Wetlands for Climate Action

Picture: Visual artist Tibirusya Rolands produced a live painting throughout the dialogue. His artwork captured the day’s key messages and
was later signed by panelists and invited guests symbolising a collective commitment to wetland restoration.

Uganda: Second National Wetlands Dialogue*

More than 5 million Ugandans depend on wetlands for their drinking water, and the country’s peatlands are estimated to store nearly 200 megatonnes, or 200 billion kilograms, of carbon. Their role in global climate regulation is therefore enormous.

Join For Water is working in Fort Portal to protect and conserve the wetlands and is an important player in this story. That is why Join For Water organised a second National Dialogue on the protection of wetlands at the end of October. This has already resulted in two important commitments from the national government: to give priority to wetland restoration and climate adaptation, and to improve enforcement of existing wetland legislation..

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, opened the dialogue with a clear message: Uganda is not immune to the accelerating climate crisis, and wetlands remain one of its most important lines of defence. He emphasised that over five million Ugandans rely directly on wetlands for their daily water supply, and Uganda’s peatlands; storing an estimated 192 megatons of carbon play a critical role in global climate regulation. His remarks underscored the national urgency to protect wetland ecosystems at a moment when international climate decisions will shape future water security and resilience.

Join For Water’s Country Coordinator Isaiah Ndungo noted that the dialogue aimed to:
• review Uganda’s commitments under national and international frameworks,
• share experiences between government and partners,
• strengthen collaboration, and
• consolidate contributions feeding into Uganda’s position at COP30.

This connection to global processes was echoed throughout the day: Uganda’s wetland challenges ranging from degradation and pollution to poorly coordinated enforcement mirror those faced across the Global South, where wetlands are under pressure just as their climate-regulating services are needed most.

Bridge between international conferences on wetlands and climate

The National Dialogue built on discussions from Ramsar COP15 (23-31/7/2025) in Zimbabwe, where Parties reaffirmed global commitments to wetland restoration, inclusive conservation, and better integration of wetlands into climate and biodiversity goals. Uganda’s event served as a bridge between these resolutions and the ongoing conversations at COP30, situating wetlands at the centre of climate adaptation efforts.

Translate scientific findings into accessible, human stories

A central highlight of the dialogue was a mini-exhibition curated by Join For Water, Nature Uganda, The Ministry and partners. Designed to translate scientific findings into accessible, human stories, the exhibition was rooted in the Fort Portal City Wetlands and Riverbanks Inventory. Photos, community narratives, and research findings were complemented by models of key ecosystems such as the Mpanga River, displays by Nature Uganda showcasing the wealth of biodiversity present in wetlands, endangered species like cycads, and Ministry of Water and Environment reports on the national state of wetlands.

One of the most celebrated features was the architectural model of the proposed Wetlands Education Centre initiated by Kyaninga Forest Foundation, designed by Mildred Kirabo Nanynge, a third-year Environmental Design student at Uganda Martyrs University; a striking example of youth innovation bridging education, conservation, and design.

Community voices and youth contributions

Ahead of the dialogue, Join For Water and partners worked with environmental clubs in partner schools to gather children’s reflections through postcards messages and drawings expressing their concerns and hopes for wetland conservation. These postcards, displayed during the event, served as a heartfelt reminder that wetland degradation directly affects the youngest generation, who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.

As emphasised by Joanita Laker, Member 8th Uganda National Youth Parliament, in her submission during the panel discussion:

“Sustainable wetland use should be an intergenerational effort, and the older generation should not neglect its role in training the younger generation in conservation methods.”

➡ Read more below the photos

Collaboration, governance, and the realities on the ground

Introducing the panel discussion, Join For Water’s Head of Programme, Kim Vercruysse, reminded participants of the essential role wetlands play in climate resilience:

“Wetlands are the superheroes among all ecosystems. They manage too much, too little, and too dirty water…if they are healthy.”

Panelists and participants highlighted several urgent priorities:

Strengthening policy enforcement to prevent selective implementation.
Enhancing coordination between government, CSOs, financial institutions, and communities.
Supporting communities and local authorities to prepare bankable green projects.
Ensuring youth, women, district leaders, and local knowledge holders are actively engaged in policy processes.
Addressing persistent data gaps that hinder effective planning.

The dialogue stressed the importance of understanding community needs, explaining interventions clearly, and recognising where stakeholder interests may conflict.

The dialogue closed with a renewed national commitment to:

prioritising wetland restoration and climate adaptation,
strengthening enforcement of wetland laws,
scaling successful approaches such as the Fort Portal model to new areas in the country
investing in green livelihoods and capacity building,
and preparing a draft national position paper on wetlands for climate action to contribute to Uganda’s submissions to COP30.

As COP30 negotiations continue, Uganda’s National Wetlands Dialogue stands as a reminder that meaningful climate action begins at home, with healthy ecosystems, informed citizens, and strong partnerships. Wetlands remain among Uganda’s most powerful natural allies in the face of climate change, and protecting them remains not only an environmental obligation, but a commitment to future generations.

In the words of Belgium’s Head of Development Cooperation, Michel Dewez:
“We must continue to preserve Uganda’s green gold for future generations; wetlands are the livelihood of biodiversity.”

Pictures and text: (c) Vanessa Thompson

* Uganda’s 2nd National Wetlands Dialogue organised by Join For Water in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment and Nature Uganda happened last month at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. It was held under the theme “Wetlands for Climate Action.” The Dialogue brought together government institutions, civil society, development partners, academia, and local representatives to reflect on national progress, identify persistent challenges, and consolidate a shared vision for stronger wetland governance.