Watch out, effects of climate change are louder in Uganda
This picture taken on February 14, 2024, shows how a heat wave coupled with dry wind destroyed a swamp in Pader District. PHOTO | BILL OKETCH
What you need to know:
- Just as Ugandans were burning with the heat, March has ushered in another extreme weather event heavy rains
For years, climate change has been discussed in scientific reports, policy meetings, and global summits. However, many Ugandans have long viewed it as a distant or foreign issue "ebintu bya bazungu" (Western concerns). That perception is rapidly changing as its effects become impossible to ignore. From extreme heat waves to destructive storms, Uganda is experiencing climate-related disasters firsthand, and the urgency for action has never been greater.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions. These activities have significantly accelerated global warming, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and disruptions in ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements worldwide. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has warned, Climate change is moving faster than we are, and its speed has provoked a sonic boom that should be heard loud and clear across the world. This warning is now a lived reality for many Ugandans.
The year 2025 began with extreme temperatures across Uganda. January and February saw unprecedented heat, with Kampala recording a scorching 37°C in February. The intense heat raised alarm among farmers, health professionals, and city dwellers. Many struggled to sleep at night due to the unusually high temperatures, while reports of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and respiratory illnesses surged in hospitals. Farmers watched helplessly as crops wilted under the relentless sun, worsening food insecurity in a country already vulnerable to climate-related agricultural challenges.
Just as Ugandans were burning with the heat, March has ushered in another extreme weather event heavy rains. The sudden shift from drought to torrential downpours caused widespread flooding, infrastructure breakdowns, and property damage, particularly in urban centres like Kampala. In Namuwongo slum, one of the largest informal settlements in the city, flooding displaced families, especially the elderly, leaving many struggling to rebuild. Roads were submerged, transport was disrupted, and residents scrambled to clear drainage channels to prevent water from entering their homes.
Beyond the capital, other regions have suffered even more devastating impacts. A severe thunderstorm struck Kalangala District, bringing with it a cyclone characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone left a trail of destruction, leading to the collapse of Kalangala Central Police Station, the destruction of over 300 houses, and the loss of at least four lives.
These extreme weather events serve as a stark warning that climate change is not a distant threat it is here, and it is reshaping life in Uganda. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, floods, and storms highlight the need for urgent action. Improved urban planning is essential to prevent future flooding in Kampala and other cities, while climate-smart agriculture must be prioritized to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns. Strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems will be crucial in protecting vulnerable communities. At the same time, bold climate policies and international cooperation will play a critical role in mitigating future risks and ensuring Uganda is better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Uganda can no longer afford to view climate change as a "Western problem." It is a lived reality that is disrupting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. The time for action is now beefore the effects become even more devastating.
Jemimah Babirye Kasibbo Youth Climate Council Coordinator (Uganda)
