ERA urges stronger action on climate change and environmental protection

10 April 2026, 2:17 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has assured the public that it will take strong measures to protect the environment and work closely with the private sector to promote climate change awareness in Uganda.

ERA made the remarks during a media training held at its headquarters in Kampala, where journalists were sensitized on the importance of environmental protection and climate change reporting.

Journalists who attended the training appreciated ERA for organizing the engagement, saying it has improved their understanding of environmental issues. They noted that many people in communities still lack awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, which contributes to activities such as deforestation and forest degradation.

However, they urged ERA and other responsible authorities to ensure that the commitments made during such trainings are put into action, emphasizing that promises alone are not enough.

One of the facilitators, Michael Muwunda, confirmed that participants have already taken part in environmental activities, including tree planting in Mabira Forest, and promised that such efforts will continue.

“I want to thank ERA for organizing this media training. We have gained a lot, especially on climate change awareness and environmental protection,” said one journalist. “Many people do not understand why the environment should be protected. It is important that authorities not only promote awareness but also take action. We hope these commitments will be fulfilled because many lives depend on it.”

Journalists also called on government to increase financial support for environmental programs, saying lack of funding limits their effectiveness.

They further observed that ongoing deforestation and illegal tree cutting have contributed to climate change, making weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. This has negatively affected farmers, who rely on seasonal rainfall guidance from the Ministry of Water and Environment to plan planting seasons.

ERA encouraged journalists to continue reporting accurately and responsibly in order to raise public awareness and support environmental conservation efforts.