Climate change activists converge in Kampala amidst escalating catastrophes

Climate change activists converge in Uganda’s capital Kampala May 16 for a two-day national climate justice symposium to drum out solidarity against the escalating climate-related disasters.

The event is expected to attract delegates from frontline communities, especially women and young people, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Climate Negotiators, Policymakers, Private sector and UN Agencies.

Also invited are representatives from EAC, IGAD, Missions and Embassies in Uganda, Media, Academia, INGOS, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, Women and young people-led Organizations, Refugee-led Organizations, and Religious organizations, among others.

To be held at the Makerere University Auditorium and organised by ActionAid International, Uganda (AAIU) and partners, it is expected to mobilise and organise frontline communities, resources, and galvanise support for climate justice actions.

Themed "From Words to Climate Action: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," it comes as hundreds of people perish in some East African community countries, especially Uganda and Kenya in climate change-related disasters, including floods and landslides.

The disasters have disproportionately impacted mostly on vulnerable communities, especially children, young people and women, already burdened by poverty.

Uganda

In the Uganda Rwenzori sub-regional districts of Kasese and Bunyangabu, 16 people perished when landslides swept the mountainous parts of the two districts.

By press time on May 15, close to 5,400 people had been internally displaced in Kasese alone, according to the District report submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Trending reports indicate that the rising Lake Victoria waters have so displaced over 10,000 people in the landing sites.

Kenya

Floods in Kenya killed 169 people between March and April this year.

The most catastrophic of these occurred after flash floods swept through a rural village, killing 42 people.

UNMA forecasts 

In the March, April and May weather forecast, the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) predicts enhanced rains

The symposium

According to the symposium concept paper seen by New Vision, the event is aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue, collaboration and harnessing the collective actions and expertise of all stakeholders to implement strategies for reducing climate risks and vulnerabilities and drive sustainable change.

The concept paper, which New Vision obtained from one of the symposium organisers, Robert Asiimwe, of AAIU, the event climaxes a weeklong series of activities dubbed “The Climate Justice Week of Actions, which started May 12.

The national multi-stakeholder event emerges as a response to the climate change-related pressing challenges, seeking to empower frontline communities and advocate for systems change.

It is expected to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 and aligned to Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) III.

It seeks to align with Uganda's National Climate Change Policy and National Development Plan (NDP), emphasizing inclusive climate action and sustainable development, according to the concept paper.

Adds the document, “As the impacts of climate change intensify, it is imperative that stakeholders, including the media, refocus all efforts towards taking decisive action to reflect the urgency and scale of the climate crisis.”

“By addressing the root causes of climate change and promoting sustainable solutions, this initiative aims to pave the way for a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy,” it explains.

The event also aims at showcasing local sustainable solutions and amplifying community voices for climate justice.

Its other objective is to launch the fund future campaign to mobilize resources for climate action.

AAIU is also slated to disseminate findings of a study on Uganda's readiness to access the Loss and Damage Fund.