Experts warn climate change drives urban migration and disease outbreaks

24 November 2025, 7:34 am

By James Muhumuza

According to Aggrey Aluso, Uganda is already experiencing the direct consequences of human-driven climate change, which has intensified flooding, extreme weather patterns and environmental degradation.

The Executive Director of Resilience Action Network Africa (RANA) warned that clear signs of climate change are emerging within communities, with impacts extending far beyond the environment.

He explained that shifting weather patterns are increasing the prevalence of waterborne diseases, while rising temperatures are affecting the spread and survival of disease-carrying vectors, posing severe health risks to the population.

Aluso further revealed that climate pressures are forcing many people to migrate to urban centres in search of stability, resulting in overcrowding and added strain on already stressed infrastructure and policy systems.

He emphasised that RANA continues to advocate for a holistic response to climate change and urged the government to adopt productive and inclusive budgets that prioritise communities most affected by climate-related shocks.

Meanwhile, Anne Lumbasi, Senior Adviser at RANA, highlighted the urgent need for increased financing in the health sector to bolster the country’s capacity to respond to climate-induced health crises.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on climate resilience, Lumbasi said the growing number of climate-related diseases requires a well-resourced health system capable of detecting, preventing and managing outbreaks efficiently.

She noted that inadequate funding continues to hinder service delivery, particularly in vulnerable communities already suffering the effects of floods and prolonged heatwaves. Lumbasi called on government agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to prioritise investments in health infrastructure, community sensitisation, and early-warning systems to strengthen resilience and protect affected populations.

As climate change increasingly impacts public health, RANA continues to collaborate with partners to advance adaptation efforts across the country.

Aluso added that climate change also poses a major threat to agriculture, with many farmers losing productivity due to unpredictable weather patterns.