Government has unveiled a pilot programme to introduce electrical automobiles for police patrols as a part of efforts to fight local weather change.
The initiative was introduced by the State Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, whereas responding to MPs’ issues throughout the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday 6 March 2025.
During the day before today’s sitting, the Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Songa, had warned of impending heavy rains and floods linked to the present heatwave. He urged the federal government to undertake proactive catastrophe preparedness and mitigation methods.
“This warmth wave impacts well being, agriculture and the economic system. Increased evaporation from Lake Victoria will possible trigger heavy rainfall and flooding. We should give attention to preparedness moderately than reactive aid efforts,” he cautioned.
He additionally criticized the nation’s inefficient transport system, stating, “Our visitors jams generate extreme warmth, growing emissions. We burn an excessive amount of gasoline and waste cash on automobile upkeep.”
Shadow Minister for Environment, Hon. Christine Kaaya, (NUP, Kiboga District Woman), emphasised the necessity for a complete authorities response.
“Extreme climate patterns are pushed by each native actions and world environmental mismanagement. How can we measure our contributions to adaptation and mitigation?” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, referred to as for stronger insurance policies in opposition to deforestation and incentives for various power sources.
“Ugandans can use fuel, however its excessive price stays a barrier. The authorities ought to cut back taxes on various power sources to encourage adoption,” he stated.
Minister Anywar acknowledged the extreme affect of local weather change, stating that the transition to electrical patrol automobiles would start with the Uganda Police Force.
“During final Monday’s Cabinet assembly, we resolved to begin with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Our cops, who journey continuously, would be the first to obtain electrical bikes and automobiles,” she stated.
The Ministry of Environment predicts that the continuing warmth wave will subside by mid-March, bringing cooler temperatures and rainfall.
Anywar attributed the intense situations to seasonal dry climate, the solar’s place close to the equator, a tropical cyclone within the Indian Ocean, and the city warmth island impact.
She reassured MPs that prices would decline as soon as Uganda begins oil and fuel manufacturing within the Albertine area.
“The authorities has already sponsored 40 p.c of fuel cylinder prices. This discount is in place to make fuel extra accessible,” she stated.
