The Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga who is in charge of political mobilization has advised university students to prioritize environmental conservation in order to combat climate change that affects both Uganda and the rest of the world.
This development was verified on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) during the closure of the 7th National Inter University Innovation, Exhibition, Debate, and Poetry Championship on Climate Change.
According to Byaruhanga, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is leading a government initiative to promote the use of free gas cylinders and discourage the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking.
He urged the youth to inform others about the benefits of cooking with gas and other alternatives to charcoal, which is what most middle-class people use.
“How can the growing population of people who depend on food production avoid the need to cut down trees? Those of you studying science ought to guide young people on how to lessen the challenges posed by climate change,“ Byaruhanga said.
“I happen to have been on a committee that wrote the President’s manifesto for the current regime and scientists said that the cheapest form of cooking is using gas ,followed by electricity, then firewood and lastly charcoal,” he added.
He advised the students to challenge environmentalists who emphasize planting none fruit trees yet the fruit trees are more useful for environmental conservation, income generation, and fruits are eaten for good health.
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Maria Hakansson who was also in attendance advised the students to choose environmental – friendly and climate smart lifestyles by pushing for appropriate policies, actions and drive green change in communities.
“Students have an impact on society as people who can influence the world about natural resources and biodiversity in Uganda due to severe pressure caused by climate change and environmental degradation,” Hakansson.
The debate that commenced on Wednesday, September 27 , 2023 was organized by the Uganda Dialogue Arena (UDA) Executive Director Frederick Musiimenta, where several universities like Makerere, Nkumba, Kyambogo, Kampala International University, Uganda Christian University, Islamic University In Uganda and IUAE.
