The Committee on Climate Change is a standing committee of the Parliament of Uganda which is responsible scrutinizing Uganda's climate policies, reviewing the environment laws, and following up on Uganda's international commitments under accords like the Paris Agreement.
The committee operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Department of Climate Change, and development partners to enhance Uganda's climate resilience and low-carbon development.
Mandate Under the Parliament's Rules of Procedure, the committee has the mandate to examine all climate-related legislation, policy proposals, and government programmes with the responsibility of reviewing environmental regulations, assessing national and international climate financing proposals, monitoring implementation of climate initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the National Climate Change Bill, 2020 which was passed on 14th August 2020 and the Climate Change Act, 2021.
The committee also advises Parliament on climate change related priorities in Uganda and provides oversight over government performance on nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and other international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Status within Parliament The Committee on Climate Change is one of the standing committees in Parliament of Uganda reconstituted every two and a half years and typically comprise 30 to 35 members just like other standing committees. Membership is drawn from various political parties with in the Parliament of Uganda with regional considerations through nominations coordinated by party whips.
History The Committee was formulated in 2021 following the passage of the Climate Change Act. Before its formulation, all climate-related oversight was handled by the Natural Resources Committee and Parliament Forum on Climate Change which was founded in 2008. It's formulation came up as response to growing international obligations and national climate priorities outlined in Uganda's Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III.
Leadership The leadership of the committee includes a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and a Clerk assigned by the Parliamentary Commission.
As of 2024, the Chairperson is Lawrence Biyika Songa, Member of Parliament for Ora County, Deputed by Jacinta Atuto, Member of Parliament for Kabula County .
= 39 members
+ Membership of the Committee on Climate Change (January 2024 – May 2026)Membership of the Committee on Climate Change Photo Name Constituency Party Biyika Lawrence Songa Ora County NRM Atuto Jacinta DWR, Kapelebyong Asiimwe Enos Kabula County Kabahenda Flavia DWR, Kyegegwa Esenu Anthony Alden Kapelebyong County Mamawi James Adjumani County East Achan Judith Peace DWR, Nwoya Kamukama Benjamin Ruhaama County East Nakwang Christine Tubo DWR, Kaabong Igeme Nathan Nabeta Jinja South East Division Kesande Grace Bataringaya DWR, Rubirizi Ngoya John Bosco Bokora County Awor Betty Engola DWR, Apac Kinshaba Patience Nkunda DWR, Kanungu Maneno Zumura DWR, Obongi Magolo John Faith Bungokho County North Asiimwe Molly Musiime DWR, Wampala Okia Joannie Aniku DWR, Madi-Okollo Auma Hellen Wandera DWR, Busia Akampulira Prossy Mbabazi DWR, Rubanda Bigirwa Norah Nyendwoha DWR, Buliisa Buturo James Nsaba Bufumbira County East Muheesi Jennifer Abaho DWR, Kazo Natumanya Flora DWR, Kikuube Oseku Richard Oriebo Kibale County Kaaya Christine Nakimwero DWR, Kiboga NUP Matovu Charles Busiro County South Lwanga Jimmy Njeru Municipality Balimwezo Ronald Nsubuga Nakawa Division East Nakimuli Hellen DWR, Kalangala Kamara Nicholas Kabale Municipality FDC Nyakato Asinansi CWR, Hoima City Lumu Richard Kizito Mityana County South DP Alum Santa Ogwang DWR, Oyam UPC Atukwasa Rita CWR, Mbarara City Independents Kiiza Kenneth Bujenje County Kamuntu Moses Rubanda County West Nantaba Idah Erios DWR, Kayunga Musherure Shartsi Kutesa Mawogola County North
Role in climate governance The committee plays a key role in Uganda's national climate governance by: Reviewing the national climate change strategy and budget allocations Overseeing institutional coordination mechanisms, including the National Climate Change Advisory Committee Evaluating climate adaptation and mitigation actions across key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, and water Supporting mainstreaming of climate considerations in government planning and reporting processes
Activities The committee regularly holds hearings with ministries and departments implementing climate-related programmes. It has reviewed budget lines from the Ministry of Water and Environment, and assessed performance of projects funded by international climate funds. In 2023, it contributed to consultations on the revised Nationally Determined Contributions and supported Uganda's position at COP28.
It also works with the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change – Uganda (PFCC-U) to organise awareness campaigns, site visits, and community dialogues on climate impacts.
See also Parliament of Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment (Uganda) Climate change in Uganda Nationally Determined Contributions UNFCCC Paris Agreement United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
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