During a plenary session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed deep concern over the impending risks of heavy rains and floods, exacerbated by the current heatwave sweeping across Uganda.
The warnings came after a statement was delivered by the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, on the country’s weather patterns.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Biyika, stressed the need for urgent government intervention, suggesting that the extreme temperatures have created a heightened risk of flooding as the dry season ends.
He emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness, urging the government to take proactive measures before the situation escalates.
“At the end of the dry season, we will experience a lot of rain with floods. The evaporation from open water bodies like Lake Victoria due to the heat is a concern. We must be prepared for the disaster rather than waiting for relief after it strikes,” said Biyika.
He also noted that the prolonged dry spell is likely to negatively affect agriculture, which in turn would have detrimental impacts on the country’s economy.
Biyika, who holds qualifications in environmental and natural resource management, recommended stronger action against deforestation and the destruction of wetlands, which he noted are worsening the effects of climate change.
Hon. Christine Kaaya, the Member of Parliament for Kiboga District, echoed Biyika’s concerns, emphasizing the need for clear guidance from the government on how the current dry spell could affect Ugandans.
She requested the government to provide a detailed report on the expected loss in crop yields, livestock numbers, and the potential strain on the healthcare system due to the extreme weather patterns.
“People need to know the specifics of how the ongoing dry spell will affect their livelihoods. There should be a clear message from the government detailing the expected losses in agriculture and livestock, as well as the health burdens,” Kaaya said.
In response, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, the MP for Kalungu West, urged the government to offer subsidies for clean energy sources as a way to mitigate deforestation and the widespread reliance on charcoal.
He proposed reducing the cost of alternative energy sources, such as gas, which has seen a rise in use but remains expensive for many Ugandans.
“Ugandans are using gas and other cleaner sources of energy, but it’s expensive. Government must reduce the costs to help preserve our environment,” Ssewungu argued.
In her statement, Minister Anywar assured MPs that the government is already taking steps to address the issue. She revealed that the government has entered into agreements with companies selling gas to subsidize 40% of the price. “We already have an agreement with Stabex [an oil marketing company], and the current price of gas takes into account this 40% subsidy,” Anywar explained, adding that Uganda is also working toward becoming a producer of its own oil and gas.
Hon. Anywar further informed the house that meteorological reports indicate the current heatwave, which is part of the dry season will subside by the end of March, making way for the much-awaited rainy season.
She clarified that the period from December to February is typically dry in Uganda, with February being the hottest month of the year. Temperatures rise in mid-January, peak in February, and gradually decline by early March as the rainy season begins.
The Minister also highlighted that the risks associated with the heatwave, such as prolonged droughts, will require continued vigilance and adaptation measures from both the government and the population.
As Uganda braces for the transition from the heatwave to the rainy season, the warnings from MPs serve as a crucial reminder for the country to invest in climate change adaptation strategies and disaster management.
The government’s efforts to address clean energy and environmental protection are expected to play a key role in mitigating future climate-related disasters.
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