news 26 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Faces Shs90 Billion Funding Gap for Early Disaster Warning System
Uganda's new early warning system for disasters requires an additional Shs90.5 billion to become fully operational nationwide, highlighting a significant funding deficit in the shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/disaster-management-uganda-facing-shs90b-deficit-as-shift-to-early-warning-gains-traction-5610490
Uganda is grappling with a substantial funding shortfall of Shs90.5 billion for its newly launched Anticipatory Action Roadmap, according to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). This plan aims to transition the nation’s disaster management approach from post-event response to pre-emptive action based on forecasts.
The total financial requirement for nationwide implementation stands at Shs207.6 billion. However, current project-based funding, which is limited to specific regions like Karamoja, Acholi, Lango, and parts of Bukedi, Bugisu, and Teso, only covers Shs110.3 billion. This leaves a critical gap of approximately Shs90.5 billion needed to extend anticipatory action across the entire country.
The OPM has detailed significant deficits in key operational areas. The largest need is for digital infrastructure and payment mechanisms, including an integrated disaster information management system, requiring Shs48.7 billion. Social protection programs need an additional Shs29.9 billion, while early warning systems and risk data collection require Shs8.8 billion. Preparation, readiness, and mitigation measures need Shs5.3 billion, and coordination efforts require Shs1.6 billion.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Mr. Sam Engola, emphasized that while moving to full-scale operations is a priority, securing sustainable and predictable funding remains the primary challenge. He urged development partners to support early warning systems, local action, and capacity building to prevent disasters from escalating.
Development partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have pledged continued support. They underscored the cost-effectiveness of anticipatory actions over disaster response and stressed the importance of empowering local communities and refining risk models for greater donor confidence and protection of rural livelihoods.