Examining the legal and regulatory framework as an approach to climatic change mitigation in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda, ranked 12th most vulnerable to climate change globally, faces severe impacts including decreased rainfall, prolonged wet and dry seasons, and rising temperatures. The country experiences frequent floods, droughts, and landslides, affecting over 200,000 people annually and threatening to displace 12 million by 2050. Despite existing laws and policies, implementation gaps persist. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Uganda’s legal and regulatory framework in mitigating climate change, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The study aimed at informing policy adjustments and effective climate action, enhancing resilience and mitigating climate change impacts. It sought to contribute to the effectiveness of the legal framework on climate action, generate information on mitigation strategies, and analyse the effects of the legal framework in alleviating climate change challenges. It is the conclusion of this study that; adaptation cannot succeed without attempting to mitigate climate change effects, which can severely impact an affected country. The global approach to climate change mitigation presents various facets aligning with effective address, including equity concerns regarding income, poverty, and sex. This study further concluded that Uganda’s laws regulating climate change mitigation remain complex in scope and application. Uganda’s commitment has not been adequately reflected in the national budget, relying heavily on donations. Drawing on lessons from South Africa, India and the United Kingdom, the study recommended the amendment of climate change related laws to avoid ambiguity in the implementation. While a Climate Finance Unit has been set up in the Ministry of Finance, the study further recommended a department or an Authority instead of a unit in the Ministry dedicated to issues of climate finance would be a more sustainable solution.