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Climate change, livelihoods, gender and violence in Rukiga, Uganda: Intersections and pathways
Richard Muhumuza1, Manuela Colombini2, Pandora Zilstorf2
1Department of Social Aspects of Health, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
PLOS Global Public Health
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Climate change worsens poverty and gender inequality in Uganda, increasing gender-based violence (GBV). Addressing GBV requires programs that promote gender equality and build resilience to environmental and livelihood pressures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Climate change disproportionately impacts low-income nations, exacerbating poverty and livelihood stress.
- This stress can escalate gender-based violence (GBV), a critical issue in vulnerable communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a thematic analysis of gender-based violence (GBV) narratives within the context of climate change impacts in Uganda.
- To examine the interconnectedness of GBV with poverty, shifting gender roles, alcoholism, environmental stress, and family planning.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory qualitative research conducted in Rukiga district, Uganda, between April and July 2021.
- Data collection included 28 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 40 key informant interviews (KIIs).
- Thematic analysis of organised data using NVivo 12 software.
Main Results:
- Participants perceived GBV, including intimate partner violence and child abuse, as widespread and normalized.
- Key drivers identified include poverty, male alcoholism, shifting gender norms, and environmental stressors like drought and floods.
- Climate change impacts exacerbate economic hardship and tensions, contributing to GBV, with population growth and land scarcity intensifying livelihood pressures.
Conclusions:
- Climate change impacts are gendered, with GBV pathways influenced by destabilized gender roles and relations.
- Addressing GBV in climate-affected regions necessitates gender-transformative environmental and livelihood programs.
- Strengthening social and structural resilience is crucial to challenge inequitable gender norms and power imbalances.
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