The Ugandan Parliament raised concerns about the imminent risk of floods following a heat wave, urging the government to implement mitigation measures. Key discussions included the anticipated negative impact on agriculture and the economy, the necessity for clear governmental communication regarding these impacts, and the promotion of clean energy alternatives to combat deforestation. The Minister of Water and Environment provided insights on meteorological trends and ongoing government initiatives to address these challenges.
In Uganda, the Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Biyika, raised concerns about potential heavy rains and floods following the ongoing heat wave. He emphasized the need for the government to implement effective mitigation strategies to prepare for these disasters rather than relying on post-disaster relief. Biyika stated, “At the end of the dry season will come a lot of rain with floods… we must be disaster prepared.”
Biyika’s remarks followed a statement regarding weather patterns delivered by the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, during a parliamentary session on March 5, 2025. He warned that the prolonged dry spell could adversely affect agriculture and the economy, urging government action against deforestation and wetland degradation which are on the rise.
Hon. Christine Kaaya, representing Kiboga District, emphasized the need for public guidance on the implications of the dry spell. She called for a detailed government communication outlining expected losses in crop yields, livestock, and increased healthcare burdens.
Additionally, Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, advocated for subsidies on clean energy alternatives to discourage charcoal use and deforestation. He noted, “Ugandans have learnt to use gas and other sources of energy but it is expensive… Government must reduce the costs on energy if we are to preserve the environment.”
The Minister, Hon. Anywar, informed that the government has entered subsidy agreements with gas suppliers, lowering costs by 40%. She added that Uganda is hopeful about producing its own oil and gas in the near future. Anywar explained that moisture levels would improve as the current heat wave is expected to end by late March 2025, leading into the rainy season. “The primary cause of the high temperatures is the ongoing dry season,” she noted, highlighting typical meteorological trends for Uganda.
The urgency voiced by Ugandan MPs regarding the heat wave and impending floods reflects a pressing need for proactive climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Steps such as addressing deforestation and promoting clean energy options are critical to combating environmental degradation. Government initiatives, including subsidies on gas, aim to foster a transition from harmful energy sources, while accurate forecasting and guidance on agricultural impacts are essential for public preparedness.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
