1. Home
  2. Stories
  3. Agriculture
  4. Climate Change

Activists applaud UGX 516 Bn climate allocation

Peter 14th Jun, 2024 Agriculture Pedson Mumbere
Activists applaud UGX 516 Bn climate allocation

A farmer inspects her drought-hit maize garden. Climate change effects are impacting agricultural productivity.


In a decisive move to address the escalating climate crisis, the Government has earmarked UGX 516 billion for climate change mitigation efforts in the next financial year.

While presenting the 2024/25 budget speech on June 13, Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister Matia Kasaija said the move underscores Uganda's commitment to combating climate change, safeguarding the environmental and securing the country’s economic future.

“I have provided UGX516.78 billion next financial year for climate change mitigation, natural resources, environment and water resources management,” he said.

  • Environmental and conservation activists have welcomed the development saying proactively addressing climate change is a very urgent matter.

According to a recent research brief titled ‘A Burning Planet’ released by Twaweza, a non-governmental organisation, 86% of Ugandans surveyed expressed serious concern about the impact of climate change.

Twaweza’s findings highlight the growing awareness and anxiety among citizens regarding climate-related challenges, particularly in the agriculture sector, which is the cornerstone of Uganda's economy.

  • Climate change-induced changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have led to decreased agricultural productivity due to droughts, floods, and changes in the timing of seasons. Crop failures and loss of livestock have resulted in reduced incomes for farmers and increased food insecurity.

Experts argue that addressing climate change challenges requires comprehensive strategies that integrate climate adaptation and mitigation measures into national development planning. In recent years, most of the country’s climate change mitigation initiatives have been funded by donors and private sector companies.

Violet Alinda, the organisation’s boss in Uganda, told Business Edge in an interview that government has to take action because the citizens are extremely worried about climate change.

"Uganda is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and this new data tells us that citizens are already experiencing the kind of changes to agricultural production that climate scientists have predicted. The data also tells us that citizens are understandably worried," she said.

Alinda highlighted the global dimensions of climate change, attributing its primary cause to the carbon emissions of wealthy nations but its impact is mostly felt in developing nations.

  • "While it can be tempting to sit back and wait for high-income countries to pay for their actions, we risk denying ourselves the opportunity to engage meaningfully in critical negotiations and decisions. By acknowledging our part, we can be part of the solution," she added.
  • Kasaija said the fund would help with the restoration of the environment and reverse the effects of climate change including the restoration of 42,450 hectares of degraded wetlands along the Awoja, Kandekye-Ruhorobero, Nchwera, Chambura, Kiruruma, Naigombwa, Kibimba, Tochi, Aswa, Sezibwa, Mayanja, Muzizi, Mpanga and Lumbuye water systems.

The budgetary would also support a range of other initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing the resilience of communities to climate impacts, aimed at securing a better future for citizens.

Similar Posts You May Like 

  • Hundreds Tipped on Financial Management

    Hundreds Tipped on Financial Management..

    Hundreds of young people who turned up for season eight of the Men's Business Convention initiative, were tipped on the importance of financial management and record keeping. The three-day training, which was held at Victory Church Ndeeba on Saturday, sought to promote a culture of mentorship among..

  • Younger dairy farmers and increased consumption of UHT milk to spur sector growth

    Younger dairy farmers and increased consumption of UHT milk to spur sector g..

    Uganda's potential and fortunes in the dairy sector can grow significantly if strategies are put in place to attract a younger crop of dairy farmers and with increased investment in long life milk processing and other value added products. Jackline Kittony, the Marketing Director Tetra Pak East A..

  • Optimism as October coffee exports fetch $80 million

    Optimism as October coffee exports fetch $80 million..

    Ugandan coffee exports have continued to show a positive trend with the volume of coffee exported in October amounting to 470,000 sixty-kilogram bags, worth USD 79 million, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority...

  • Gov't signs $400m hydrogen fertilizer plant

    Gov't signs $400m hydrogen fertilizer plant ..

    The Government of Uganda has signed a joint agreement with the Aga Khans Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Westgass International to set up a green hydrogen fertiliser plant in Kiryandongo District. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, said..

  • Livelihoods at stake as poor regulation threatens Silverfish, Nile Perch

    Livelihoods at stake as poor regulation threatens Silverfish, Nile Perch..

