The recent floods in Uganda have raised significant concerns for our communities. In April 2023, heavy rainfall led to severe flooding across the country, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives and displacing thousands of families (Uganda Red Cross, 2023). Today we are seeing events repeating. This troubling shift from extreme heatwaves to devastating floods has particularly impacted regions such as Kampala and eastern Uganda, where infrastructure struggles to cope with the intense rainfall (World Meteorological Organization, 2023).
The frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events have alarmingly increased due to climate change. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human-induced global warming is linked to the rising intensity of rainfall, which has increased by 20% in some regions of East Africa over the past few decades (IPCC, 2021). While phenomena like El Niño contribute to heavy rainfall, it is climate change that amplifies the severity of these storms.
The consequences of these floods are dire. They disrupt livelihoods, force school closures, and strain already vulnerable communities. In May 2023, reports indicated that nearly 200 schools were temporarily closed due to flooding, affecting thousands of students’ education (Ministry of Education, Uganda, 2023). This is just the beginning of the season, and we are seeing schools flood. This is affecting the mental health of the children. It is clear that urgent action is needed—both in terms of international climate finance and local adaptation strategies—to build resilience and protect those most at risk from future disasters.
In urban areas like Kampala, increased flooding is exacerbated by the destruction of wetlands and inadequate drainage systems. A study conducted by Makerere University noted that about 50% of Kampala’s wetlands have been lost to urban development, contributing significantly to flooding during heavy rains (Makerere University, 2022). It is crucial for our city authorities to prioritize eco-friendly urban planning. Additionally, we must educate our communities on the collective responsibility we share in building safer cities.
Another significant contributor to the flooding crisis is poor waste disposal practices. During heavy rains, many urban dwellers improperly dispose of their waste, often using plastic bags that block drainage channels. According to a report by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), around 60% of urban waste in Kampala is improperly disposed of, exacerbating the flooding situation as overwhelmed drainage systems struggle to cope with the runoff (NEMA, 2023).
As we advocate for eco-cities, we need to prioritize the creation of green spaces over paved areas to facilitate proper water drainage. Most importantly, we must safeguard our wetlands, which serve as vital water drainage areas.
Let us come together to address these challenges and work towards a sustainable future for our communities. Together, we can advocate for better urban planning, responsible waste disposal, and the preservation of our natural ecosystems.
References:
– Uganda Red Cross. (2023). Flooding in Uganda: A Report on Recent Events.
– World Meteorological Organization. (2023). Climate and Weather Extremes in East Africa.
– Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.
– Ministry of Education, Uganda. (2023). Impact of Flooding on Education in Uganda.
– Makerere University. (2022). Kampala Wetlands Study: Urban Development and Environmental Impact.
– National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). (2023). Waste Management Report: Kampala City.
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