The government of Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society, World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization and partners, hosted the 2nd National Dialogue on Anticipatory Action, under the theme “Navigating Uncertainty: Disaster and Climate Risk Financing.”
Building on the inaugural event held in November 2022, this year’s dialogue aimed to address Uganda’s progress and priorities in the face of escalating climate hazards. The focus was on navigating uncertainties through proactive measures, highlighting the importance of anticipatory action in mitigating climate risks, and fostering collaboration to build resilience.
The event showcased successful initiatives and lessons learned, while also encouraging public engagement. Stakeholders emphasized the need for a sustainable, adaptable financing mechanism to support anticipatory action systems, including a multi-hazard early warning system that is now producing monthly information to enable informed and early decision-making.
Notably, Sarah Opendi, the Tororo Woman MP, expressed her shock that the dialogue had gathered to discuss anticipatory actions for mitigating climate change impacts, yet the finance ministry wasn’t represented, even though this requires prioritization in budget allocations. Urging that If the finance ministry is not engaged, this issue might not become a true priority.
During the Dialogue, Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar called on stakeholders to collaborate on nature-based solutions and mobilize resources for a sustainable, resilient future in Uganda.
“There is currently a gap in terms of who has the authority and responsibility for evacuating people from disaster-prone areas before an event occurs. Despite this, investing in scaling up early warning technologies is a critical matter for strengthening anticipatory actions to prevent disasters,” asserted Dr. Brian Kanahe, the Director of Disaster Risk Management at the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Abdirahman Meygag, WFP Representative and Country Director in Uganda highlighted that today we have the tools and technologies to predict and mitigate the natural disasters that threaten the lives and livelihoods of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
“If you are talking about preparedness and mitigation and we do not have an early warning system for disasters, then you are doing nothing, we in parliament have been working to put in place a comprehensive disaster management law that will strengthen our nation’s preparedness and response capabilities.” said Alex Bakunda Byarugaba, Isingiro South MP.
Patricia Elotu from UN Women stressed the urgent need for deliberate interventions targeting women in affected areas, given that over 77% of women in Uganda are involved in rain-fed agriculture, which is constantly affected by weather patterns.
Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Uganda, emphasized that the early warning system can only be effective with strong national and community ownership behind it, advocating for establishing a multi-hazard early warning system for threats like drought, floods, crop and animal pests, and diseases.
As the frequency and intensity of hazards continue to increase due to the effects of climate change, the 2nd National Dialogue on Anticipatory Action underscored the urgency for Uganda to strengthen its disaster and climate risk financing mechanisms. Stakeholders remain committed to collaborative efforts that build resilience and secure a safer future for all.
