A Plan International Uganda report warns that floods, landslides and prolonged droughts are disrupting education, healthcare and food security while increasing girls’ exposure to abuse, exploitation and early marriage.
About 51% of girls and women in Uganda are affected by climate change, with floods, landslides and prolonged droughts disrupting their education, access to healthcare and food security, according to a new report by Plan International Uganda.
The 2026 International Day of the Girl report, launched at Next Media Park under the theme Change Her Forecast, warns that climate-related disasters are increasing girls’ vulnerability to abuse, exploitation and early marriage.
The report identifies the Mount Elgon region, West Nile and Kampala among the areas affected by climate-related disasters, which often disrupt access to essential services and expose girls to heightened risks.
Plan International Uganda Country Director Phoebe Kasoga said Karamoja also faces serious climate-related challenges, particularly prolonged droughts that threaten households dependent on agriculture and worsen food insecurity.
She said women and girls often bear a disproportionate burden during and after disasters, including caring for sick family members and managing damaged homes. These responsibilities can interfere with their education and wellbeing.
“Women and girls often shoulder additional responsibilities during and after disasters,” Kasoga said, calling for stronger early-warning systems and improved disaster preparedness.
She urged the government and development partners to identify high-risk areas and relocate vulnerable households to safer locations before floods and landslides occur.
Kasoga said timely interventions would help protect communities from climate-related disasters and reduce the risks faced by girls and women.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Mercy Faith Lakisa called for stronger child-protection systems and closer collaboration among government ministries, families, communities and development partners.
She said coordinated efforts were necessary to protect girls from violence and ensure climate-related emergencies do not interrupt their education.
The report highlights the need for climate-response measures that address the specific vulnerabilities of girls and women, particularly in communities where livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and access to essential services remains fragile.