Shift Media News 
LUZIRA, Uganda March 19 [SHIFTMEDIA] Climate mobility is steadily emerging as a critical reality in Uganda, as communities grapple with mounting adaptation challenges. With its diverse ecosystems, Uganda faces a range of climate change-induced hazards, from the relentless flooding in Kasese—caused by the overflow of River Nyamwamba—to the devastating landslides in Bududa and Bugisu sub-regions, as well as prolonged droughts that ravage Karamoja and other regions.
These climate extremes are not only threatening livelihoods but are also driving significant population movements, a phenomenon now referred to as climate mobility. Research suggests that by 2050, approximately 3.6% of Uganda’s population could be displaced due to climate impacts.
A Blueprint for Action
Recognizing the urgent need for a structured response, Uganda has unveiled the Climate Mobility Blueprint, an Agenda for Action developed through the Uganda Climate Mobility Deep Dive. This initiative, spearheaded by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, aims to guide government, local leaders, affected communities, and partners in leveraging existing policies while developing new solutions for adaptation.
The Blueprint was officially released on Tuesday at the Uganda Water and Environment Week 2025, held at the Ministry of Water and Environment offices in Luzira. Fred Onduri Machulu, the GCCM National Focal Point Person, emphasized that the Blueprint is informed by modeling conducted under the Africa Climate Mobility Profile Initiative (ACMI) and research findings summarized in the Uganda Climate Mobility Profile.
“This Blueprint is the result of a nine-month Deep Dive consultation and validation process across more than 20 districts,” said Onduri Machulu. “It aims to support communities in sustaining their livelihoods and cultural identities while enabling informed mobility and relocation choices for those who need to move.”
Government and Stakeholder Commitment
The Deputy Managing Director of GCCM, Sarah Rosengaertner, commended Uganda’s government for its proactive role in supporting the initiative. “It is remarkable that we embarked on this journey together, and today, we are here to release the report and plan for the future,” she noted.
Similarly, Margaret Athieno Mwebasa, the Commissioner for Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Ministry of Water and Environment, underscored the importance of translating policy into action. “Having a well-structured document is not enough. What truly matters is how we implement it,” she said. She further highlighted that the global climate crisis disproportionately affects nations that have contributed the least to climate change. “Forced migrations, floods, droughts, and heavy rains can be mitigated through early warning systems,” she added.
Mwebasa urged the government and its development partners to prioritize risk reduction and resilience-building in their planning and budgeting processes. “We must integrate measures that enable positive adaptation movements for communities already affected by climate change,” she emphasized.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Taking Action
Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources Management and Regulation, echoed the need for practical steps. “We began this process uncertain of its scope, but today, we leave this room with a clear understanding of how to integrate climate adaptation into our Climate Change Action Plans,” he stated. Dr. Tindimugaya added that the Agenda for Action will require a phased approach, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term interventions to ensure sustainability.
Several experts and stakeholders reinforced the need for inclusivity in climate mobility planning. Barbra Kiwanuka, Risk Management Officer at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Edward Tanyima, National Coordinator at FAO Uganda, Edwin Muhumuza from Youth Go Green, and Crispus Mwemaho from Abayuuti Climate Action Network, all stressed the importance of addressing the vulnerabilities of marginalized groups, including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The Human Side of Climate Mobility
The panelists also discussed the stark contrast between proactive migration and forced displacement. “People who move in anticipation of climate hazards are generally better off than those displaced after suffering loss and damage,” Onduri Machulu explained. “Many individuals lack the resources to relocate, while others are deeply connected to their land, communities, and cultural heritage, making voluntary migration difficult.”
As climate change continues to reshape Uganda’s landscapes and threaten livelihoods, the Climate Mobility Blueprint provides a roadmap for adaptive solutions. Whether through policy reform, risk mitigation strategies, or community-led resilience programs, it is imperative that Uganda moves forward with actionable steps to address this growing challenge.
By taking decisive action today, Uganda can create a future where communities thrive despite climate adversity, ensuring that those affected have the means to either adapt in place or relocate with dignity and support.
