More funding needed to avert environmental crisis – Matia Kasaija

With the enlarging effects of climate change on the environment caused by deforestation and encroachment on wetlands, finance minister Matia Kasaija has told the media that his ministry requires more funding to avert the environmental crisis the country is going through.

Kasaija said the ministry will invest heavily in the civic education of the masses about the dangers of environmental degradation, emphasizing afforestation.

The minister made the remarks at an international conference on Climate Finance Access and Mobilization for Enhanced Regional Climate Action held at Serena Kigo Hotel.

“Like many countries around the world, Uganda is experiencing significant effects of climate change on the environment such as floods, landslides, and prolonged drought that have pursued a major threat on people’s lives and livestock,” he said.

Kasaija emphasized the need for more funds to educate Ugandans about climate change following its adverse effects on the environment.

“I also appeal to Ugandans to stop encroaching on wetlands and cutting off the forest cover. We need to educate the masses on the dangers of destroying the environment, but this can only be done with adequate funds,”

Participants at the conference from regional member states shared challenges facing climate financing in their countries of origin.

At the same conference, this website learnt that Uganda has mostly a tropical climate characterized by stable rainfall patterns. However, the effects of climate change have turned the seasons around with the country experiencing shorter or longer rains and harsher droughts – especially in eastern and northeastern Uganda.