BY JOACKIM KULE
Kasese District Local Government with support from the Reproductive Health Uganda with funding from the government of Denmark has launched a 10-year “Climate Change Action Adaption Plan” that is aimed at increasing community resilience to climate change impacts.
The Climate Change Action Adaption Plan which was drafted after realizing that Uganda is experiencing signs of climate change as exhibited by the trends in average temperatures and rainfall was launched on Thursday at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese town.
It is believed that climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, glacial melting, landslides and heat waves, which will have significant impacts on the livelihoods of local communities which largely depend on natural resources.
While officiating at the launch, Mr. Adam Spaare Spliid, the Danish Deputy Ambassador to Uganda explained that Kasese was chosen among other districts in Uganda because it was on the front-line of climate change that is associated with drought and floods that end up leaving many people displaced with others experiencing Gender Based Violence.
Ms. Anneti Kyarimba, the Director of Programs at the Reproductive Health Uganda noted that during the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan, they would also address issues of reproductive health, violence against children, women, men and youth.
The Kasese District Natural Resources Officer, Dr. Joseph Katswera while presenting a summary of the key aspects in the adaptation plan, highlighted that there was need to invest in the establishment of mini-irrigation schemes, construction of roads and bridges, empowering vulnerable girls and women among others.
The Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, appealed to the funders to localize the activities that will be done for the local population to appreciate the activities taking place in their respective areas.
During the launch, Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Reproductive Health Uganda that is aimed at strengthening efforts towards implementing the same action plan.
ENDS