Toward Integrated Flood Management in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Many cities are initiating measures to increase resilience in the face of climate change. Despite uncertainties regarding the pace, nature, and location of climate change impacts, municipalities need to anticipate scenarios and formulate mitigation strategies. In Kampala, Uganda’s capital, this challenge is especially critical due to severe resource constraints. This paper outlines the approach of a new UN-Habitat project under the Cities and Climate Change Initiative, focusing on integrated flood management in Kampala. Flooding is already a major urban problem, with severe impacts on urban life, disproportionately affecting the city’s poor, who are highly vulnerable. The project employs a two-pronged strategy: addressing vulnerabilities of specific communities while also undertaking city-wide flood risk assessment. Together, these levels of analysis offer insights to support strategic planning and the design of interventions aimed at strengthening Kampala’s resilience to flooding.