The rainfall season has become increasingly unpredictable for smallholder farmers, significantly affecting crop yields and threatening food security among the vulnerable communities in Uganda.
By Willy Chowoo
Northern Uganda, April 26, 2025 – Climate change continues to wreak havoc on Uganda, with vulnerable groups such as women farmers and refugees disproportionately impacted. Erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures threaten food security and livelihoods. Experts stress the urgency of inclusive policies and innovative interventions to foster resilience and reduce inequality.
During a conversation with the journalists at a webinar organized by African Centre for Media Excellence ACME on climate and vulnerable communities in Uganda , Mr. Daniel Musoke, Evolution, Research, and Learning Manager with Climate Smart Jobs , CSJ Project, Palladium, said climate change impact on the vulnerable is worrying “Farmers are increasingly exposed to erratic weather patterns, pests, and diseases. Productivity has declined by 40 to 60% in the last five years which is worrying,” he shared. CSJ program research
Mr. Musoke added that data from CSJ program research for Northern Uganda shows that the shifting seasons make agricultural planning difficult, and food availability continues to dwindle. “Women and refugees, representing the backbone of agriculture in Uganda, struggle the most to adapt”, he emphasized.
Climate Smart Jobs is a transformative initiative aimed sector in Northern Uganda -through supporting sustainable solutions for Ugandan smallholder farmers to respond to climate
Women and Refugees: On the Frontline
Women make up 80% of Uganda’s agricultural workforce producing 88% of the nation’s food. Yet, their access to resources and opportunities is severely limited. Compared to men, women access three fewer acres of land for cultivation, which constrains their agricultural output. Furthermore, CSJ research shows that men are three times more likely to hire labor compared to women, leaving female farmers reliant on family labor—a factor that diminishes efficiency and scalability.
Refugees, numbering nearly 1.5 million, face similar challenges. Many reside in marginal areas with poor infrastructure, cultivating small plots averaging 30 by 40 meters. Even when renting land, refugees manage only 1.5 acres. Seven out of ten refugee farmers depend on family labor, limiting their capacity to improve productivity amid worsening climate conditions. The National Population and Census 2024 puts 52 % of the refugees living in Uganda being women.
The chart below shows the refugees distribution by region in Uganda, move the cursor over the chart to see the actual distribution
Access to information remains inadequate, with most farmers relying on radio broadcasts and peer networks for climate adaptation tips. However, the quality and relevance of this information are often insufficient. Early warning systems for climate events rarely reach those who need them most, leaving communities unprepared.
In Uganda, Radio is still leading source of information at 38% followed by the word of mouth at 22%, Mobile phone ,15% and television at 14% as per NPHC 2024. But these radio sets are owned by men and women irregularly get access to such radio set in the family.
Mr. Musoke emphasized the need for urgent action to bridge the gaps. “We must prioritize sustainable responses to these challenges and ensure women and refugees have access to resources, information, and support. The agriculture sector, particularly smallholder farmers, cannot be ignored if we are to combat the effects of climate change effectively.
Voice one: Mr. Daniel Musoke of Climate Smart Jobs speaking on how refugees and women are being affected by the impact of climate change especially in Northern Uganda
Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mabidde, a lecturer/Acting Manager, Innovation Pod, Makerere University said co-creation and human-centered approaches in policy design is very important is addressing of the challenges the vulnerable groups face in Uganda. “We need ecosystems that allow women and refugees to build resilience. Vulnerable communities must be involved in conversations from the earliest stages of policy development,” she asserted. Dr. Cathy called for climate information centers within communities to enhance knowledge dissemination in local languages through culturally relevant storytelling methods. “A well-informed community can better adapt to climate challenges,” she added.
She notes that celebrating the achievements of women in combating climate change. Documenting their successes is another way of inspiring younger generations and elevate them as role models, fostering a culture of resilience and innovation within vulnerable groups.
