WATER SCARCITY
Uganda's scenario: Increasing temperatures and prolonged dry spells are reducing the availability of surface and groundwater sources, while unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to repeated droughts across districts such as Teso, Bukedi, and Karamoja’s neighboring areas. Rivers and wetlands that communities rely on for domestic use, farming, and livestock are shrinking, and frequent floods especially on Mt. Elgon’s slopes often destroy water infrastructure and contaminate springs and shallow wells. These climate stresses disproportionately affect rural households, particularly women and girls who travel longer distances to collect water, and smallholder farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture. This also intensifies the burdens of poor menstrual health as well as gender based violence. The resulting water shortages undermine crop production, heighten the risk of waterborne diseases, and strain community resilience. Addressing this crisis requires stronger water management systems, climate-smart farming practices, expanded safe water access, and community-led adaptation strategies that protect both people and ecosystems.