Environmentalists Call for Localizing Debate on Environmental Degradation

The persistent destruction of Uganda’s natural resources—such as deforestation and wetland clearance—continues despite global discussions.
Environmentalists and religious leaders are urging the Ugandan government to focus environmental debates and actions at the local level.
They argue that while national and international forums, such as the recent COP29 summit, discuss environmental issues, they often fail to engage local communities, where the most significant environmental degradation occurs.
The persistent destruction of Uganda’s natural resources—such as deforestation and wetland clearance—continues despite global discussions.
This gap between high-level discussions and local action raises concerns about the effectiveness of current environmental efforts.
In the Albertine region, environmentalists and religious leaders are advocating for a shift in the focus of environmental debates, calling for more localized and inclusive approaches.
They emphasize that local communities are the ones directly responsible for actions like tree cutting for farming, yet they are often excluded from the conversations that shape policies impacting them.
"It's very unfortunate that most discussions on climate issues are held at national and global levels, while the locals—who are the ones cutting trees for farming—remain excluded," said Sheik Galib Twalib, Assistant Mufti for Albertine.
Philip Kihumuro, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) manager for the Albertine region, echoed similar sentiments, calling for the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, including youth, elders, and the church, to ensure that climate change strategies are well-rounded and effective.
"Besides localizing the debate, we need to bring on board all stakeholders to appreciate and contribute to how climate issues can be effectively dealt with," Kihumuro stated.
The push for decentralizing environmental discussions is aimed at empowering local communities to take ownership of their environment and participate in the decisions that affect them.
This includes making local populations central to conservation efforts and decision-making processes.
Bob Kazungu, Assistant Commissioner for Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, acknowledged the need for broader involvement in tackling environmental challenges.
He reassured that the government is making strides, including revising the forestry policy to address financial and legal challenges in forestry management.
"We are revising the forestry policy on issues like law enforcement and finance management. The government is making strides to improve Uganda's environmental situation," Kazungu said.
Kazungu emphasized that tackling environmental degradation is a collective effort.
"Government alone cannot handle these issues; we need private partners to join the cause, especially in planting more trees and sensitizing people on the dangers of cutting trees and clearing wetlands."
The call for a more inclusive approach to environmental conservation reflects the urgent need for community-led solutions and stronger partnerships to protect Uganda’s environment.