Politics 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tayebwa Urges MPs to Prioritize Disaster Prevention Over Relief
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called on Ugandan Parliament members to shift focus from disaster relief to proactive prevention, emphasizing the need for long-term climate resilience strategies. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shift-focus-from-disaster-relief-to-prevention-tayebwa-tells-mps--5622176
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged legislators to leverage their roles in legislation, budgeting, and oversight to foster climate resilience in Uganda. Speaking at an induction workshop for the Parliamentary Committees on Climate Change and Natural Resources, Tayebwa stressed that climate change requires more than just discussions and conferences.
He questioned the long-term financial viability of repeatedly providing disaster relief, such as tents and food, to communities affected by recurring floods and landslides. Tayebwa argued that public funds would be better allocated to preventive infrastructure and measures that permanently address the root causes of these disasters.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the threat that unmitigated climate shocks pose to national development, particularly in agriculture. He advocated for integrating climate considerations into public spending and government initiatives, promoting climate-smart agriculture, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry. Tayebwa also proposed tying Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to climate-resilient agricultural practices and ensuring well-equipped extension workers.
Furthermore, Tayebwa called for stronger parliamentary oversight on environmental degradation, noting Uganda’s alarming annual loss of 80,000 hectares of forest cover. He pushed for accountability of relevant government agencies, the promotion of renewable energy, rainwater harvesting in public institutions, and increased funding for the Uganda National Meteorological Authority to deliver timely weather forecasts to farmers via mobile phones.
The workshop, organized by the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change–Uganda (PFCC-U), aimed to align the legislative agenda with environmental priorities. PFCC-U Coordinator Christine Kaaya echoed the call for legislative action, emphasizing improved waste management, increased budget for meteorological services, and wider adoption of clean energy solutions.
This initiative seeks to equip lawmakers with the knowledge to address environmental challenges and protect future generations from recurring catastrophes. The legacy of the 12th Parliament, Tayebwa stated, will be judged by its success in preventing future disasters.