KAMPALA, Uganda (UG STANDARD) — For millions of Ugandans, climate change is no longer a distant worry; it is a harsh reality that has crept into daily life. From unpredictable rainfall to declining agricultural yields, the effects of a shifting climate are being felt across the East African nation, where the majority of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. As extreme weather events become more frequent, citizens and experts alike agree that urgent action is needed — but the path forward is unclear.
A new survey conducted by Twaweza’s Sauti za Wananchi panel reveals that 86% of Ugandans are deeply concerned about the climate crisis. Nearly 70% of respondents believe the climate is getting worse, with many reporting more frequent and severe weather changes that are directly impacting their livelihoods.
The Struggle to Survive
For many Ugandans, life has become harder in recent years. According to the survey, 68% of citizens say securing basic necessities has become increasingly difficult over the past five to 10 years. In rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of income, the situation is particularly dire.
“The rain used to come on time, and our crops grew well,” said Charles Bulega, one the tomato farmers in Rakai, who, like many, has watched his harvests dwindle in recent years. “Now, the rains are erratic, and we don’t know when or how much will come. Our crops are suffering.”
The effects of climate change on food production are profound. Nearly 70% of citizens report declining agricultural yields as the primary environmental change over the past decade, with unpredictable rainfall patterns making farming more difficult. In addition to crop failures, the nation faces rising food prices, further exacerbating the struggle for those already living on the edge.
Investigative journalist Canary Mugume, in a recent documentary titled “Youth at the Crossroads: Sex and Climate,” premiered at the American Centre in Kampala said his research revealed surprising connections between climate change and sexual reproductive health.
“I initially thought it was just about food production, but it’s about economic stability, survival, and the vulnerability of young girls,” Mugume said.
In Kiryandongo, shifting weather patterns lead to food scarcity, forcing families to make difficult decisions. For some, this means sending young girls into early marriages or trading sex for food.
“Locals produce food primarily for survival, not sale,” Mugume explained. “When weather patterns shift, they do whatever it takes to get food, including exploiting young girls.”
Worsening Conditions
The most significant challenges Ugandans face are related to changing weather patterns. A majority of respondents say they’ve witnessed alterations in rainfall, with shorter rainy seasons and unpredictable starts and ends to the wet periods. Many farmers also report changes in temperature, with some areas experiencing lower temperatures in recent years.
Despite these shifts, many Ugandans remain hopeful. “It’s not too late,” said 60% of the survey’s respondents. “We can still make a difference.” But questions linger about how change will come — and who should take responsibility.
Deforestation at the Forefront
While the causes of climate change remain a point of debate, Ugandans overwhelmingly point to deforestation as the primary culprit. 70% of survey respondents attribute the worsening climate to the destruction of forests, which act as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases that fuel global warming. Wetland destruction follows as the second most mentioned cause.
“The forests are being cut down for firewood and charcoal,” said Deo Wasswa, senior environmental journalist pointing at Bugoma Forest and the massive encroachment on Mabira Central Forest Reserves. “It’s not just affecting the climate — it’s affecting our air, water, and soil.”
Indeed, many Ugandans rely on firewood and charcoal as their primary sources of energy for cooking. With 98% of households using these fuels, the widespread use of wood and charcoal exacerbates the environmental impact, contributing to deforestation while also posing serious health risks from indoor air pollution.
Yet, despite these challenges, there is widespread recognition that human activity — not just natural causes — is driving the climate crisis. Around 60% of Ugandans attribute the changing climate to natural variation, while an equal number acknowledge the significant role of human activities, such as industrial emissions and deforestation, in the crisis.
A Shared Responsibility
When it comes to addressing the climate crisis, Ugandans agree that responsibility falls on both the government and individuals. Half of all respondents say the national government should take the lead in combating climate change, while 48% believe individual citizens must also do their part. The government has pledged to take action, but resources and political will remain in short supply.
“Government must invest in sustainable practices, but we as citizens also need to make personal sacrifices,” said Wasswa. “Planting trees, conserving wetlands, and reducing emissions — these are things we can all do.”
Taking Action: Tree Planting and More
Tree planting emerges as the most popular solution, with 52% of Ugandans recommending it as a key action to mitigate climate change. About 45% of those surveyed say they’ve already planted trees, underscoring the grassroots commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
In addition to tree planting, 20% of respondents suggest promoting sustainable agriculture, while 18% advocate for wetland conservation. However, there is also a call for policy change, with citizens urging both local and national governments to do more to address environmental damage.
But as much as citizens are eager to take action, many are hampered by the very things that are contributing to the crisis — such as reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating. These practices, while deeply ingrained, remain a significant obstacle in the fight against climate change.
Global Responsibility
Beyond national efforts, many Ugandans believe that rich countries, which have historically been the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, should bear the brunt of the responsibility for climate change. Half of those surveyed hold wealthy nations accountable for the bulk of global warming, with 68% asserting that those responsible for climate change should bear the full cost of adapting to its impacts.
“We have contributed very little to the emissions that are warming the planet,” said Ivan Tumuhimbiise, the Country Director for WWF Uganda. “It’s the wealthy countries that should pay for the damage they’ve caused.”
Teresa Anderson, Global Lead on Climate Justice at ActionAid International, slammed the recent COP29 climate summit agreement, saying it “is not worth the paper it’s written on.”
“Almost nothing of what frontline countries have been fighting for is in here,” Anderson said. “Superficially the numbers may look bigger than the previous $100 billion climate finance goal. But scratch the surface, and this is packed full of loans.”
Brandon Wu, Director of Policy and Campaigns at ActionAid USA, echoed Anderson’s sentiments, saying the agreement provides “no real leverage to ensure developed countries pay their fair share.”
“Developed countries, led by the United States, have long sought to escape their obligations to reduce emissions and provide finance,” Wu said. “Their strategy culminated in Baku, where – in addition to setting a pathetically low goal of $300 billion per year by 2035 – developed countries successfully watered down the language about who exactly should be paying and how.”
Wu also criticized the Biden administration, saying it “should be ashamed” of its role in weakening the agreement.
“US negotiators intervened at every turn, weakening the outcome for their own benefit, even though they aren’t even likely to be part of the Paris Agreement next year,” Wu said. “Now we will have to fight for every penny to flow from the rich world to poorer countries.”
The COP29 agreement has been widely criticized for its lack of ambition and failure to address the needs of developing countries.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Urgency
As Uganda grapples with the undeniable effects of climate change, citizens continue to express hope that collective action can still make a difference. There is a shared understanding that the crisis requires urgent and sustained intervention — both at the local and global levels. While the path forward may be unclear, the stakes are undeniably high. For Uganda’s most vulnerable citizens, the future may well depend on whether meaningful action is taken soon enough to prevent further devastation.
“We cannot afford to wait,” said Ronald Ssemusu, also a local farmer in Rakao district. “Our land is our life, and if we lose it, we lose everything.”
