Kampala Capital City Authority Launches Climate Change Risk Assessment Framework

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has introduced a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) Framework to inform evidence-based adaptation planning in the city. The framework identifies flooding as the most significant climate threat facing Kampala. According to the assessment, Central Division is the most flood-prone area, with 45 villages at risk, followed by Kawempe, Nakawa, Rubaga, and Makindye.

The CCVA Framework highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements, where 13.8 percent of households lack proper drainage and nearly 40 percent of residents are unable to adapt due to inadequate infrastructure and resources. KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki emphasized the importance of the report, stating that it will shape the city’s long-term climate strategy and enable targeted interventions.

The study, funded by the World Bank under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program, examined risks across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, water, energy, and livelihoods. The assessment provides recommendations for upgrading drainage systems, enforcing wetland and building regulations, expanding rainwater harvesting, and promoting climate-sensitive building designs.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago urged the KCCA to ensure that the framework leads to tangible results, emphasizing the need for decisive action to address climate risks. Consultants behind the study also stressed the urgency of implementing the recommendations, calling for enforcement of environmental regulations and sustainable drainage investments to reduce urban vulnerability.

The KCCA has pledged to integrate the framework into all city operations and has established a dedicated risk management unit to oversee its implementation. The launch of the CCVA Framework marks a significant step towards enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change. With the framework in place, the KCCA aims to strengthen its adaptation planning and reduce the risks associated with flooding and other climate-related hazards. The successful implementation of the framework will be crucial in protecting the city’s infrastructure, livelihoods, and residents from the impacts of climate change.