New Climate Change Committee to review government decisions

The new Parliament Committee on climate change has said it is going to review some of the decisions made by government and advise on alternative investment options that are environment and climate-friendly.

"As far as the issue of giving away Bugoma forest, we are supposed to advise government that there can be other investment ways other than giving away a forest," Lawrence Songa, (Ora County) the Chairperson of the committee said while at a press brief at Parliament on Wednesday.

In May, court gave a ruling for the giveaway of close to 6,000 Hectares (5,579Ha) to Hoima Sugar limited for sugarcane growing.

"We are going to reevaluate and assess the activities of the government. We shall also revisit these forests and ensure we protect and adapt accordingly," Isaac Mulindwa (Lugazi Municipality) said.

The committee, which was launched on Wednesday will scrutinize all bills presented in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation, make recommendations to Parliament on legal and institutional mechanisms to address climate change.

"We shall work hand in hand with other committees like that of national resources to address the issue.  Bugoma is one of our natural resources and we shall within our means do our best to save that forest and many others like Zoka," Songa stated.

He added that the committee will also look at cost-benefit analysis saying Uganda is a developing economy, and all activities done should be to develop it. "If we see that the benefits are more, we shall go for it, if they are less, don't do it."

In 1994, the forest cover was at 24% but there has been a steady decline and stands at 8%. Songa advised that people should not just plant trees and leave them, but take care of them so that they grow