As we join the world to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023, it is essential that we reflect on the state of Uganda’s environment and address the urgent need for immediate action. The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and habitat loss, which have far-reaching consequences on our planet and human well-being.
Unfortunately, in the past few months, Uganda experienced heavy rainfall, causing flash floods that not only destroyed human settlements but also led to the destruction of property, displacement of thousands of people, and, unfortunately, loss of precious lives. The aftermath of the floods resulted in the damage of infrastructure, including the disruption of essential services, such as healthcare and education, to the communities affected. For instance, in Kisoro and Bududa, people were affected by heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods that destroyed homes, business premises, and infrastructure.
The flooding crisis is a clear indication that urgent action must be taken to address the adverse impact of climate change on our environment. Extreme weather events such as this year’s floods with increasing frequency and intensity demand deliberate action towards reducing Uganda’s carbon emissions footprint and protecting the environment. While commendable efforts have been made by the government of Uganda to mitigate the effects of climate change through the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Plan, more action needs to be taken at all levels of society.
We call on all stakeholders in Uganda to join us in addressing the climate crisis. We urge the government to prioritize disaster mitigation and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, including better drainage systems in flood-prone areas, and develop early warning systems to help communities prepare and respond to extreme weather events. We also call on individuals, businesses, and civil society organizations to prioritize sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.
As an organization, we are committed to contributing towards addressing the challenges facing our environment in Uganda. We recognize the critical role that government institutions such as the National Environment Management Authority and the Ministries in charge of the environment and disaster preparedness play in addressing the environmental challenges in our country. We are open to working in collaboration with these institutions to address some of these challenges through awareness creation and by leveraging our network of Environment Human Rights Defenders across the country. We firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve a sustainable and resilient future for our environment.
On this World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment and work together to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
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