The government has initiated a multi-agency response to address the severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which has resulted in loss of life, displacement, and widespread destruction of property.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua revealed the coordinated efforts in Parliament on Thursday, extending condolences to families who have lost loved ones in the recent floods.
According to Obua, the Ministry of Water and Environment attributes the dry spell and extreme temperatures from December 2024 to February 2025 to both natural and human-induced factors.
"The Ministry explained that the intense heat was largely influenced by natural phenomena, including tropical cyclones and the movement of the sun," Obua stated.
The Chief Whip warned that the situation may worsen, as Uganda is now in the midst of the rainy season. "March, April, and May will be characterized by isolated thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall," he cautioned.
Obua emphasized the need for environmental conservation, stating, "This is not entirely beyond our control. Our failure to protect the environment has worsened the situation. We must become champions of environmental conservation."
Key government agencies, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Office of the Prime Minister, and disaster response teams, are currently discussing a coordinated response to the ongoing crisis.
Obua suggested that Parliament invite the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness or KCCA to brief the House on agreed response strategies.