

This stands in stark contrast to allocations for other sectors perceived as more pressing, such as governance and security (14.6%) and transport and infrastructure (8.5%).

The urgency for action intensifies with each passing season. Escalating climate impacts threaten to derail Uganda’s development trajectory.

Frequent and intense floods, droughts, and landslides wreak havoc on communities and infrastructure, jeopardizing livelihoods, food security, and displacing populations.

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Entire ecosystems are under threat, further jeopardizing Uganda’s rich biodiversity and its role in mitigating climate change.

To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is crucial. Significantly increasing domestic funding for climate action is essential. 

However, this needs to be coupled with efforts to create a conducive investment ecosystem that attracts private sector participation and international climate finance.

Incentives like tax breaks and subsidies for renewable energy projects can encourage private sector investment in clean energy solutions.

Establishing clear regulatory frameworks and leveraging public-private partnerships can further bolster Uganda’s preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change.

Furthermore, transparency and accountability are paramount. Implementing climate finance trackers and ensuring the proper use of “green aid” will bolster public trust and ensure funds are allocated effectively towards projects with the highest impact.

Ugandan climate activists’ concerns are well-founded. The current level of budgetary allocation pales in comparison to the immense challenges posed by climate change. 

Prioritizing climate action in Uganda’s national budget is not just a matter of environmental responsibility; it’s an investment in the country’s future prosperity, security, and the well-being of its citizens.

By mobilizing financial resources, fostering innovation, and fostering collaboration, Uganda can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all its citizens.

For further insights regarding this article, refer to this post: https://uganda.iom.int/news/impacts-climate-change-uganda.