KAMPALA – A group of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other key stakeholders in Climate change Advocacy, have asked government as well as development partners , to prioritize climate justice matters in all their programs.
These who started off the day a peaceful march from City Square Kampala to Makerere University for a two day Climate Justice Symposium, have expressed their worry about the speed at which Ugandan government is addressing the concerns surrounding climate change.
“At beginning this year, we had the highest level of heat in this country, this is an iceberg that climate change is here with us. It is affecting lives , livelihood and we can’t sit back and watch as this is going on. We need action not words and to do this, we need to fix the Financing of climate justice.” Xavier Ejoyi Country Director, Action Aid International Uganda.
He added that its unfortunate that it’s the impoverished communities that are at the receiving end of the effects of climate change.
“We think any occurrence , which affects the lives of the most vulnerable , affects all of us because these people deserve justice. Climate change doesn’t just happen to us , its as a result of our actions.”
“Human actions are contributing to climate change, we are prioritizing profits instead of people. In Asia it’s the main cause of climate change ..we are depleting the green gases that are holding our planet in balance through funding and produce fossil fuels and funding industrial Agriculture.”
Prof. Julius Kizza , from Political Science and Public Administration Department of Makerere University, in his key note address urged policy makers to ensure that they should hold Global North countries accountable for destruction of the echo system.
“Don’t tell us (Africans) to stay green when you’re not funding our budget. You can’t stop me from oil mining when you’re not contributing to our budget….”
He further encouraged those advocating for the betterment of Uganda not to be discouraged by anybody or be taken away in exchange of material gains or government positions. “Some of us are better citizens of this country, we shall make our humble contribution to make our country better.”
“We are calling upon our government to commit resources to fund agro ecology for the people at the grass root level. These are people negatively impacted. We need to invest in renewable energy and commit money to agro ecology.” Asked Grace Munduru, the head of programs at Action Aid International Uganda.
Sarah Nakame from MEMPROW in an interview noted that effects of climate change have started biting Ugandans to the extent that most of the fruits and food on Ugandan market, is exported from Kenya yet Uganda was once referred to as an endowed country.
“We need our voices to be heard because sunshine is too much this side to the extent that cases of miscarriage are always increasing among pregnant women. When there is too much heat in our area, we soak our clothes before putting them on.” Remarked an Activist from Northern Uganda(Gulu)
She therefore called upon all stakeholders to come to people’s rescue by supporting activities which will enable them at least to experience two rainy seasons a year as it used to be before.
The two day Symposium kicked off on Thursday 16th May 2024 to Friday 17th May 2024 , under a theme: “From Words to Action: Put your money where you mouth is.”
It has been organized by Action Aid International Uganda, MEMPROW , Vijana Corps , Climate Action Network Uganda, PELUM, COTA among others.
Facts about Climate Change
According to NASA, Earth temp has risen 0.14°F since 1880 or about 2°F in total.
Most carbon emissions in 2021 came from China, followed by USA, India and Russia.
