Uganda’s readiness to meet 2030 climate targets

25 October 2025, 10:36 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As countries, Uganda inclusive, near the 2030 deadline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 24.7 percent as agreed upon in the Paris Agreement, Uganda’s level of preparedness has become a key concern. Uganda became a signatory to the agreement in 2015 and ratified it on September 21, 2016, with the then Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, signing on behalf of the country. Rugunda currently serves as a Presidential Advisor.

It is against this background that we sought to find out how prepared the current aspiring Members of the 12th Parliament are toward achieving this goal.

Frank Katabalwa, the aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Kira Municipality in Wakiso District, said that although he is often seen as a Rasta because of his dreadlocks, he has the capacity and determination to influence government policy to prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“If I am elected as the MP for Kira Municipality, I am going to make sure that government puts more emphasis on climate change mitigation because the country is slowly perishing,” he said.

On September 29, 2025, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party launched its manifesto at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort under the theme, “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle Income Status.” The party highlighted achievements and future plans, including efforts to tackle environmental degradation and climate change, a task all party MPs were urged to take seriously.

Similarly, the National Unity Platform (NUP) recently reminded its members to prioritize manifesto item number 11, which focuses on sustainable management of natural resources and climate resilience including climate change detection, adaptation, and mitigation. The party emphasized that enforcing existing environmental laws, especially those prohibiting government officials and private individuals from encroaching on wetlands or constructing factories unlawfully, could help reduce health costs linked to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Woman Member of Parliament for Kamuli District, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, is among the leaders who have publicly championed climate change adaptation and mitigation. Through initiatives such as tree planting and advocacy for stronger environmental laws, Kadaga has continued to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.

During a recent national tree planting launch at Kitebi Secondary School in Rubaga Division, Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni urged Ugandans, especially the youth, to become advocates for a clean environment. He personally planted a tree to symbolize the country’s commitment to combating the devastating effects of climate change.