    Amidst the luminous waters of Uganda lies a precious resource that has sustained thousands of livelihoods over the years-silverfish (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Mukene. The small pelagic fish is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the nation's fisheries sub-sector...

  • Coffee exports anxiety after UGX32 bn budget cut

    Coffee exports anxiety after UGX32 bn budget cut..

    The Uganda Coffee Development Authority wants Parliament to intervene following the Government's decision not to provide the UGX32.5 billion required for the establishment of a coffee traceability system in order to protect Uganda's coffee exports to the European Union...

  • Coffee export volumes show slump in March

    Coffee export volumes show slump in March..

    In comparison to the previous month, Uganda's coffee exports recorded a significant decrease in March 2024, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority report...

  • EU, Denmark offer UGX66 bn to Ugandan farmers

    EU, Denmark offer UGX66 bn to Ugandan farmers..

    The European Union (EU) and Denmark have announced funding amounting to more than UGX66 billion in a bid to boost agricultural productivity and help Ugandan farmers to withstand the challenges associated with climate change...

  • Optimism amidst Turkey coffee exports surge

    Optimism amidst Turkey coffee exports surge..

    Ugandan coffee exporters have found a new market in Turkey as coffee producers worldwide brace themselves for new European Union regulations that bar coffee products that are sourced from countries that degrade the environment. ..

  • Optimism as July coffee exports top 800,000 bags

    Optimism as July coffee exports top 800,000 bags ..

    Uganda's coffee exports have surged to new heights, signaling a robust boost to the nation’s economy and a promising future for farmers. ..

  • Ranches Finest commended on quality meat exports

    Ranches Finest commended on quality meat exports..

    State Minister for Investment, Evelyne Anite, has commended Ranches Finest for its sustained production and export of high- quality beef products from Uganda to the global market...

  • aBi Trust gives UCDA UGX16 bn boost

    aBi Trust gives UCDA UGX16 bn boost ..

    As Uganda races to comply with the European Union's new sustainability regulations, a major financial commitment, the Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) has pledged $4.3 million (about UGX16 billion) to support the registration of coffee farmers, a crucial step in meeting the European Union's Re..

  • Gov't bans purchase of uncertified grain products

    Gov't bans purchase of uncertified grain products..

    Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and institutions will not be permitted to purchase grain from uncertified suppliers, Evelyn Anite, the state minister for Investment and Privatization, has said...

  • Support beef value addition for export market

    Support beef value addition for export market ..

    Uganda’s agricultural sector is experiencing an intense transformation, with the beef industry emerging as a pivotal force in this evolution. ..

  • Local suppliers protest new grain policy

    Local suppliers protest new grain policy..

    The government's decision to tighten grain procurement rules is stirring mixed reactions among suppliers. While the government says the new regulations aim to improve grain quality, some suppliers are concerned that the costs of meeting these new standards could put them out of business...

  • August coffee exports set new 838,000 bags record

    August coffee exports set new 838,000 bags record..

    Uganda’s coffee industry soared to new heights in August 2024, earning UGX820 billion from exports, a testament to the country’s increasing prominence in the global coffee market. ..

  • Museveni commissions Royal Milk factory

    Museveni commissions Royal Milk factory ..

    Speaking at the commissioning of Royal Milk factory at Nalukolongo Industrial Park in Kampala recently, the President urged the proprietors to ensure value addition into powder milk for the lucrative export market...

  • Government announces tough export rules to China

    Government announces tough export rules to China..

    The government has introduced stringent regulations that prospective Ugandan exporters must follow if their agricultural products are to be accepted in the lucrative Chinese market...

  • Uganda, South Sudan moot joint dam projects

    Uganda, South Sudan moot joint dam projects..

    Pal Mai Deng, the South Sudanese minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, has submitted a memo to the Council of Ministers, aimed at implementing the Nyimur multi-purpose water and resource development project, a joint trans-boundary initiative aimed at providing water for irrigation and a power ..

  • 2024 coffee year earnings hit $1.4 bn record

    2024 coffee year earnings hit $1.4 bn record..

    Uganda’s coffee sector has achieved a historic milestone, with export earnings reaching an unprecedented US$1.4 billion from 6.35 million 60-kg bags in the 2023/24 coffee year, which concluded on September 30. ..

Most Recent

Popular Links