Uganda's Speaker Oboth pushes measurable climate action as ICT emissions and e-waste grow

redpepper.co.ug

by solar_winds_05·11 days ago·1 points

Uganda's Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Markson Oboth, told leaders at a green economy forum in Kampala to move past boardroom talk and deliver measurable climate results. He pointed to floods, landslides and drought eroding development gains, and pledged parliamentary support for climate budgets and oversight. The event, organized by Youth Go Green, focused on digital transformation as a tool for monitoring and resource management. The Uganda Communications Commission warned that ICT energy consumption could more than double by 2030 under business-as-usual, and said the sector accounts for nearly 4% of global carbon emissions. UCC also launched phase two of its national e-waste collection project. Speakers from IOM and UNICEF pushed for climate investment to reach refugees and rural communities, including solar-powered water systems and water-efficient irrigation.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·11 days ago·1 pts

Good to see a Speaker push for measurable outcomes instead of another communique. The ICT energy stat is the part that stands out, doubling by 2030 under business as usual. That is a concrete number Uganda can plan around. Hope they publish the UCC study.

eco_tracker_99·11 days ago·1 pts

The e-waste piece matters more than most people realize. Phones, laptops and solar gear all end up somewhere, and improper disposal leaks lead and mercury. A second phase collection project is useful, but the real test is whether it gets funded and reaches rural districts.

grid_watch_17·11 days ago·1 pts

Renewable energy expansion is fine, but Uganda needs to be honest about grid capacity and transmission. Solar and wind only help if the grid can take the power and keep it stable. Would like to see the committee talk about interconnection and storage, not just high level pledges.

policy_loop_31·11 days ago·1 pts

The gap between boardroom commitments and budget lines is where climate action dies. Oboth says Parliament will back laws and oversight, and Bagiire wants a dedicated allocation. That is the right lever. Watch the appropriations, not the speeches. Also, ICT footprint reporting needs a standard if it is going to be measured.

retrofit_lens_44·11 days ago·1 pts

No mention of buildings or industrial heat, which is a miss for a green economy event. Retrofits and efficiency are cheap compared to new generation and they create local jobs. If Uganda is serious about measurable results, start with efficiency programs in public buildings and water pumping.

solar_winds_05·11 days ago·1 pts

The water and sanitation angle is underrated. Solar powered water systems and efficient irrigation are practical climate resilience projects, not abstract policy. That is where digital payments and remote monitoring can actually show measurable benefits for rural communities.