Members of Uganda’s Parliament are raising concerns over the impending floods due to a current heat wave. Hon. Lawrence Biyika emphasizes the need for government action to prepare for disasters, while other legislators advocate for informed guidance and clean energy subsidies. Minister Beatrice Anywar projects the current heat wave will cease by the end of March 2025, signaling the start of the rainy season.
In Uganda, the Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Biyika, has issued a warning concerning the potential for severe floods following an intense heat wave. He urged the government to implement definitive mitigation strategies, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness rather than reacting post-catastrophe. Biyika noted, “At the end of the dry season will come a lot of rain with floods,” and pointed to evaporation from Lake Victoria as a contributing factor.
During a recent plenary session on March 5, 2025, the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, presented a statement on Weather Patterns in Uganda, prompting Biyika’s concerns. As a qualified environmental expert, Biyika expressed that the prolonged dry period could detrimentally impact agriculture and the economy, advocating for adaptive measures against climate change, including increased efforts to combat deforestation and wetland destruction.
Hon. Christine Kaaya, representing Kiboga District, highlighted the necessity for the government to inform citizens about the expected repercussions of the dry spell. She requested a detailed report on the anticipated percentage losses in crop yields, livestock, and the associated healthcare impact. Similarly, Kalungu West MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu proposed subsidies on clean energy sources to mitigate reliance on charcoal and reduce deforestation.
“Ugandans have learnt to use gas and other sources of energy but it is expensive,” stated Ssewungu, pressing for decreased energy costs to help preserve the environment. In response, Anywar confirmed that the government has secured agreements with gas suppliers, subsidizing 40 percent of gas prices. She added that, “As a country we hope to start producing our own oil and gas soon,” to further support energy accessibility.
According to Minister Anywar, current meteorological forecasts predict that the ongoing heat wave will subside by the end of March 2025, paving the way for the rainy season. She further explained that the elevated temperatures stem from the typical dry season from December to February, with February being the peak period.
This issue has been disseminated by the APO Group on behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
In conclusion, the Ugandan Parliament is taking proactive measures to address the implications of climate change as the nation prepares for significant rainfall and potential flooding. Industry leaders and lawmakers underscore the importance of disaster preparedness and advocate for sustainable environmental practices, including clean energy incentives and measures against deforestation. The ministry has committed to reducing energy costs and anticipates a shift towards greater self-sufficiency in oil and gas production, providing hope for improved environmental management and agricultural resilience in Uganda.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
