Climate change is already reshaping life in Uganda. Our Climate Change & Community Resilience programme works with frontline communities to design and implement locally led, equitable and sustainable climate solutions.
Communities across Uganda are experiencing increased climate variability, extreme weather events and ecosystem degradation. In Kasese, floods on the Nyamwamba and Mubuku rivers and landslides in the highlands destroy homes, farms and roads. These challenges threaten food security, water access, livelihoods and public health, especially for women, youth and smallholder farmers.
Programme objective
To enhance the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities in Uganda by integrating climate adaptation, mitigation, nature-based solutions and sustainable livelihoods through community-driven approaches.
The programme brings together climate change adaptation and the fight for climate justice. We believe the people least responsible for climate change should not carry its heaviest costs, and that they must have a real say in how climate funds and policies are used.
Climate change focus areas
Community-based climate adaptation
Supporting smallholder farmers and vulnerable households to adopt climate-smart agriculture, water conservation and locally appropriate disaster risk reduction.
Climate governance & institutions
Working with district authorities, civil society and community institutions to integrate climate action into local development planning.
Clean & just energy transition
Promoting community-owned solar and energy-efficient cookstoves that cut emissions, improve household health and expand clean energy access.
Nature-based solutions
Agroecology, tree planting and watershed restoration that protect ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and strengthen food and water systems.
Climate finance & local readiness
Building the capacity of communities and local governments to develop strong climate projects and manage resources effectively.
How we build community resilience
Resilience is not built by outsiders. CECIC starts with community dialogues to understand local risks, then works with farmers’ groups, women’s groups, youth and local leaders to choose and test practical solutions. We link this local action to district and national planning so that successful approaches are funded and scaled.
- Climate risk and vulnerability assessments led by communities
- Training in climate-smart agriculture and water harvesting
- Tree planting and river-bank restoration to reduce flood damage
- Advocacy for climate-sensitive land use planning and disaster preparedness
- Linking communities to Uganda’s national climate commitments under the UNFCCC
Why partner with CECIC on climate change
CECIC brings deep community trust, strong local partnerships and proven experience in delivering grassroots climate action. We ensure that investments translate into practical, locally owned solutions that respond directly to community needs, and we share what we learn through our publications and campaigns.
Climate change and community resilience connect to all our work, from the just transition to food sovereignty. If you share our commitment to a fair and resilient Uganda, get in touch.
Common questions
Who can take part in the climate change programme?
Smallholder farmers, women’s and youth groups, schools and local leaders in climate-affected communities of the Rwenzori region can take part. Activities are planned with communities, so priorities differ from village to village.
How can my district or organisation work with CECIC?
District officials, civil society groups and funders can partner with us on vulnerability assessments, restoration, clean energy and climate planning. Contact our programmes team to discuss a joint plan.
Other CECIC programmes
Natural Resource Governance
Making Uganda's critical minerals benefit people and planet through transparency and community rights.
Just Transition
A fair shift to clean energy that puts frontline communities and workers in charge.
Gender, Health & Environment
Linking reproductive health, gender equality and climate adaptation in one approach.
Community-Led Food Sovereignty
Agroecology, seed sovereignty and fair local markets for smallholder farmers.
Wildlife Conservation
Fighting wildlife trafficking with communities, rangers and stronger laws.
Batteries & Renewable Energy Solutions
Safe battery use, recycling and producer responsibility as solar spreads.
Stand with communities in the Rwenzori
Partner with CECIC, support a programme, or bring our team to your district. Together we can make climate justice real.