University of Kwazulu-Natal

Can You Trust Climate Information The Independent Uganda

Bonisiwe Shabane
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can you trust climate information the independent uganda

Uganda produces world-class research on climate and environmental issues—but it rarely shapes policy or drives enforcement. Despite the growing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, a persistent question continues to echo within scientific and policy-making circles: Does research truly define policy? In Uganda, and indeed in many parts of the developing world, the gap between applied research and the formulation, enforcement, and implementation of policies remains stark. Researchers produce rigorous, evidence-based findings intended to shape and guide effective environmental policies. However, in many cases, these insights are either overlooked or underutilized, as policies are often driven by political hypotheses, emotional narratives, or short-term socioeconomic considerations. In recent years, Uganda has experienced catastrophic floods, particularly in urban areas like Kampala.

These floods are not new phenomena. Scientific studies have long warned about poor urban drainage, wetland encroachment, and unsustainable land-use practices. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) estimates that over 80% of the city’s drainage system is either blocked or inefficient. Flood-related economic losses in Kampala alone are projected to exceed UGX 170 billion annually, according to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED, 2023). Despite the availability of technical mitigation strategies from environmental engineers, hydrologists, and climate scientists, floods remain a seasonal disaster. A study by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) found that only 12% of research conducted in the natural sciences in Uganda directly informs policy or programming (UNAS, 2023).

Moreover, Uganda’s 2023 Climate Risk Country Profile by the World Bank outlines that while more than 60 research projects related to climate adaptation were completed between 2015 and 2022, less than 20% were reflected... This indicates a critical failure not in the formulation of policies—many of which do exist—but in the implementation and enforcement mechanisms. The Ministry of Water and Environment acknowledges the existence of policy frameworks such as the National Environment Management Policy and the Uganda National Climate Change Policy, but there are gaps in operationalization. From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important... At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground.

Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Oil activities on the shores of Uganda’s Lake Albert have triggered widespread suffering among locals facing forced displacement and other violent abuses, a U.S. climate watchdog said Monday.

The report by Climate Rights International says banks and insurers should withhold further funding for an oil development project run by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC.

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Uganda Produces World-class Research On Climate And Environmental Issues—but It

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These floods are not new phenomena. Scientific studies have long warned about poor urban drainage, wetland encroachment, and unsustainable land-use practices. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) estimates that over 80% of the city’s drainage system is either blocked or inefficient. Flood-related economic losses in Kampala alone are projected to exceed UGX 170 billion annually, according to t...

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Moreover, Uganda’s 2023 Climate Risk Country Profile by the World Bank outlines that while more than 60 research projects related to climate adaptation were completed between 2015 and 2022, less than 20% were reflected... This indicates a critical failure not in the formulation of policies—many of which do exist—but in the implementation and enforcement mechanisms. The Ministry of Water and Enviro...

Your Donation Allows Us To Keep Sending Journalists To Speak

Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Oil acti...

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The report by Climate Rights International says banks and insurers should withhold further funding for an oil development project run by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC.