Umukuka III to sign MoU with UPDF, Defence Ministry on climate change strategy

Mbale: The Ministry of Defense, Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), and the Ministry of Water and Environment have agreed to closely collaborate with the Bugisu Cultural Institution on climate security initiatives, with plans underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership.

This development was revealed by Mr. Steven Masiga, Spokesperson for the Bugisu Cultural Institution, during an interview at the institution’s headquarters in Mbale City.

According to Masiga, a delegation from the Ministry of Defense and UPDF visited the Bugisu region to brief His Highness Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, on the ongoing national climate security survey. The survey, conducted through questionnaires, seeks input from cultural leaders on strategies for managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In his remarks, His Highness the Umukuka III expressed appreciation for the collaboration and proposed key strategies to enhance climate resilience in Bugisu and Uganda at large.

These include; signing an MoU with the Ministry of Defense and UPDF for structured collaboration on climate change matters, issuing land titles to people living near national parks to reduce land encroachment on government reserves, promoting the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to handle land use conflicts in the region.

Brigadier Johnson Nuwamanya, who led the delegation, explained the UPDF’s constitutional mandate under Article 209 of the Ugandan Constitution, which includes participating in civil activities such as environmental protection.

He stated that the current research initiative aligns with Uganda Vision 2040, as well as United Nations and African Union protocols on climate and environmental sustainability. Brig. Nuwamanya affirmed that the climate strategy document being developed will be shared with stakeholders, including the Bugisu Cultural Institution, upon completion.

The delegation from the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs included; Col. David Muhanguzi, Col. Michael Kanyumunyu, Lt. Col. Ronald Kakurungu and Mr. Smuts Amolo.

His Highness the Umukuka III was accompanied by senior cultural officials, including; Hon. Richard Masereje, the Attorney General of Bugisu Cultural Institution, Counsel Wadada, the Legal Advisor to the Umukuka, Hon. Patrick Mataku, the Minister for Lands, Hon. Peter Kiwuso, Minister for Environment, Hon. Simon Wamoto, Minister for Climate Change and Mr. Steven Masiga, Spokesperson of Bugisu Cultural Institution

The Ministry of Defense team was coordinated by Ms. Esther Ninshaba, assigned by the Permanent Secretary of Defense, while the Bugisu Cultural Institution team was coordinated by Mr. Steven Masiga, under the directive of Prime Minister Dr. Paul Mwambu, who was away on official duties outside the region.

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