FAO and Japan strengthen early warning systems for climate resilience in Uganda

KAMPALA, June 13, 2026 — The Government of Uganda, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO] and the Government of Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up early warning systems and anticipatory action as critical investments to protect lives, livelihoods and food security from the growing impacts of climate change.

The commitment was made during the High-Level Dialogue on Early Warning and Anticipatory Action for Resilient Livelihoods, convened recently in Kampala by the Office of the Prime Minister [OPM] following the successful completion of a one-year FAO project that strengthened flood management in some of Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.

The dialogue brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, development partners and donors to reflect on lessons learned and identify pathways for expanding anticipatory action and sustaining investment in disaster risk management.

Opening the discussions, the Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Management at the Office of the Prime Minister, Davis Mwenyi, stressed the need for collective action in response to increasing climate threats.

“Climate change demands urgent action and strategic investment. We must work together through coordinated efforts to address climate-related shocks,” he said.

Implemented from March 2025 to March 2026 with financial support from the Government of Japan, the US$1.13 million project — Enhancing Flood Management in Uganda with Integrated Early Warning Systems to Contribute to Women, Peace and Security — strengthened climate information services and anticipatory action in flood-prone communities in the Rwenzori and Mt Elgon regions.

The initiative focused on ensuring that vulnerable households receive timely information and support before disasters strike, enabling them to protect their assets, livelihoods and food production systems.

Representing FAO Uganda, Assistant FAO Representative Martin Ameu emphasised that shifting from emergency response to early action is essential for building resilience.

“Anticipatory action is essential to safeguarding livelihoods in the face of increasing climate shocks. FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Uganda in scaling up early warning systems and translating early information into early action that protects communities before disasters strike,” he said.

The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Sasayama Takuya, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing commitment to disaster risk reduction and knowledge sharing.

“Japan remains committed to sharing disaster lessons and expertise to strengthen early warning systems and support effective early action in Uganda,” he said.

Impact

The project delivered significant improvements in Uganda’s flood preparedness and early warning capacity.

Ten hydro-climatic monitoring stations were installed in the Rwenzori region, expanding access to critical weather and river information to more than 22,000 households. Two Flood Early Warning Centres were established and equipped to strengthen flood forecasting in the Mt Elgon and Rwenzori regions, while 72 weather bulletins and advisories reached more than 400,000 people.

To support evidence-based decision-making, the project developed hydrological flood models for River Semuliki and introduced a flood monitoring and forecasting tool to improve preparedness and response planning.

At community level, anticipatory action measures included stabilising 1.3 kilometres of the River Semuliki riverbanks, helping to reduce flood risks for approximately 5,000 households.

The initiative also strengthened national capacity by training 62 government officials in the use of hydrometeorological data and gender-responsive early warning systems. A technical exchange visit to the Japan Meteorological Agency further enhanced knowledge sharing and institutional learning.

Recognising that climate impacts are not experienced equally, the project integrated gender-responsive approaches throughout implementation, ensuring that the needs and priorities of women and other vulnerable groups were reflected in early warning services and anticipatory action planning.

As climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe, participants at the high-level dialogue agreed that stronger partnerships and sustained investment are essential to protect livelihoods and reduce disaster losses.

Building on the project’s achievements, FAO will continue working closely with the Government of Uganda, the Government of Japan and other partners to strengthen early warning systems, expand anticipatory action and mobilise resources to build resilient communities across the country.

https://thecooperator.news/fao-food-price-index-rises-in-february-for-first-time-in-five-months/

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