Government urged to ignite sensitisation on climate change dangers

24 May 2025, 10:44 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Article 245 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, protection and preservation of the environment. In section (a) of the same article, Parliament is mandated to by law to provide measures to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation (b) to manage environment for sustainable development; and (c) to promote environmental awareness. It is everyone’s responsibility to advocate for clean environment to avoid diseases and drought.

Since the population of Uganda is growing speedily from 12.6 million people in 1980 to over 42 million people in 2025 and estimated to reach 72 million people in 2030 and 2040 respectively according to the report by Uganda Bureau of Statistics data, there is a need for Government to sensitise people through media and other platforms, the dangers of cutting down trees which is rampant and is one of the reasons why the country is experiencing changes in the climate.

Doryn Akankwasa, an advocate for tree planting in Uganda, explained why people cut down trees and what should be done. “In Uganda, most of the people who cut down trees especially in rural areas, is for agricultural reasons, firewood and charcoal. Trees are also cut for timber and other products made From wood. Urban areas trees are cut down to create spaces for buildings, roads and infrastructure. I’m aware that most of our leaders don’t prioritize climate conservation that is why the budget allocated to this is very low and can’t really do much. I therefore urge government to always allocate good funds to the ministry,” she said.

Akankwasa went on to state that if serious actions is not undertaken to solve climate change, the country is likely to lose many people due to hunger. “Let our government promote sustainable land use practices, namely; agroforestry and reforestation. Another thing that should be done by all the stakeholders, is to transition fuel use to renewable energy sources such as solar, this can significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which come from industries, wastes etc. And let us plant trees Like Eucalyptus trees, Mango trees, Orange trees, Mahogany trees, etc,” Akankwasa said.