IOM Study: Thousands Forced to Leave Uganda because of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation
Kampala – A new research study commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Uganda shows that thousands of people are being forced to move due to climate change and environmental degradation.
The research was conducted in the eastern Ugandan districts of Bududa and Katakwi. It was conducted by the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
The study report “Assessing the Evidence: Migration, Environment and Climate Change Nexus in Uganda”This video captures evidence of migration due to the gradual and severe adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
According to the report, “Both slow-onset and sudden onset climatic changes and environmental changes have a strong impact on population migration patterns of Ugandans, but in different ways.”
“Sudden-onset events (floods and landslides) often cause destruction of livelihoods and displace the affected populations who have to leave their homes mainly temporarily, but in some cases permanently, like the cases of landslides in Mt. Elgon sub-region and flooding in Teso sub-region.”
On the other side, the study revealed that many people have migrated, or are likely to migrate, due to the environmental and land degradation.
The State Minister for Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar launched this report in Kampala on the 29th of March.
“As Government, we welcome this report; we are going to have it alongside our planning and strategies. It is clearer and more specific for us what roles we have to play in order to ensure that we are on the same journey. [on environment] for sustainable life,” she said.
Revocatus Twinomuhangi (the MUCCRI Coordinator) presented the findings and expressed hope that the report would help to improve policy interventions.
“There is a need for Uganda to develop a comprehensive migration policy that covers both internal and international migration, voluntary and forced migration, as well as planned relocation and/or resettlement, and migration as adaptation strategy,” Twinomuhangi said.
Sanusi Tejan Savage, IOM Uganda Chief of Mission, pledged the organization’s unwavering support to the government to integrate migration issues into laws, policies, and action plans on climate change at the national and local levels.
“Together, we will work to increase public awareness of the link between environmental degradation, climate change and displacement,” he said.
According to the report, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and livestock losses all contribute to water crises and a decline in soil productivity. This ultimately leads to people being forced to move. Conflicts over land or resources are common when people are forced to move because of climate-related challenges. This in turn can lead to poverty. Women, children and people with disabilities are most affected.
The findings of the study will feed into IOM’s ongoing work on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC).
“Now that the evidence is clearly linking environmental degradation and climate change displacement, IOM, will double its efforts in this direction,” Savage said.
According to the World Bank, some 200,000 Ugandans have suffered from weather-related disasters over two decades. Parts of the country, including Kampala the capital, are susceptible to flash floods and landslides. Still, a ReportAccording to the World Bank, 12 million people or 11 percent of Uganda’s population could move to Uganda in 2021 due to slow-onset climate factors. No concrete climate and development action is planned by 2050.
The Chief of Mission and Minister signed a Pledge board, pledging to improve cooperation on matters related to migration management.
IOM’s MECC division was created in 2015 to oversee, coordinate and support activities related to migration, the environment, and climate change. It supports national and regional efforts to address the human mobility challenges related to climate change and environmental factors.
Contact IOM Uganda Public Information Officer if you need more information or media inquiries.
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