Uganda’s emissions soar as environmentalists sound the alarm

___________________

Environmentalists have raised concerns over the rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions in Uganda, warning that this trend could result in more extreme weather events.

According to Muhammad Semambo, assistant commissioner for climate change in the water and environment ministry, Uganda's greenhouse gas emissions increased from 53.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2005 to 90.1 MtCO₂e in 2015.

Muhammad Semambo, assistant commissioner for climate change in the water and environment ministry addressing participants during a meeting about natural resources sustainability at Water ministry headquarters. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

Semambo pointed to unsustainable practices in forestry, agriculture, energy, waste management and industry as the major contributors to these emissions.

Without appropriate mitigation measures, projections indicate emissions will reach 148.8 MtCO₂e by 2030 and 235.7 MtCO₂e by 2050.

“To combat this, the government is prioritising renewable energy, reducing transmission and distribution losses, and promoting energy efficiency,” Semambo explained.

He further noted: “Operationalising the National Climate Change Market Framework can help leverage sustainability in the energy, water, and industry sectors, providing an enabling environment for resource conservation and emission reduction.”

Semambo made the remarks during a meeting held at the Ministry of Water and Environment offices in Luzira on April 11, 2025.

The meeting brought together senior management teams from government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and youth groups, all focused on the sustainability of natural resources.

Delivering a keynote address on environmental sustainability, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi—widely known as the Green Sheikh—shared his personal journey from being a polluter to a protector, and now a global advocate for change.

Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi giving a key note address on natural sustainability during a meeting at the water ministry headquarters in Luzira. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

He defined “GREEN” as an acronym for Global, Rethink, Enlightenment, Ethics, and Network. Believing that every person has a purpose, he said it is our responsibility to protect natural resources.

Al Nuaimi emphasised the importance of values over material wealth: “I'm not just a businessman; I am a gentleman. I calculate values, morals, and character, not just figures and numbers.”

He added: “Many think a sheikh is about money, but a sheikh is a human being with a mission. Money can come and go, but people are irreplaceable. We need authentic leaders who fight for their people and make a positive change.”

Al Nuaimi is globally recognised for his environmental work in climate change and sustainability. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives worldwide and created partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as local communities.

Representing the State Minister for Water, Aisha Sekindi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okidi, praised Al Nuaimi for sharing his insights on sustainability at a critical time when the world faces existential threats from environmental degradation and climate change.

“Uganda’s primary strength lies in nature-based solutions suitable for agriculture, forestry and ecosystem services, which also have a unique potential as a carbon sink that can be harnessed for carbon trading,” Okidi said.

Sheikh Omar Alnvaimi, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi and Dr Alfred Okidi, water ministry Permanent Secretary during the meeting at the water ministry headquarters in Luzira. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

According to ministry statistics, Uganda’s forest cover declined from 24% of the total land area in 1990 to 9.5% in 2015, before rising slightly to 11.66% in 2020. Currently, the forest cover stands at 12.4%.

This decline has largely been attributed to rapid population growth, the expansion of agriculture and settlements, urbanisation, and industrialisation.

Additionally, national wetlands coverage decreased from 15.6% in 1994 to 10.9% in 2014 and 8.9% in 2020. The major drivers of wetland degradation include agricultural expansion, population pressure, and industrial development.