Uganda, a country rich in natural resources, faces significant challenges due to climate change. Marginalized communities, including refugees, displaced persons, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to these impacts. The increasing frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events have exacerbated their already precarious living conditions.
For instance, in Kitgum District, climate change has led to a fresh fish shortage due to disrupted fish farming operations (New Vision, 2024). In Bushenyi District, coffee farmers are struggling with erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and an upsurge in pests and diseases, severely affecting coffee yields (Daily Monitor, 2023). Additionally, the melting glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains have caused frequent flooding in the region, impacting communities living in the area (UNEP, 2023).
Refugees and displaced persons, who often reside in temporary settlements with limited resources, are particularly at risk. The harsh environmental conditions in these areas can lead to food and water shortages, increased disease transmission, and inadequate shelter.
From 1900 to 2018, Uganda has experienced 20 floods, 40 epidemics, 9 droughts, and 5 landslides, resulting in over 200,000 deaths and at least $80 million in economic losses (World Bank, 2019). These events highlight the urgent need for effective climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Efforts:
Several initiatives are underway to support these communities in adapting to climate change. The government, in collaboration with international agencies and non-governmental organizations, has implemented various programs aimed at enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability. For instance, the Water and Environment Sector Response Plan for Refugees and Hosting Population focuses on improving water and sanitation infrastructure in refugee settlements (Government of Uganda, 2022). Additionally, community-based adaptation projects are being implemented to empower local communities with the knowledge and resources needed to cope with climate change (FAO, 2023).
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also been actively involved in climate change adaptation efforts in Uganda. UNHCR supports governments and humanitarian partners to create or expand national climate change adaptation and disaster risk management services to include refugees and forcibly displaced people. In refugee settlements like Nakivale, UNHCR promotes sustainable livelihoods through initiatives such as communal gardens and renewable energy projects. These efforts aim to enhance the resilience of both refugees and host communities to climate impacts (UNHCR, 2023).
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has also been actively supporting Uganda since 1982, focusing on creating a sustainable and inclusive local development system. Key initiatives include the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), which aims to eradicate poverty and under-nutrition in Northern Uganda, and the Support to Agricultural Revitalization and Transformation (START) facility that supports SMEs in agribusiness value addition. UNCDF also rehabilitates district and community roads, incentivizes local government performance through the Local Government Excellence Fund, and fosters digital inclusion with its Inclusive Digital Economies strategy. Additionally, the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility, launched in 2022, helps local governments integrate climate change adaptation into development plans, promoting climate-smart investments at the local level. These efforts aim to reduce poverty, enhance resilience against climate change, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Climate Policy Implementation:
Uganda’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) provides a comprehensive framework for addressing climate change at both national and local levels. The policy emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change considerations into all sectors of the economy and promoting sustainable development (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015). Efforts are being made to ensure that climate policies are inclusive and consider the needs of marginalized communities. For example, the NCCP includes provisions for gender mainstreaming and the protection of vulnerable groups (NCCP, 2015).
Challenges Amidst Natural Resources:
Despite these efforts, several challenges remain. The governance and utilization of natural resources in Uganda are often unsustainable, leading to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity (NEMA, 2021). The rapid population growth and economic activities have put immense pressure on the country’s natural resources, making it difficult to achieve sustainable development (UBOS, 2020). Additionally, the lack of adequate funding and technical capacity hinders the effective implementation of climate adaptation measures (UNDP, 2022).
Conclusion:
Climate change adaptation for marginalized communities in Uganda is a complex and ongoing process. While there have been significant strides in addressing the needs of these communities, much work remains to be done. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, international agencies, and local communities, to collaborate and ensure that climate policies are inclusive and effective for Uganda to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all its citizens.
By Juliana Nakubulwa
Climate Champion – Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist