environment 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Local Governments Battle Climate Change Amid Resource Shortfalls
Local governments in Uganda are grappling with severe climate impacts like floods, droughts, and storms that have caused deaths, property destruction, and infrastructure damage across regions. Officials highlight limited funds and expertise as key hurdles, while a new UN-backed grants program aims to bolster adaptation efforts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/local-governments-struggle-as-climate-change-hits-hard-5441394
Local authorities throughout Uganda are facing mounting pressures from climate change, including floods, unpredictable rains, droughts, and fierce thunderstorms. These events have led to tragic losses, such as the drowning of Lucy Labong in Gulu District’s Agagi stream and homes razed by hailstorms in the Lango sub-region.
In Acholi, Lango, and West Nile areas, households have endured fatalities, ruined farmlands, and homelessness. Public infrastructure, like roads and schools, has also suffered, with Rwampara District reporting classroom roofs torn off by winds, endangering students and submerging markets in floods.
Gulu Vice Chairperson Vicky Atim pointed to scarce resources and inadequate technical skills as major obstacles to effective adaptation. Rwampara LC5 Chairperson Richard Womugasho echoed concerns over costly infrastructure losses, while Terego’s Wilfred Saka blamed deforestation for worsening conditions. A Nebbi farmer, Maureen Akumu, narrowly escaped death crossing a swollen river and called for resilient solutions.
Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kamumanya acknowledged the struggles, revealing a new Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) supported by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). This initiative provides USD 40 million in Performance-Based Climate Resilience Grants (PCRGs) to 25 districts, including Agago, Kotido, Gulu, and Rwampara, funding water systems, resilient infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture with backing from Belgium, Denmark, the EU, and Ireland.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)