As the relentless heat(’empiita’) of the January to half of March dry season (“akaanda”) grips the country, President Yoweri Museveni has issued a dreadful warning to Ugandans, particularly the younger generation he calls the “Bazzukulu.”
Speaking through social media, Museveni cautioned that the ongoing destruction of wetlands would lead to nothing but suffering, regret and environmental catastrophe.
His message comes at a time when Uganda is wrestling with severe climate change effects including extreme temperatures, prolonged droughts and flash floods.
President Museveni known for his use of public communication painted a grim picture of Kampala’s escalating heat comparing it to his experiences in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
In a striking revelation, he admitted that he now resorts to cold showers at night in Nakasero a reflection of how the capital’s microclimate has changed due to reckless environmental destruction.
His speech was not just a cautionary tale but a wake-up call urging Ugandans to stop encroaching on wetlands before the country pays an irreversible price.
Uganda’s worsening environmental degradation has reached a tipping point. The depletion of wetlands driven by commercial developments and unregulated settlements has worsened the extreme weather conditions.
Kampala, once known for its relatively cool climate is now experiencing record-breaking heatwaves. Scientists and environmentalists have long warned about the dangers of wetland encroachment but Museveni’s latest remarks suggest that even at the highest levels of government the crisis is being felt firsthand.
For decades, wetlands have acted as natural buffers against flooding, crucial water reservoirs, and habitats for biodiversity.
However, rapid urbanization and weak enforcement of environmental regulations have led to their reckless destruction. The consequences are now obvious like the unpredictable rain patterns, deadly floods and soaring temperatures.
Beyond scientific arguments, Museveni took an unconventional turn in his speech drawing from traditional wisdom to emphasize the importance of understanding nature’s cycles.
He hinted at revisiting Uganda’s indigenous knowledge systems particularly Runyankore’s descriptive terminology for months and weather patterns, arguing that they provide a more accurate and culturally relevant grasp of climate behavior than imported English classifications.
This nod to traditional knowledge highlights Museveni’s broader philosophy that gives solutions to modern problems that may lie in the wisdom of the past.
It’s an appeal to Ugandans to blend indigenous environmental stewardship with contemporary conservation efforts a perspective that could reshape policy discussions moving forward.
Uganda has existing environmental laws designed to protect wetlands, yet enforcement remains weak. Corrupt land deals, political interference, and lack of public awareness continue to fuel wetland degradation.
For his message to have real impact, government agencies must step up with stricter enforcement of conservation laws.
Urban planners must rethink city expansion strategies and policymakers need to prioritize climate resilience over short-term economic gains and most importantly, citizens must take personal responsibility for protecting their environment.
Museveni’s message is very clear as Uganda stands at a crossroads. Either the country takes drastic measures to restore and protect its wetlands, or it faces an increasingly uninhabitable future since signs are already visible, from unbearable heat to unexpected floods.