Voice two :Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mabidde of Innovation Pod talking about the needs to have climate information Centre in the community
Strengthening Policy and Partnerships
Uganda’s constitution offers a strong foundation for climate action, guaranteeing every citizen’s right to a healthy environment under Article 39 and promoting equality under Article 21. Mr. Abdun Bwanadi, a climate legal expert from Green Watch commended Uganda’s participation in global climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These commitments led to the enactment of Uganda’s Climate Change Act in 2021, which aligns international obligations with national policies.
In Uganda, the NGOs have been playing pivotal roles in fighting the impacts of climate change by collaborating with grassroots communities, bridging knowledge gaps, and empowering citizens to combat climate change. Abdun believes that local governments play leading role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity through bylaws and community-driven initiatives.
“Local governments can create policies to protect natural resources, but empowering communities to understand these policies is key to building resilience,” Abdun explained. He pointed to initiatives like those in Arua district, where local bylaws protect wetlands as an example of grassroots action against climate change.
Voice 3: Mr. Abdun Bwanadi, climate legal expert from Green Watch believes that empowering community to monitor climate change related programs shall help to reduce the mismanagement
Climate-Smart Solutions and Journalism
The Climate-Smart Jobs Program exemplifies Uganda’s approach to addressing climate challenges. Mr. Musoke explained, “We must view climate change as both a risk and an opportunity, promoting inclusive and resilient practices.” Empowering vulnerable groups, especially women and refugees, is central to the program’s goals. Long-term investments that address gender disparities, reduce household burdens, and increase women’s participation in economic activities are critical.
Journalists play an essential role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Frederick Mugira, Co-Founder of Water Journalists Africa and InfoNile, urges journalists to improve on their strategies for impactful climate reporting. “Let people tell their own stories—journalists must capture firsthand experiences rather than rely on newsroom narratives or political propaganda,” he emphasized.
Mr. Mugira says journalists must build trust with marginalized groups as they do with the politicians because it is vital important in shaping the narratives. “Long-term relationships help communities see journalists as allies rather than outsiders,” Mugira explained. He said humanizing climate stories by going beyond surface-level impacts to highlight the lived experiences of affected individuals.
Inclusive journalism, which incorporates diverse voices and challenges stereotypes, is critical in climate-related reporting. Mugira urged journalists to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial mapping to enhance storytelling. “Use AI to identify misinformation and defamiliarize climate stories by presenting them in new formats. These tools are often free and can make reporting more engaging and accurate,” he added.
Through techniques like open-source intelligence and remote sensing, journalists can analyze publicly available data, track environmental changes, and provide unique insights into climate impacts. Mugira encouraged journalists to collaborate with scientists to leverage tools like satellite imagery for deeper reporting.
“Stories grow old, but we can bring them back in new forms to attract attention and raise awareness,” Mugira emphasized. He recommended platforms such as Data Wrapper to create visually compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. By incorporating geo-journalism techniques, reporters can connect radio broadcasts with digital storytelling to reach wider audiences.
Voice 3: Mr. Fredrick Mugira of Water Journalists Africa/InfoNile says journalists need to the change their way of storytelling to meet the demands of news consumption today.
As the nation grapples with climate change, the call for inclusive strategies to support vulnerable communities grows louder. Without immediate intervention, the consequences could be devastating for Uganda’s food security and rural livelihoods.
Empowering Communities to Adapt and Thrive
The fight against climate change in Uganda necessitates a comprehensive, inclusive approach that engages vulnerable communities directly in decision-making processes. Investments in education, infrastructure, and information dissemination are critical to empowering women, refugees, and smallholder farmers to adapt and thrive amid escalating environmental challenges.
Daniel Musoke said climate-smart programs play important role in adaptation. “We must view climate change as both a risk and an opportunity, promoting inclusive and resilient practices that actively involve women and refugees. These groups are central to transforming our agricultural systems and restoring ecosystems,” he explained.
These expert insights underscore that collaboration among governments, NGOs, journalists, and local communities offers hope for a resilient and equitable future. By empowering vulnerable populations, addressing disparities, and fostering innovation, Uganda can safeguard livelihoods and build a sustainable future for all.
