Gulu in Climate crossfire as leaders pushes for immediate action

31 March 2026, 5:34 pm

By Calnono Emmanuel Upson

In Northern Uganda, Gulu District Local Government has raised alarm over worsening climate conditions, warning that communities must urgently adopt climate-smart practices to safeguard their livelihoods. Authorities say increasingly unpredictable weather patterns characterized by sudden floods and prolonged dry spells are already taking a toll, with resilience now critical to survival.

Speaking to our reporter, Gulu District Forest Officer Mr. Ocaka James said the region is grappling with the dual threats of drought and flooding, which continue to disrupt agricultural productivity. He called on farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops and embrace agroforestry integrating trees with crops such as cocoa, coffee, and white hope to strengthen resilience.

Ocaka stressed that the focus must shift from production alone to survival strategies. He noted that diversified farming systems can help households withstand climate shocks, protect food security, and reduce reliance on vulnerable ecosystems. Agroforestry, he added, remains a key intervention in improving yields, preventing soil erosion, and restoring degraded land.

Meanwhile, the Secretary for Production at Gulu District Local Government, Hon. Komakech Micheal, identified Palaro, Omel, Paibona, and parts of Bungatira Sub-county as the most flood-prone areas. He said Palaro has been the hardest hit, attributing the situation to extensive tree cutting, which has exacerbated flooding.

Komakech emphasized the need for communities to prioritize tree planting as a means of environmental restoration, particularly in response to the effects of commercial charcoal burning and deforestation.

To reinforce these efforts, Gulu District has established six nursery beds to supply tree seedlings to farmers, while also intensifying campaigns against indiscriminate tree cutting. Training programs are ongoing to educate communities on the broader benefits of tree planting, including alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping.

District leaders maintain that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality requiring immediate and collective action. They underscored that sustainable farming, reforestation, and community participation are essential to mitigating its impact.

At the community level, Okot Bitek, a farmer from Unyama Sub-county, shared his experience of how changing weather patterns have affected farming activities.

His account reflects the challenges faced by many farmers across the district, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive measures. For Gulu, stakeholders say, addressing climate change is no longer optional but a necessity to protect livelihoods and secure the future of the environment.