Complex Of Climate Problems In Uganda - More Malaria, Likely Loss Of Ability To Grow Food, Coffee

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KAMPALA, 3 March 2009 (IRIN) - The ice caps on the Rwenzori Mountains along Uganda’s western border have receded significantly in the past century and could disappear completely in the next few years, experts said. "The results of recent mapping are alarming," Philip Gwage, assistant commissioner in charge of meteorology in the ministry of water and environment, said. "Over the last 100 years, the total glacier area has dropped from 650ha in 1906 to a mere 108ha in 2005. At this rate the Rwenzori will be completely of glaciers by 2025."

Already, melting ice caps have hit water catchments and eco-tourism. Should changes continue at current rates, Uganda would also suffer lower agricultural productivity due to reduced, erratic rainfall and the emergence of new pests, and increased incidences of diseases such as malaria.

"South-western Uganda, where temperatures have risen by 0.3 degrees in a decade, is one of the hardest-hit areas in terms of disease outbreaks, especially malaria," Gwage said. A two-degree rise in temperature, he added, would see many areas in Uganda losing their main livelihood of cash crops, including coffee. Other crops such as cassava and soya would be affected by new pests, despite being staple crops. "There are many negative impacts of climate change," the official said. "These include reduced capacity for electricity generation, which would have an impact on the economy."

National strategy

To try to mitigate the situation, the water and environment ministry has prepared a National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA). The strategy aims to increase awareness within local communities and will invest in science and technology to facilitate long-term weather forecasting to prepare communities. Critics, however, say the government lacks policies and funds to implement comprehensive strategies to contain the impact of climate change. "Looking at the current status in Uganda, there is no weather and climate policy, low levels of awareness of weather and climate among population, and inadequate determination of adaptation and mitigation options to control greenhouse gas emissions," Robert Bakiika, executive director of the NGO Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement, said.

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