Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Climate Financing Advocacy in Uganda
Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Climate Financing Advocacy in Uganda
Uganda’s Vision 2040 underscores the profound impact of climate change on both the economy and society. Aligned with this vision, the Parliament of Uganda plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective allocation of resources in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
In a strategic collaboration with the Act Alliance Forum in Uganda and the Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U), SEATINI Uganda interfaced and discussed with Members of Parliament the need to ramp up efforts towards domestic climate financing. This meeting brought together Members of Parliament from the Climate Change Committee and representatives from National Climate Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
According to Ms. Peninnah Mbabazi, Trade Policy Analyst at SEATINI Uganda, this meeting marked a crucial step forward in devising strategies for climate financing for resilience and sustainable transformation in Uganda.
During the engagement with the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, several key issues were raised. Hon. Songa Lawrence Biyika, the committee’s chairperson, highlighted the importance of issuing a certificate of climate change compliance to Ministries, Agencies, and Departments for each project. He emphasized, “We need to ensure that every project is aligned with our climate objectives.”
Additionally, Ms. Mbabazi presented various suggestions to address the fiscal challenges associated with climate financing in Uganda. She explained, “We must enhance domestic resource mobilization through improved collection and allocation methods. Exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and public-private partnerships could broaden our funding sources.”
While referring to the Paris Agreement’s objectives and specifically Uganda’s commitment towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Hon. Biyika stated, “Our mitigation target is clear, but accessing global financing remains a challenge. We must prioritize strategies for domestic resource mobilization.”
Mr. Lubega Jonathan, Program Officer for Agricultural Trade for Rural Transformation at SEATINI Uganda, emphasized the necessity for coordination mechanisms among implementation agencies. He stressed, “To fully leverage global financing opportunities, we need better coordination. We must enforce legal and regulatory frameworks to enhance climate financing.”
During the engagement with the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, several key issues were raised. These included the proposal for issuing a certificate of climate change compliance to Ministries, Agencies, and Departments for each project, reviewing the National Budget Framework Paper FY 2024/25 to identify resource allocations for climate change, and fast-tracking budgetary allocations for climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local government level. Moreover, the importance of prioritizing domestic revenue resource mobilization for climate action in Uganda and identifying existing gaps was emphasized.
In the face of the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, concerted efforts from diverse stakeholders are crucial. Initiatives like the multi-stakeholder meeting convened by SEATINI Uganda and its partners not only advocate for effective climate financing but also foster a collaborative approach towards building resilience and securing a sustainable future for Uganda.
This initiative signifies a significant stride towards strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement and advancing climate financing advocacy in Uganda.
