Climate change in a Uganda.
Unlike Pillippines where climate change affected the coastline thought Tsunamis, flooding and typhoons, In my countryUganda, the most common natural hazards include landslides, floods, and prolonged droughts.Landslides are especially prevalent during periods of intense and prolonged rainfall. Climate change has increased rainfall variability and intensity, which has directly contributed to a rise in the frequency and severity of landslides, particularly in eastern Uganda.
The regions most affected by landslides in Uganda are the mountainous areas of eastern Uganda, on the slopes of Mount Elgon. The region is characterized by steep slopes, fragile soils, and heavy rainfall, making them highly susceptible to landslides.
In Uganda, rural, low-income farming communities especially the women, elderly, disabled and children are the most affected by landslides. These communities mainly depend on subsistence agriculture cultivated on steep slopes, often practicing deforestation and poor farming methods due to land scarcity and poverty. Landslides have frequently resulted in loss of life, displacement of people, destruction of homes, farmland, and infrastructure, and long-term food insecurity.
Vulnerable communities in Uganda are using several local and indigenous methods to cope with landslide risks, including:
Terracing and contour farming to reduce soil erosion, Tree planting and agroforestry to stabilize slopes, voluntary relocation to safer areas, creating awareness and early warning among community members through local leaders, and engaging in diversified income generating activities.
The government of Uganda, through institutions such as the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Ministry of Water and Environment, provide support to the affected communities inform of
disaster response and emergency relief, resettlement programs,
Environmental conservation and land management initiatives such as tree planting and capacity building programs.