As Ugandans feel the heat, COU launches Environmental Month

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As Ugandans continue to feel the intensity of the persistent sweltering heat wave sweeping across the country, the Church of Uganda (COU) has launched the Environment Month March 2025, aimed at promoting environmental conservation.

This is especially through planting trees in different parts of the country.

COU recognized that the environment in which Ugandans live is rapidly deteriorating, contributing to the worsening climate crisis.

As such, it has added its voice to the growing calls for climate action by launching the campaign on Friday (February 28).

The current extreme heat felt across most of Uganda and beyond has especially drawn attention to what scientists are pointing to global warming — and the urgent need for action to prevent the planet warming further.

Ugandans are baking under sweltering temperatures in recent weeks

Scientists said last year's record-breaking temperatures could be a sign that the world is entering a new era above 1.5C of global warming.

News agency AFP reported earlier this month (February) that it is a marker of risk, with more warming from planet-heating emissions linked to worsening floods, heatwaves and storms, as well as gradual effects like sea level rise and species extinctions.

Inevitably, Uganda is now seeing an amplification of calls to protect the environment.

Rev. Andrew Agaba, the director of household and community transformation at COU, spoke of the role of religious institutions in this.

“As custodians of creation entrusted with a divine responsibility to care for the Earth, our religious ethos teaches us that nature is not merely a resource for exploitation, but a gift that sustains life, a reflection of divine wisdom, and a trust we must safeguard for future generations,” he said.

'Selective'

Archbishop Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who launched the Environment Month March 2025, reiterated the Church’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

He also warned that environmental degradation threatens life, justice, and the future of generations. 

“We recognize the urgent need for collective action to address the environmental crisis facing our nation and the world. As people of faith, we must act in accordance with our responsibility to God’s creation."

While commending the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for its efforts in reclaiming wetlands, Kaziimba also pointed out inconsistencies in enforcement. 

“The intention was very good, except that it was selective," said the archbishop.

"There are poor people who were evicted from the wetlands, but another class of people, along with their factories, remain. That is a challenge to us."

Kaziimba urged authorities to act justly, imploring them "to reclaim the wetlands without fear or favour”.

On his part, Ora County MP Lawrence Biyika Songa said climate change is a universal issue that does not discriminate.

“Both the positive and negative effects of climate change are felt by all, and extreme heat waves do not discriminate by political party. This highlights the urgency for collective action,” said the lawmaker.

Songa further called for stronger partnerships to address environmental challenges. 

“Partnership with the government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners is crucial," he said.

"Strengthening these collaborations will enable us to pool our resources in a concerted effort to address environmental challenges effectively."

With Uganda experiencing more frequent and severe heat waves, floods, and other climate-related disasters, leaders stress that urgent action is needed. 

As more voices join the fight against environmental degradation, the question remains whether action will follow words.