Uganda is finalising its first-ever National Framework for Weather and Climate Services Uganda. This framework is a strategic response to worsening climate variability and extreme weather events. These events continually disrupt the country’s development agenda. Therefore, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) says the framework will strengthen Uganda’s ability to manage climate disasters like floods and droughts. It will do so through improved early warning systems and accessible, science-based weather information.
Importantly, the National Framework for Weather and Climate Services Uganda aims to deliver timely, actionable information to communities before disasters occur. Mr. Milton Waiswa, assistant commissioner for Meteorological Services, stressed the need for early warnings. Currently, the framework is being developed in collaboration with the Igad Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). Furthermore, it aligns with the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). It is built on five key pillars: climate information systems, observation and monitoring, research and modelling, user interface platforms, and capacity development.
Additionally, the framework focuses on Uganda’s most vulnerable groups. These include rural farmers and people living in high-risk areas. The goal is to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk management. Meanwhile, climate experts at the dialogue urged for a unified climate response across government sectors to improve efficiency. For example, Mr. Calistus Wachana from ICPAC said consistent climate information makes efforts more effective and cost-efficient. He also mentioned that every dollar invested in climate services can yield up to seven dollars in return.
Moreover, Mr. Bob Alex Ogwang, commissioner for meteorology at MWE, said the National Framework for Weather and Climate Services Uganda will connect researchers, service providers, and end users such as farmers and disaster agencies. Uganda faces growing risks from floods, landslides, and droughts. Specifically, regions like Elgon, Kasese, Sironko, Ntoroko, and Kampala are highly vulnerable. These disasters threaten critical sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, health, and energy.
In addition, the World Food Programme supports the framework as key to fighting hunger and malnutrition. Ms. Tiina Honkanen of WFP called the National Framework for Weather and Climate Services Uganda a game-changer. She explained that it shifts disaster management from reactive to preventative. However, Ms. Edith Namutebi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that climate information must be accurate, accessible, and easy to understand for both decision-makers and communities.
The framework targets five sectors: agriculture and food security, water, health, energy, and disaster risk reduction. According to climate consultant Mr. Daniel Opwonya, success starts with proper infrastructure. This includes weather stations and instruments that can accurately capture climate trends. Uganda ranks 12th globally in climate vulnerability but 163rd in readiness, highlighting the urgency of this initiative.
Furthermore, in the 2025/2026 financial year, Uganda allocated funds for disaster management and meteorological services. These include Shs20.7 billion for disaster management, Shs169 billion for emergency response, and Shs12.4 billion to improve early warning systems. These investments aim to modernize climate forecasting for agriculture, aviation, and infrastructure planning.
In conclusion, the National Framework for Weather and Climate Services Uganda is a vital step forward. It will help communities prepare for and respond to climate change and extreme weather. Consequently, this framework positions Uganda to lead regional efforts in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
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