Alupo Warns Climate Change Threatens Uganda’s Economic Growth

What the report says

Vice President Jessica Alupo said climate change is becoming a serious threat to Uganda’s economic growth and long-term development goals. Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the Uganda Climate Investment Platform, she pointed to more frequent droughts, floods and erratic rainfall as risks to agriculture, natural resources and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, especially the poorest households.

According to Nile Post, Alupo said Uganda’s economy remains highly exposed because it depends heavily on agriculture and natural resources. She argued that climate change is no longer only an environmental issue but also a development challenge that requires action from government, development partners and the private sector. She said existing policy tools, including the country’s climate commitments and development plans, are in place, but added that public funding alone will not cover the cost of building resilience.

Alupo said Uganda needs substantial financing to meet its climate commitments and that the new investment platform is meant to help prepare bankable projects and link them with investors. The initiative is expected to coordinate government bodies, donors and private actors, and to support funding through mechanisms such as blended finance, green bonds and carbon markets.

The broader context is Uganda’s effort to balance growth with environmental protection. The government has identified climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, wetland and forest conservation, and green industrialisation as priority areas, while Alupo urged projects that can support both resilience and inclusive economic opportunities for women, youth and rural communities.