AGP Executive Report

Climate Records: A Ugandan hydrologist helped digitise century-old Congo Basin records, revealing the scale of warming and the value of protecting fragile climate archives. Dam Safety: Unrepaired spillway erosion at Isimba is raising flood fears as seasonal rains loom. Lake Protection: Experts warn pollution and silt threaten Lake Bunyonyi’s water quality, depth and ecosystem, and say local communities must be part of the response. Flood Preparedness: New weather stations are being deployed to help target deadly floods in eastern Uganda. Climate Voice: Ugandan MPs want children included in East African climate decisions, saying they face heavy impacts from floods, droughts and environmental damage. Forest Pressure: Parliament has paused enforcement of the charcoal ban pending a government report, as debate continues over forest protection and alternatives for charcoal users.

Dam Safety: Fears are rising over Isimba as October–December rains approach: engineers remain concerned about spillway erosion and unresolved defects that could affect the dam’s ability to handle high water. Lake Protection: Officials and conservation groups warn that pollution, soil erosion and silt are shrinking and degrading Lake Bunyonyi, and urge joint action by government, communities and tourism operators. Flood Preparedness: Uganda is investing Shs500 million in weather monitoring and early warnings across 11 eastern districts, where floods and landslides have repeatedly damaged crops and livestock. Climate Voices: Ugandan MPs want children involved in East African climate decisions, as floods, droughts and environmental damage threaten their lives and services. Food and Fisheries: Uganda has unveiled three nutrient-rich purple sweet potato varieties, while the government is looking to aquaculture as wild fish stocks decline amid overfishing and environmental degradation.

Climate Readiness: Uganda is investing Sh500 million in flood warnings and weather monitoring across 11 eastern districts, including three new automatic stations and upgrades to nine others. Food and Farming: At World Food Day, Uganda unveiled three nutrient-rich purple sweet potato varieties and called for science-led farming that supports food security and environmental protection. An ActionAid study also highlights agroecology—including in Uganda—as a way to strengthen climate resilience while cutting reliance on costly farm inputs. Forests and Energy: Parliament has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban pending a government report, as traders report stranded stocks. Separately, Ugandan partners are promoting papyrus briquettes as an alternative fuel that could help protect wetlands. Urban Environment: Kampala’s flooding is exposing how wetland loss, blocked drains and paved-over land worsen flood risks, with poorer residents bearing the heaviest costs.

Flood Preparedness: Uganda is investing Sh500 million in weather stations and flood warnings across 11 eastern districts, after repeated floods and landslides damaged crops and threatened lives. Climate-Resilient Farming: A new ActionAid study, including research from Uganda, says agroecology can improve yields and incomes while reducing reliance on costly inputs and protecting soils and biodiversity. Water and Sanitation: A Health Ministry report says nine in ten Ugandans do not wash their hands properly; poor water and sanitation could cost the country $27 billion over the next decade. Forest Protection: Parliament has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban pending a government report, as illegal trade continues to put pressure on forests. Urban Pollution: KCCA is studying the sources of Kampala’s air pollution, while the city plans 100 air-quality monitors. Conservation Funding: Researchers warn that funding gaps are undermining Uganda’s conservation work, renewing calls to put local communities at its centre.

Clean Water: A new government report says poor water, sanitation and hygiene kill about 33 children daily and cost Uganda Sh5.9 trillion a year. Charcoal and Forests: Parliament has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban until October 21, asking government to explain how households can access affordable cooking alternatives. Kampala Air: KCCA is completing studies to identify major pollution sources, including traffic, road dust, charcoal and firewood, waste burning and industry. Wetland Conservation: Ugandan partners are promoting papyrus briquettes as a source of cooking energy that could support livelihoods while encouraging sustainable wetland use. Climate Watch: Meteorologists say delayed rains do not invalidate Uganda’s seasonal forecast, and caution that El Niño does not guarantee immediate heavy rainfall everywhere. Wildlife: Otuke residents are afraid to return to gardens after a stray lion, believed to have come from Kidepo Valley National Park, killed cattle; wildlife officials are responding. Conservation Funding: Researchers warn that shortages of funding, staff and equipment are weakening protection of forests and wetlands, while experts say conservation works best when local communities help shape decisions.

