The volatile changes in climate are increasingly becoming a threat to
many economies globally. This study assesses Uganda’s vulnerability to
climatic variability in the context of how these volatile changes in climate
are likely to affect long-run water resources availability. This is done by
using household survey data, rainfall data as well as findings from a water
resource accounting study on Uganda. First, we use the results from the
water accounts to establish the current level of demand for available water
resources. Second, these findings are mirrored to the drought prevalence
results with a view to highlight the potential adverse affects on water
availability, and ultimately economic activity in Uganda.
Whereas the country’s water resource accounting position shows that
the current level of water resources is still adequate to meet current demand,
drought is affecting economic activity primarily in the agricultural
sector since it is rain-fed. It is also affecting the water recharge system
as a big proportion of precipitation is lost through evapo-transpiration.
This has implications for long-run water availability for the country. The
findings point to the need for policy interventions that can ensure optimal
water use in the economy. These may include improved hydrological
planning and the development of water supply infrastructure.