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SDG Goals at Risk: Uganda Highlights Slow Progress Ahead of AFRSD Summit
By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates.
In 2015, the United Nations set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, aiming to eradicate poverty, promote equality, and protect the planet. However, global challenges, including economic setbacks, climate change, and shifting political landscapes, have slowed progress toward these targets.
To assess the implementation of these goals, African nations gather annually under the African Forum for Sustainable Development (AFRSD). Today, ahead of this forum, a pre-event has been organized under the Office of the Prime Minister and the Uganda NGO Forum, highlighting limited progress on several key SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Moses Isoba, Executive Director of the Uganda NGO Forum, has noted that while some progress has been made especially in gender equality there remains a significant gap in achieving the 2030 targets. “There is still a lot to be done to meet the SDGs in the next five years,” he said.
Seth Nimwesiga from CEHURD has pointed out that plans to end epidemics such as malaria by 2030 are now uncertain. He has also expressed concerns over the U.S. withdrawal of funding for Africa, which is endangering lives and threatening the health sector advancements.
Nakato Rehema, a program manager at Open Space Center, has addressed SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing that many young people have been left out of job creation efforts. She has warned that this exclusion could hinder Uganda’s ambition of achieving tenfold economic growth.
Dr.Callist
For SDG 14 (Life Below Water), Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Acting Director for Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, highlighted the economic significance of Uganda’s fishing industry, which generates over $147 million and employs 1.7 million people. He has urged government to enhance efforts in protecting water bodies by addressing pollution and unsustainable fishing practices.
Charity Ahimbisibwe
Charity Ahimbisibwe, the Executive Director of Electoral Laws Institute, has stressed the importance of political commitment in achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). She called on African leaders to implement programs that empower women and youth, ensuring equity and inclusivity in development policies.
Call to Action
With only five years left to the 2030 deadline, stakeholders at the pre-event have underscored the urgent need for stronger policies, increased funding, and cross-sector collaboration to accelerate SDG progress. As Uganda prepares to engage at the upcoming AFRSD, the focus will be on mobilizing local and international support to overcome the current challenges and drive sustainable development forward.