By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda’s future depends on how well it manages its water and environment resources, and leaders are calling for urgent action to protect them.
Speaking at the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) 2025, on Monday, at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira, Hon. Herbert Edmond Ariko, Chairperson of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in parliament, warned that the country’s natural resources are under threat and require immediate intervention.
The annual event, running under the theme “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,” brought together government officials, environmental experts, and development partners to address pressing issues such as climate change, water conservation, and sustainable land use.
“For us to be able to harness water resources and at the same time be mindful of sustainable environmental use, is at the core of the very existence of humanity,” Hon. Ariko stated, reminding stakeholders that without water, life itself is impossible. He noted that 70% of Uganda’s economy depends on agriculture, making it crucial to adopt climate-smart practices to ensure food security amid changing weather patterns.
Uganda’s forests, once a shield against climate change and a vital source of livelihood, are rapidly disappearing. Hon. Ariko pointed out that while 14% of the country’s land is still covered by forests, unchecked deforestation for firewood, construction, and other purposes is worsening environmental degradation.
He warned that if this continues, Uganda will face more frequent droughts, devastating floods, and unpredictable weather patterns that threaten agriculture and livelihoods. [A man who cuts down the tree that gives him shade will soon suffer the heat], urging for policies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
To address these growing threats, Ariko called on Uganda’s development partners to support the government in strengthening early warning systems to detect and respond to natural disasters before they cause massive destruction. He stressed that prevention is better than cure, emphasizing that preparing for disasters in advance can save lives, crops, and infrastructure.
His message echoed similar calls made earlier by Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Lumumba, and religious leaders such as Fr. John Peter Musumba, who all emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts in protecting Uganda’s environment.
As discussions continue throughout UWEWK 2025, experts are expected to present solutions to help Uganda build a future where water, forests, and land are used wisely to support economic growth while safeguarding nature for generations to come. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
