Written By: By Jemosop Faith, Faith specializes in energy, climate, and renewables, transforming complex policy discussions into accessible, everyday conversations, she is a writer at Africa Digest News backed by 2+ years of focused experience.
Experts warn that rising temperatures, driven by environmental degradation, are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, posing a significant threat to public health.
Kigezi’s climate, often likened to that of Western countries, set it apart from the rest of Uganda. This is rapidly changing. “The Kigezi we are seeing today is different from the Kigezi of the previous 30 years,” explains Milton Kwesiga, a research fellow specializing in climate change. “We’re having extreme weather changes. If there’s a drought, it’s an extreme drought.”
This warming trend is attributed to increasing pressure on natural resources due to population growth. Henri Mujuni, Kabale District Natural Resources Officer, highlights the significant loss of wetlands.
“As a district, we have lost around 62% of the former wetlands due to human activities, livestock farming, and human settlement. This has resulted in changes in temperatures. The temperatures have increased. The cold place we used to know is now experiencing a lot of drought, and when we receive rain, it’s above normal.”
The rising temperatures are having a direct impact on public health, leading to the emergence of diseases that were once rare in the region. “As a result of the change or increase in temperatures, we are also getting some of the diseases that we did not used to experience in this district, especially malaria,” says Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer.
Malaria, previously uncommon in the cooler climate of Kigezi, is now a growing concern. “Warm temperatures favor mosquito breeding,” Dr. Mateeka explains. “Previously, because it was cold, the mosquitoes were not breeding as they are today.
This has put the Kigezi population at the risk of having malaria, which was not the case in previous years.”
District health records from the past five years illustrate this alarming trend. In 2020, the district registered 2,895 malaria cases, followed by 2,978 in 2021.
A significant spike occurred in 2022, with 5,729 cases, before dropping to 3,920 in 2023, and 3,492 in 2024. The sharp increase in 2022 is attributed to the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to increased mobility and greater exposure to mosquito-borne diseases.
Out of 1.4 million total outpatient attendances over the past five years, 28,360 individuals were tested for malaria, with 19,400 confirmed cases, representing a positivity rate of 88.7%.
In response to this growing health crisis, the district is implementing several interventions. “One is health education,” says Dr. Mateeka.
“We make sure that our population is able to clear bushes around their homes, avoid stagnant waters, and close windows early.
Our major intervention has been the distribution of mosquito nets, especially to families with pregnant mothers or children under five. We also give pregnant mothers prophylaxis to prevent malaria during pregnancy.“
READ MORE HERE: Disruptive Rains Threaten KwaZulu-Nata
Recognizing the crucial role of environmental degradation in driving these changes, the district is also focusing on mitigation strategies. “With support from UNEP under the Green Climate Fund project, we have developed the District Environment Action Plan,” explains Mujuni.
“We have also developed the District Physical Development Plan, which includes zoning to ensure that projects and activities are carried out in appropriate locations to minimize environmental impact.”
The latest GIS climate risk profile for Uganda projects that temperatures will rise by 1.5 to 3.5 degrees Celsius by 2080 compared to pre-industrial levels. The most intense warming is expected in the northern and eastern regions, with increased extreme temperature fluctuations.
The report also predicts higher precipitation levels and more frequent extreme flooding, which could further heighten the risk of malaria in previously unaffected areas, including Uganda’s highlands.
These projections underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. The health and well-being of the Kigezi population, and indeed, the entire nation, depend on it.
Effectively combating the increased malaria threat requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing not only immediate healthcare interventions such as net distribution and prophylaxis, but also long-term strategies aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development.
The loss of vital wetlands, for example, must be addressed through robust conservation efforts and the promotion of environmentally friendly farming practices.
Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate communities about the changing climate and its implications for their health.
By empowering individuals with knowledge about preventative measures and promoting responsible environmental stewardship, Uganda can build resilience and safeguard its population against the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
