Members of Parliament in Uganda are alarmed about potential floods following a heat wave. Chairperson Hon. Lawrence Biyika emphasized the need for government preparedness and mitigation strategies against climate change impacts on agriculture and the economy. Calls for public guidance and clean energy subsidies were made, alongside assurances from Minister Hon. Beatrice Anywar regarding gas price subsidies and upcoming weather forecasts.
The Chairperson of Uganda’s Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Biyika, has expressed concerns regarding significant rain and flooding anticipated as a result of the ongoing heat wave. He emphasized the necessity for the government to implement clear mitigation strategies. Biyika noted, “At the end of the dry season will come a lot of rain with floods. We must be disaster prepared, rather than waiting for relief after the disaster.”
This warning follows a statement from the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, which was presented during the plenary session on March 5, 2025. Biyika, who is well-versed in environmental and natural resource issues, cautioned that the extended dry season may adversely impact agriculture and subsequently harm the economy. He urged the government to adopt adaptation measures to counteract climate change, particularly advocating for stronger actions against deforestation and the destruction of wetlands.
Hon. Christine Kaaya, the Kiboga District Woman Representative, highlighted the need for the public to receive guidance on the anticipated repercussions of the dry spell. She called for the government to provide explicit information regarding projected losses in crop yields, livestock, and potential health impacts due to the climatic conditions. Additionally, Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, proposed subsidies for clean energy sources to combat charcoal burning and deforestation.
Ssewungu stated, “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.” In response, Hon. Anywar reiterated that the government has secured agreements with gas suppliers to subsidize prices by 40%. She stated, “We already have an agreement with Stabex [oil marketing company], and the current price takes into account the 40 percent subsidy from government.”
Anywar further explained that meteorological forecasts indicate a decline in temperatures by the end of March 2025, transitioning into the rainy season. She said, “The primary cause of the high temperatures is the ongoing dry season… Temperatures begin to rise by mid-January, reaching the peak in February, and gradually decline from early March as the March-May rainfall season begins.”
In conclusion, the Members of Parliament in Uganda have raised pressing concerns about the impending floods and environmental challenges resulting from the heat wave. They have called for immediate government action and public guidance regarding anticipated agricultural and health impacts. By promoting adaptation measures and clean energy solutions, the legislators seek to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the nation.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
