environment 1 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
ACODE Urges Uganda to Prioritize Climate Budgeting After West Nile Floods
ACODE's Executive Director Arthur Bainomugisha has called for climate resilience to become central in local government budgets following devastating floods in West Nile. At a Ministry of Local Government meeting, experts stressed aligning policies with practical funding and implementation to avert future disasters. Source: https://observer.ug/news/acode-budget-for-climate-or-brace-for-disaster
Devastating floods recently struck West Nile, wiping out an entire division and highlighting the urgent threat of climate change in Uganda. As waters recede, questions arise about local preparedness for escalating disasters.
At a recent quarterly meeting organized by the Ministry of Local Government in Kampala, Arthur Bainomugisha, Executive Director of ACODE, demanded a major overhaul in district operations. He insisted that climate action must shift from peripheral discussions to the core of budgeting and planning processes.
Bainomugisha praised Uganda’s steps like climate-resilient infrastructure, the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility, and over 1,300 hectares of community access roads. However, he criticized the uneven rollout and disconnect from district resource allocation.
“In West Nile, a division was destroyed by flooding—that’s climate change,” he stated, noting underfunded environmental officers exacerbate risks. Climate impacts are already hitting agriculture, economies, and even fueling social issues like gender-based violence.
Government officials echoed the call. Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya urged districts to grasp their GDP contributions and fill vacant positions within three months to boost service delivery.
From agriculture, Assistant Commissioner Consolata Acayo highlighted irrigation, mechanization, and pest control efforts, but pointed to supervision and input quality gaps. Bank of Uganda’s Dorothy Muinda promoted the Agricultural Credit Facility, advising local leaders to promote it via community meetings.
Overall, speakers agreed Uganda has frameworks and awareness but needs better policy-practice alignment, especially in funding climate resilience at the grassroots.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)