Wetlands & clean cooking: Ugandan innovators are turning papyrus into cooking briquettes, aiming to create jobs and affordable fuel while supporting sustainable wetland use. Forests under pressure: Parliament’s Speaker has paused enforcement of the northern charcoal ban pending a review of cooking alternatives. Meanwhile, the UPDF warns repeat offenders’ trucks could be auctioned as illegal charcoal trade continues to drive forest loss. Climate resilience: Parliament’s Speaker has urged leaders to move beyond discussion and deliver climate action as floods and droughts threaten livelihoods. Scientists are testing five coffee varieties bred to withstand heat, while a bank, church and conservation group have begun planting 12,000 trees in Busoga. Cleaner air: Makerere’s AirQo is seeking stronger partnerships with African cities to expand air-quality monitoring and help authorities use pollution data to guide action.

Charcoal Crackdown: Uganda’s charcoal restrictions are sparking a sharp debate: traders say more than 90,000 bags worth Shs2.4 billion are stranded, while the government says enforcement is needed to protect forests and wetlands. Clean cooking alternatives remain costly for many households. Water and Sanitation: A WaterAid study finds the poorest households are 6.4 times less likely to treat drinking water, while women collect water in 71% of households—underscoring the need for targeted, climate-resilient investment. Wildlife Protection: Parliament has called for an independent probe into allegations of killings and disappearances involving wildlife rangers in several districts, stressing the claims are not yet verified. Climate-Smart Farming: NARO is promoting drought-resilient cassava in Karamoja, where a new 200-acre facility aims to give farmers better planting material and a reliable food reserve.

Wildlife Accountability: Parliament has called for an independent probe into alleged killings and disappearances involving Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers in Nwoya, Buliisa and Kasese. The claims remain unverified, and investigators have six months to report. Climate-Resilient Farming: NARO has set up a 200-acre cassava demonstration and multiplication site in Karamoja, promoting drought-tolerant varieties as a reliable food reserve during dry spells. Clean Cooking: Rising charcoal prices are squeezing households as Uganda tightens restrictions on the trade, but cleaner alternatives remain unaffordable for many. Urban Air: Kampala is installing 100 air-quality monitors, a step towards tracking pollution and guiding action. Climate Finance: Calls are growing for Uganda’s climate funding to reach rural women and smallholder farmers, including through carbon finance projects in the Rwenzori region. Oil Development: Uganda says first oil is expected by June 2027, with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline reported 92% complete—an environmental milestone to watch as production nears.

Urban Air: KCCA says its network of more than 100 air-quality monitors, established in 2018, is helping inform pollution controls and urban planning. Clean Cooking: Rising charcoal prices are squeezing Kampala households, while clean alternatives remain unaffordable for many—underscoring the challenge of reducing reliance on fuels linked to deforestation. Agroecology: A Busia dialogue is seeking to ease cross-border trade barriers and improve market access for farmers selling agroecological produce. Solar Irrigation: Cabinet plans to boost lithium mining for local solar-battery production, aiming to cut the cost of water pumps and support irrigation. Flood Risk: Heavy rain swelled River Mayanja, sweeping away a boda boda carrying a mother and daughter; locals rescued them. Climate Finance: Uganda is looking to mobilise private capital towards a $28.1 billion climate-finance need, while rural women—often constrained by limited land rights and access to loans—remain key but underserved actors in climate adaptation.

Flood Risk: A mother and daughter were rescued after floodwaters swept their boda boda into River Mayanja, a stark warning against crossing swollen rivers during heavy rains. Solar Irrigation: Cabinet plans to boost lithium mining and local battery production to lower the cost of solar water pumps. But farmers’ access to water, affordability and delivery of public programmes remain major hurdles. Climate Finance: Rural women are already adapting to changing weather, but limited land rights and delays in accessing public funds restrict their ability to invest in resilience, an opinion piece argues. Forest Protection: Charcoal trading continues in West Nile despite a ban, with dealers reportedly using concealed routes; police say they are renewing enforcement efforts. Disaster Preparedness: A global study found Uganda among countries contributing to Africa’s rapid gains in disaster resilience, while warning that better preparedness does not always mean vulnerable people receive timely alerts.

