Uganda is most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As temperature levels increase and rainfall patterns change, flood, drought, disease have become prevalent affecting Uganda’s economy and the livelihood of the people.
To ensure that every Ugandan enjoys the right to a clean and healthy environment, Greenwatch works to achieving climate justice using the following strategies
- Enabling the recognition of a changing climate and awareness of climate change and all the issues related to it. This is done through research, community dialogues, workshops and trainings.
- Strategic climate litigation. In 2012, Greenwatch instituted the first climate change case in Uganda, this matter is still pending in court. [ Case Files: Irene Ssekyana - witness statement.pdf, Dr Shuaib Lwasa - witness statement.pdf ,Written Statement of Defence.pdf ]
- Capacity building and education on climate change, climate justice, climate action and climate litigation.
In 2009, Greenwatch conducted a three year project in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) named: Adapting Biodiversity Governance in the Albertine Rift: Reforming law to account for climate change”. The project aimed at assisting countries in the Albertine Rift to improve the legal and institutional frameworks governing biodiversity so that they may be revisited to respond to the potential effects of climate change. The resource manual “Legal and Policy Tools to adapt biodiversity management to climate change” was developed by consultants from Greenwatch, DELC, Madagascar, Vietnam, ELI among others. In 2011, the findings were disseminated to participants from the Parliament of Uganda, academia, private sector, Civil Society Organizations, line government agencies and Ministries as well as practitioners in conservation.
In 2012, Greenwatch joined the global campaign initiated by Our Children’s Trust to address climate change on behalf of children through an international climate litigation campaign.
On 6th November 2019, Greenwatch in conjunction with the Judicial Training Institute with support from Heinrich Boll Stiftung Nairobi organized the first judicial training on climate justice in Uganda. Among the objectives of the training was to introduce the Judges, Registrars and Magistrates to the concept of climate justice, to enable them to develop and implement effective approaches to adjudicate climate change disputes at the national level, adoption of improved implementation of climate change frameworks, increased awareness, knowledge and understanding of Uganda’s climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Reports:
Report on Judicial Training on Climate Justice 2019
Presentations:
- Judicial Training On Climate Justice In Uganda 2019
- An Overview on Climate Change, and It’s Associated Impacts -Re-thinking Responsibility for Climate Change 2019
Greenwatch in conjunction with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) organised the 2nd annual Judicial Training on Climate Justice in Uganda on the 10th and 11th Sepetember 2020. The theme for the year was: "Climate Justice; Ensuring a More Fair and Equitable Society"
Training Manual:
Judicial Training on Climate Justice (2020)-Manual
Presentations:
- The Second Annual Judicial Training On Climate Justice 2020 By Peter Davis Mutesasira (PhD)
- Domestic Adjudicative Institutions And Sustainable Development In The African Context Opportunities And Limitations By Onyeka Osuji
- Evolution Of Climate Change Legislation By Dr. Patrick Byakagaba
- Climate Justice, Climate Litigation And Climae Action-Global Perspective By Ass. Prof. Shuaib Lwasa
- The Relevance Of Climate Change Litigation In Holding Governments Accountable For The Effects Of Climate Change By Ms. Emily Kinama
- Uganda’s Commitments And The NDCs By Mr. Bob Natifu
On the 18th and 19th March 2021, Greenwatch in conjunction with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) organised the 3rd Judicial Training on Climate Justice in Uganda held at Mestil Hotel & Residences, Kampala. The theme of the training workshop was: "Understanding climate change and exploring the role of the Judiciary in implementing climate justice”
The training was officiated by Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda. Participants comprised of Judges of the High Court, Registrars, Deputy Registrars, Chief Magistrates and Magistrates who were equipped with knowledge on climate change, climate law and climate justice. Participants were admonished to be receptive and alive to cases brought before them as a result of direct and indirect negative impacts of climate change.
Resource persons and their presentations:
- Dr. Patrick Byakagaba (PhD), Lecturer - Makerere University - Evolution of Climate Change Legislation in Uganda
- Dr. Peter Davis Mutesasira (PhD), Uganda Christian University - Climate Litigation as a Tool for Promoting Climate Justice – Some Observations on the Approaches Adopted by the Global North and the Global South
- Ms. Emily Kinama, Katiba Institute-Nairobi Kenya - The Relevance of Climate Change Litigation in Holding Governments Accountable for the Effects of Climate Change: A Case Study of Kenya
- Hon. Justice Kenneth Kakuru, Court of appeal-Uganda - Impacts of Extreme Weather Conditions on Communities and the Resultant Legal Consequences
Panelists and their papers
- Ms. Sarah Naigaga, Legal officer-National Environment Management Authority - NEMA’s Perspective in Strengthening the Collaborative Efforts of The Key Stakeholders in Advancing Climate Justice
- Ms. Susan Nandudu, Executive Director-African Centre for Trade and Development - A Civil Society’s Perspective in Strengthening the Collaborative Efforts of The Key Stakeholders in Advancing Climate Justice
- Mr. Bob Natifu, Ag. Commissioner-Climate change department, Ministry of Water and Environment - Philosophy of Justice and Climate Justice
- Mr. Moses Muhumuza, Legal Manager-National Forestry Authority - National Forestry Authority’s Perspective in Strengthening Collaborative Efforts of the Key Stakeholders in Advancing Climate Justice
The 4th Judicial Training was held on the 13th and 14th of April 2022, organised by Greenwatch in conjunction with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) at Mestil Hotel & Residences, Kampala. The theme of the training workshop was: "Strengthening The Judiciary's Adjudicative Role in Administering Climate Justice”
Resource persons and their presentations:
- Mr. Robert Bakiika - A Climate Justice Perspective
- Emily Kinama - Climate Change Litigation Presentation
- Dr. Catherine Mulinde - Climate Justice and Gender
- Dr. Patrick Byakagaba - Evolution of Climate Change Legislation Patrick
