Uganda 2018 CSO New Year Statement urges for more climate action in 2018

As we start 2018, it is important for us to reflect on the year past and cast our eyes towards what the New Year presents. Needless to mention that the Year 2017 was a tough one, replete with several challenges on the socioeconomic and political fronts. Some of these challenges created major fault-lines in the bedrock of our society and threatened the future of all Ugandans.

One of the key development challenges is  the lukewarm attention to climate change. 2017 was the second hottest year on record worldwide. Uganda’s weather patterns have equally changed as reflected in the unpredictable rainfall patterns characterized by a mosaic of extended droughts and heavy storms that have led to loss of assets and livelihoods in 2017.  

In order to cope with these fast changes in the short and medium term, the Government of Uganda needs to fast track the delayed implementation of the National Climate Change Policy, advance mainstreaming of climate change in the district development planning process as well as the district environment action planning process. In order to address the increasing vulnerability of the majority poor on one side and in line with the Paris Agreement, Uganda needs to expeditiously formulate the National Adaptation Plan through a multi-stakeholder consultative process. Read the full Uganda 2018 CSO New Year Statement -  'Transcending Despair and Restoring Dignity': Ugandans on a People-Driven Path to Progress from here