Solar irrigation: With erratic rains putting smallholders’ harvests at risk, solar pumps could help farmers manage water—but affordability, reliable water access and delivery of public programmes will determine who benefits. ACODE is urging dedicated budget funding for solar energy in agriculture. Agroecology trade: A Busia dialogue is seeking to ease Kenya–Uganda border barriers and improve markets for agroecological produce, including maize, sorghum and beans. Charcoal enforcement: Police say operations in Amuru and Pakwach seized 275 bags and led to two arrests, warning that the northern Uganda charcoal ban applies even to small loads. Flood risks: Heavy rain flooded the Kampala–Hoima Highway at Lubigi wetland, while the collapse of River Mucha bridge cut off access to Bwindi. Climate finance: Uganda is turning to private capital to help meet a reported US$28.1 billion climate-finance need; in the Rwenzori region, carbon finance is also being used to support smallholder farmers.

Charcoal Crackdown: Police seized 275 bags in Amuru and Pakwach and arrested two people, warning that even a single bag can lead to enforcement. Climate Finance: In Kasese, farmer Evelyne Masika says carbon payments from planting trees have helped her buy livestock and pay school fees; Uganda is also looking to private capital to meet its $28.1 billion climate-finance need. Floods and Wetlands: Heavy rain flooded the Kampala–Hoima Highway at Lubigi wetland, underscoring the risks facing roads and communities during downpours. Community Action: Youth groups are turning plastic waste into projects to protect wildlife, while Uganda is promoting locally led climate action in 12 districts. Water Protection: Calls are growing for joint action on Lake Victoria pollution and continued protection of River Mpanga.

Floods and Wetlands: Heavy rain flooded the Kampala–Hoima Highway at Lubigi, stranding commuters and renewing calls for better drainage and stronger protection of the wetland from encroachment. Plastic and Wildlife: Young people and communities are collecting plastic waste for recycling, helping tackle pollution that can injure or kill wildlife. Rwenzori Restoration: A community tree-growing programme now involves more than 31,000 smallholder farmers across four districts, linking forest restoration with carbon income and improved livelihoods. Climate Finance: Uganda is turning to private capital to help meet its estimated $28.1 billion climate-finance need, while locally led climate action is being promoted across 12 districts. Water Protection: Uganda will host the International Water Association’s 2027 Water and Development Congress, as calls also grow for joint action on Lake Victoria pollution and protection of River Mpanga. Mineral Oversight: A new extractive-sector report flags major inconsistencies in Uganda’s mineral export figures, raising questions about how the country tracks valuable natural resources.

Wetland Flooding: Heavy rain inundated the Kampala–Hoima Highway at Lubigi, stranding commuters and exposing road hazards. Wakiso leaders called for a drainage plan and action against illegal wetland structures. Water and Sanitation: Uganda will host the International Water Association’s 2027 Water and Development Congress, bringing more than 3,000 delegates to discuss water and sanitation challenges. Climate Finance: Uganda needs an estimated $28.1 billion by 2030 for climate action and is looking to private investment and carbon markets to help fund the response. Wildlife Research: New attention on Kibale’s Ngogo chimpanzees highlights the importance of protecting the forest habitat where researchers have studied one of the world’s largest known chimp groups. Local Climate Action: Uganda is promoting locally led climate initiatives across 12 districts, while Makerere’s AirQo has been named an Earthshot Prize finalist.

Bwindi Access: The collapse of River Mucha Bridge in Kisoro has cut direct access to Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla-tracking sectors. A diversion is in place as engineers begin emergency work. Climate Finance: Uganda needs $28.1 billion by 2030 to tackle climate change and is looking to private investment and carbon markets to help close the gap. Conservation: Calls to curb Lake Victoria pollution and protect River Mpanga join concerns over tree cutting in Maruzi Forest; illegal fishing gear importers face hefty fines and possible jail time. Uganda is also advancing locally led climate action in 12 districts, while air-quality monitor AirQo has been named an Earthshot Prize finalist.

Climate Finance: Uganda needs at least $28.1 billion by 2030 to tackle climate change, prompting policymakers to look to private investment and carbon markets to fund action and support local livelihoods. Bwindi Access: The collapse of River Mucha Bridge has cut the direct route from Kisoro to Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors; a rough-road diversion adds 30–45 minutes while engineers work on repairs. Local Conservation: Uganda is promoting locally led climate action across 12 districts, while calls for joint efforts to tackle Lake Victoria pollution and protect River Mpanga underline growing concern for the country’s waterways. Wildlife and Parks: Makerere’s AirQo has been named an Earthshot Prize finalist, and 1,423 Mount Elgon families are set to receive relocation payments—spotlighting both conservation innovation and the human costs of living near protected areas.