Civil society members have tasked stakeholders in environment conservation to recommit themselves on action to save the planet amid climate change challenges.
As part of the Climate Justice Week of Action activities, a group of over 100 members from seven civil society organisations today Thursday May 16, 2024 held a solidarity march across Kampala themed, “From words to action, Put your money where your mouth is” to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change and its impact.
Carrying placards with messages calling on leaders to action, members from civil society organisations to include ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU), COTA, MEMPROW, and Vijana Corps among others marched from City Square in Kampala up to Makerere University main campus amidst the morning downpour.
ActionAid International Uganda country director, Mr. Xavier Ejoyi rallied stakeholders to invest in “solutions to climate change, not in its causes like fossil fuels and industrial agriculture which profit a few people”.
He added that “We are running against time, it is urgent, necessary and important that we get climate justice. Communities that are already vulnerable and impoverished are at the receiving end of the climate change impact, so we cannot sit by and watch as lives are being lost.”
About 16 people have since perished in mudslides in Kisika, Rukoki sub-county, Kasese district following floods caused by heavy rains.
With over 13 meters, Lake Victoria is experiencing the highest water levels a concern that recently prompted cabinet to earmark 5.5 billion shillings to construct gabions in selected areas along the Lake to protect infrastructure like roads.
Relatedly, Women have urged government to enhance their access to climate change financing given the crucial role they (women) play in environmental sustainability.