Agric. & Environment
Govt allocates sh494b to Environmental Protection in 2026/27
"To safeguard our environment and adapt to climate change, the Government has allocated sh494.08 billion next financial year," Musasizi told the gathering.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said the allocation would support efforts aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting critical water bodies and strengthening Uganda's resilience to climate-related disasters. (Photo by Maria Wamala)
By: Ivan Tsebeni, Journalist @New Vision
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The Government has allocated sh494.08b towards environmental protection and climate adaptation interventions in the 2026/27 financial year, reflecting increased commitment to safeguarding the country's natural resources amid growing climate change threats.
Presenting the national budget at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala today, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said the allocation would support efforts aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting critical water bodies and strengthening Uganda's resilience to climate-related disasters.
"To safeguard our environment and adapt to climate change, the Government has allocated sh494.08 billion next financial year," Musasizi told the gathering.
According to the minister, the funds will be used to protect 1.26 million hectares of forest reserves and wetlands, restore 10,000 hectares of degraded wetlands, and demarcate critical riverbanks and lakeshores, particularly along the River Nile.
The Government also plans to upgrade meteorological services and early warning systems to provide accurate forecasts for agriculture, aviation and climate monitoring.
The latest allocation represents a significant increase from the sh366.1b allocated to the environment sector during the previous financial year (2025/26), translating into an increase of approximately sh127.98b or about 35%.
The increased funding comes at a time when Uganda continues to grapple with prolonged dry spells, floods, landslides and other climate-related shocks that have affected livelihoods and economic productivity across different regions of the country.
Statistics
Uganda's environmental indicators continue to underscore the urgency of such interventions.
The Government also plans to upgrade meteorological services and early warning systems to provide accurate forecasts for agriculture, aviation and climate monitoring.
The latest allocation represents a significant increase from the sh366.1b allocated to the environment sector during the previous financial year (2025/26), translating into an increase of approximately sh127.98b or about 35%.
The increased funding comes at a time when Uganda continues to grapple with prolonged dry spells, floods, landslides and other climate-related shocks that have affected livelihoods and economic productivity across different regions of the country.
Statistics
Uganda's environmental indicators continue to underscore the urgency of such interventions.
According to national environmental statistics, water bodies cover approximately 18% of Uganda's total surface area, while land accounts for about 82 per cent.
Uganda's forest cover currently stands at about 12.4% of the country's total land area, down from significantly higher levels recorded several decades ago. Meanwhile, increasing urbanisation and population growth have contributed to expanding settlement areas, placing additional pressure on forests, wetlands and agricultural land.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that continued degradation of natural ecosystems could worsen the impacts of climate change and undermine the country's socio-economic development.
Uganda's forest cover currently stands at about 12.4% of the country's total land area, down from significantly higher levels recorded several decades ago. Meanwhile, increasing urbanisation and population growth have contributed to expanding settlement areas, placing additional pressure on forests, wetlands and agricultural land.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that continued degradation of natural ecosystems could worsen the impacts of climate change and undermine the country's socio-economic development.