Uganda has joined the Building Climate Resilience with the Urban Poor initiative, a global effort to protect vulnerable communities from climate change impacts. The country’s urban population is projected to nearly triple by 2040, reaching 22 million, with over 60% currently residing in informal settlements that are highly susceptible to climate-related disasters.
“The economic cost of climate inaction could be 20 times higher than the cost of adaptation measures,” said Judith Nabakooba, Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. This stark reality underscores the urgency of addressing climate change in Uganda.
Climate change has already taken a devastating toll on Uganda, with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters like landslides and floods. “Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet we bear the brunt of climate change impacts,” Nabakooba noted.
The impacts of climate change are being felt across various sectors, including agriculture, water, infrastructure, and energy. Uganda’s economy is highly vulnerable to climate change, with estimates suggesting damage of 2-4% of the country’s GDP.
To address these challenges, Uganda is taking proactive steps, including developing action plans for environmental migration and displacement, and working with international organizations to provide technical support and funding. “We are committed to supporting the Building Climate Resilience with the Urban Poor initiative,” Nabakooba emphasized.
The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Uganda has committed $1 million to facilitate the program’s preparation and readiness, with $500,000 already allocated.
As Uganda moves forward with the BCRUP initiative, it joins other countries in addressing the growing impacts of climate change. With support from organizations like the World Bank and UN Environment Programme, Uganda is taking proactive steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
