Uganda Introduces Electric Vehicles for Police Patrols to Tackle Climate Change

The Ugandan government has announced a pilot program to implement electric vehicles for police patrols as a climate change initiative. This move, discussed by government officials, addresses the urgent need for disaster preparedness and the adoption of alternative energy sources to reduce emissions and enhance environmental resilience.

The Ugandan government has launched a pilot program aimed at introducing electric vehicles for police patrols as part of its climate change mitigation efforts. This initiative was announced by the State Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, during a plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on March 6, 2025.

In a previous parliamentary session, Hon. Lawrence Songa, Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, highlighted the urgent need for proactive disaster measures in light of predicted heavy rains and floods resulting from the ongoing heatwave. He expressed concerns regarding health, agriculture, and economic repercussions of the heatwave, urging preparedness over reactive responses.

Hon. Christine Kaaya, the Shadow Minister for Environment, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive government strategy, noting that local and global factors drive extreme weather changes. She questioned how the nation could gauge its contributions toward climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Furthermore, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, representing the Leader of the Opposition, advocated for stronger policies to combat deforestation and proposed incentives for alternative energy adoption. He pointed out that while gas could be a viable option, its prohibitive costs hinder widespread use, urging the government to reduce taxes on alternative energy sources.

Minister Anywar acknowledged the significant effects of climate change and confirmed that the transition to electric patrol vehicles would commence with the Uganda Police Force, stating they would first receive electric motorcycles and vehicles. She indicated that the initiative aligns with a Cabinet decision made the previous Monday.

The Ministry of Environment forecasts that the current heatwave may abate by mid-March, leading to cooler weather. Anywar also mentioned factors like seasonal dry spells, the sun’s position, tropical cyclones, and urban heat islands as contributors to extreme weather. She reassured parliament members that production of oil and gas in the Albertine region would eventually reduce costs and improve accessibility to energy resources, including gas, which the government has already subsidized by 40%.

The Ugandan government’s introduction of electric vehicles for police patrols represents a proactive step in addressing climate change amidst concerning weather patterns. The initiative, acknowledged by various government officials, underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies in climate adaptation and mitigation. With support for alternative energy solutions and improvements to the transport sector, Uganda aims to combat environmental challenges effectively while reducing carbon emissions.

Original Source: www.zawya.com