The Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change alerted Parliament to the risk of floods following the current heat wave, highlighting the need for the government to implement clear mitigation measures. Members emphasized the importance of informing the public about the likely effects on agriculture and healthcare, while advocating for subsidies to promote clean energy use and combat deforestation.
Honorable Lawrence Biyika, Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, has raised concerns regarding anticipated floods following the current heat wave. He emphasized the necessity for the government to devise concrete mitigation strategies to address the potential disasters. Biyika underscored the urgency of being prepared rather than solely relying on disaster relief, particularly due to increased evaporation from bodies of water like Lake Victoria.
The warning followed the presentation of a Statement on Weather Patterns in Uganda by Honorable Beatrice Anywar, Minister of Water and Environment, during a plenary session on March 5, 2025. Biyika, an expert in environmental and natural resources, highlighted that prolonged dry spells could adversely impact the agricultural sector and the broader economy. He urged the government to implement adaptation strategies to tackle the effects of climate change, such as combating deforestation and wetland degradation.
Honorable Christine Kaaya, representing Kiboga District, expressed the need for the public to be informed about the potential consequences of the dry period. She called for the government to issue clear communications regarding anticipated losses in crop yields, livestock viability, and projected health care demands. Additionally, Honorable Joseph Ssewungu from Kalungu West advocated for subsidies on clean energy to deter charcoal use and deforestation, emphasizing that although alternative energy sources like gas are valuable, they remain costly for many citizens.
In response, the Minister reiterated that the government has initiated agreements with gas suppliers to subsidize costs by 40 percent. Anywar indicated that arrangements with Stabex are already in place, which consider the governmental subsidy in their pricing structure. Furthermore, she affirmed the nation’s commitment to developing its own oil and gas reserves in the near future.
According to Anywar, meteorological forecasts predict a decline in the current heat wave by the end of March 2025, paving the way for the rainy season. She explained that high temperatures currently stem from the ongoing dry season, which typically spans from December to February, with February recording the highest temperatures before transitioning into the March-May rainfall period.
The statements made by members of Uganda’s Parliament highlight significant concerns regarding climate change and its impact on agriculture and the economy. The emphasis on mitigation and adaptation strategies, alongside the provision of subsidies for clean energy, reveals a proactive approach to address the looming environmental challenges. The urgency for governmental guidance and action demonstrates an awareness of the consequences posed by extreme weather patterns on the nation’s population.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
