Uganda’s Heat Surge: Unveiling the Climate Change Crisis

Long-term changes in Earth’s average temperature and weather patterns are referred to as “climate change,” and they are frequently linked to human activity such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These actions raise atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which has negative effects such as global warming.

According to the World Bank, average temperatures in Uganda have increased by 1.3°C since the 1960s. Notably, minimum temperatures have increased 0.5-1.2°C for this period with maximum temperatures increasing by 0.6-0.9°C.

Increased average temperatures have been observed at 0.28° per decade since 1960. Daily temperature observations since 1960 show significantly increasing trends in the frequency of the number of hot days, and much larger increased trends in the frequency of hot nights.

Climate change is estimated to escalate temperatures and impact water availability across Uganda, with some areas expected to experience floods due to increased intensity of rainfall.

With a significant portion of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, unpredictable weather patterns, increased droughts, and floods pose serious threats to food security and economic stability.

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns increase soil erosion, making crop growth difficult. This results in distribution and occurrence of pests hence contributing to suitable conditions for crop diseases and pest infestations such as blast and bacterial leaf blight in rice and coffee rust in coffee trees.

Districts such as Gulu and Mbale are the most affected due to high levels of consumption and cash crops grown in these districts. Increased dry periods have led to reduction in reservoirs which affects irrigation, making it difficult for farmers to maintain crop yields, hence resulting into decreased agricultural productivity and potential food shortages. Additionally, reduced water levels disrupt hydroelectric power generation, further straining Uganda’s energy supply.

Climate change is becoming serious in our country. The rising in temperatures and changing weather patterns are affecting food security, economic stability, and people's lives. We must take action to reduce greenhouse gases, adapt to changing weather patterns, and protect our environment. The future of Uganda's agriculture, energy, and people depend on it