Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Tasks MPs on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called upon Members of Parliament to actively utilize their positions to address Uganda’s escalating climate challenges. Speaking at an induction for the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resources, Tayebwa stressed that climate change requires immediate, tangible action rather than being confined to speeches and conferences.

He asserted that the current Parliament’s legacy will be defined by its effectiveness in preventing climate-related disasters and safeguarding future generations. Tayebwa urged MPs to ensure that climate considerations are integrated into all government programs and public expenditures, warning that development gains could be nullified if climate impacts are not proactively managed.

Tayebwa highlighted the inefficiency of repeatedly spending public funds on disaster relief, citing persistent flooding along River Nyamwamba in Kasese and the submergence of land in Ntoroko District as examples. He questioned the rationale behind annual expenditures on aid for flood and famine victims, suggesting that these funds would be better allocated to preventative measures.

The Deputy Speaker also called for a shift towards climate-smart agriculture, advocating for drought-resistant seeds, agroforestry, and soil protection. He proposed tying Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to these climate-resilient agricultural practices and ensuring agricultural extension workers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to guide farmers.

Furthermore, Tayebwa encouraged Parliament to promote water harvesting in public institutions and increase the adoption of renewable energy, including solar power generation for schools and hospitals. He also emphasized the critical need to protect forests, noting that Uganda loses approximately 80,000 hectares of forest cover annually, an alarming and unacceptable rate. Strengthening oversight of forests and wetlands, and holding government agencies accountable for environmental protection, were also key points of his address.

Finally, Tayebwa underscored the importance of investing in weather forecasting, calling for better equipment and dissemination of accurate weather information to the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA). He stressed that farmers need timely weather forecasts, delivered via mobile phones and in local languages, to effectively prepare for extreme weather events.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.