KAMPALA, Uganda – In a bid to reduce the impact of extreme climate events, Uganda has embarked on developing its first-ever Anticipatory Action roadmap. This initiative, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), aims to provide a framework for anticipatory action that feeds into existing national development plans, such as Vision 2040.
The development of the roadmap is a significant step towards reducing the impact of climate-related disasters in Uganda. The country has been experiencing an increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which have devastating effects on communities, livelihoods, and the economy.
“The effects of climate change are real, and Uganda is not immune to them,” said Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Uganda. “Anticipatory action is a proven, cost-effective approach that enables communities and institutions to act before a disaster strikes, thereby reducing loss and damage.”
Querido emphasized the importance of anticipatory action, citing its cost-effectiveness and dignity. “Let us seize this opportunity to build a roadmap that not only guides Uganda’s anticipatory action strategy but also serves as a model for the region. Together, we can transform potential crises into opportunities for resilience-building.”
To develop the roadmap, FAO and OPM convened a two-day intensive workshop in Kampala on March 26th and 27th. The workshop brought together stakeholders from various organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Vision, Uganda Red Cross, and several district local governments.
Leodinous Mwebembezi, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Water and Environment, echoed Querido’s sentiments. “Ever since I joined public service, we only respond and react to disasters. We are never prepared for them,” he said. “Anticipatory Action is cost-effective and should be taken seriously. We should be looking to provide resources such as water during droughts, adequate information through advisories and early warning systems among other interventions.”
Mwebembezi emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to anticipatory action, involving multiple stakeholders and sectors. “The roadmap should be drafted and incorporated into the national budget to ensure its effective implementation,” he said.
FAO has already made significant strides in supporting anticipatory action in Uganda. In the Rwenzori sub-region, FAO has been working to mitigate the effects of La Niña-induced drought through building and revamping valley dams and anticipatory cash distributions. Similar initiatives are underway in other parts of the country, demonstrating the effectiveness of anticipatory action in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters.
In Karamoja, FAO has vaccinated 167,000 herds of livestock against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and Sheep and Goat pox. These interventions have protected 80% of the entire herd in Karamoja, demonstrating the impact of anticipatory action on livelihoods and food security.
The development of the Anticipatory Action roadmap is a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters. With the support of FAO and other stakeholders, Uganda is poised to become a model for proactive disaster management in the region.
As Querido noted, “The roadmap will serve as a model for the region, demonstrating the effectiveness of anticipatory action in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters. Together, we can build a more resilient future for Uganda and beyond.”
