Leveraging Fiscal Policies for Climate Change Mitigation in Uganda
Leveraging Fiscal Policies for Climate Change Mitigation in Uganda
In recent years, the Ugandan government has made commendable efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly its impacts on the economy and the agricultural sector. These efforts include mainstreaming climate change considerations into government programs, adhering to global, regional, and national commitments on climate change, and acknowledging the need for increased financing towards climate change initiatives.
Despite these commendable efforts, there remains a significant gap in the effective utilization of fiscal policies, including taxation, budgeting, aid, and debt management, to address the ongoing climate change crisis. This gap is largely attributed to a limited understanding and appreciation of the link between fiscal policies and climate change among stakeholders.
To bridge this gap, SEATINI-Uganda, with financial support from Oxfam under the “Power of Voice Project,” is actively advocating for fiscal and trade reforms aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development. In recognition of the need for capacity building and awareness raising on addressing climate change through equitable fiscal policies, capacity building sessions were organized on 31st January in Arua district targeting selected local government officials and tax justice campaigners from Zombo, Nebbi districts, and Arua City.
These capacity-building sessions aimed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the linkage between climate change and fiscal policies, integrate climate change adaptation into local government planning and budgeting processes, and formulate clear commitments, policy proposals, and recommendations to improve local revenue mobilization while addressing climate change issues.
In his opening remarks, Mr Drakuma Maliki, Town Clerk, Central division, Arua City appreciated SEATINI Uganda for the constant capacity building sessions which are an eye opener to new ways to generate revenue for their constituency.”Through SEATINI Uganda, we have learnt how to engage and foster closer relationships with our taxpayers and the private sector, establishing a strong working partnership with them,” he said.
In her presentation, Ms. Lynette Julian Namukwaya, Research Assistant, Ministry of Finance noted that Uganda’s economy highly depends on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture and tourism for employment, food security, GDP contribution, exports and poverty alleviation.
“The effects of climate change such as dry spells undermine agricultural production and productivity and revenue generation which all affect fiscal policy decisions,” Ms. Namukwaya noted.
“Climate change refers to the discernible shifts in climate patterns, stemming primarily from human activities that modify the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. These alterations, alongside natural climatic fluctuations, are observable over significant timeframes, “ she explained
Mr. Aloysious Kittengo, Program Officer, Local Revenue and Civic Engagement at SEATINI Uganda added that there is a need to look at the causes of climate change and how to address them. “When we address the causes, we will be in position to have a stable environment,” he explained.
Leveraging fiscal policies effectively is essential for addressing the ongoing climate change crisis in Uganda. Through collaborative efforts and capacity building initiatives, stakeholders can better harness fiscal tools to mitigate climate change impacts and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all.
At the end of the meeting, both local government officials and Tax Justice Campaigners pledged to prioritize and incorporate climate change initiatives into their efforts concerning local revenue mobilization, allocation, and accountability.
Tax justice campaigners, Local government officials and CSOs from Arua, Zombo and Nebbi districts together with Partners pose for a group photo after a fruitful discussion
Mr. Henry Ssemanda, PFM Expert giving a presentation during the understanding the linkage between fiscal policies and climate change capacity building in Arua districts.
Ms. Regina Navuga, Program Coordinator, Financing for Development, SEATINI Uganda, giving a presentation during the understanding the linkage between fiscal policies and climate change capacity building in Arua districts.
