The army leadership has committed to work with other organizations and government agencies to avert the negative impact that could result from climatic change.
This was said by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi on Friday while participating in the 3rd annual Liberation symposium on Civil-Military relations at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Gen Muhoozi expressed UPDF’s focus to defend Uganda in various aspects beyond military roles.
He said that the effects of climate change are brought about human activities that cause environmental degradation, adding that the army will coordinate with government agencies to reverse the trend.
In his presentation, Gen Muhoozi indicated that the obligation will be enshrined in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the UPDF.
At the same occasion, Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and the Chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen Caleb Akandwanaho (Rtd) noted that whereas most of the households are engaged in agriculture, there is challenge in the inability to earn from the surplus of their produce.
He advocated for the enforcement of East Africa standard mobilization and stimulization of railway and water transport within the region in order for the farmers to benefit.
Gen Akandwanaho launched the book “Public Expenditure Governance in Uganda’s Agricultural Extension Systems”.
The function, under the theme “Climate Change , Food Security and National Stability in East Africa” was organized by Advocated Coalitions for Development and Environment (ACODE).
The Chief Guest, Hon. Christopher Kyibanzanga, the State Minister for Agriculture lamented about the loomic crisis that changing weather patterns are likely to pose which could spark conflicts for resources like water.
“We are faced with the challenge of climate change, the world will face the 3rd world war on how to share the dwindling resources” Kyibanzanga said.
The Executive Director ACODE, Dr Arthur Bainomugisha applauded the UPDF for accepting to work with civil society on issues of food security and climate change.
Dr Bainomugisha said that Uganda is an Agro based economy and lauded the security forces especially the UPDF’s engagement in food security.
Also in attendance was the Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen Sam Kavuma, Deputy Commander Air force, Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi among others.