By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
KAMPALA, Uganda – Government has raised concerns over the escalating destruction of forests, particularly the widespread cutting down of trees in Mabira Forest, warning that the trend is worsening the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
The call was made by Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Planning under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, while launching the Climate Finance Strategies and Report at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
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Uganda continues to grapple with the severe effects of climate change. In Karamoja, prolonged droughts have left communities food insecure, while in western Uganda, coffee farmers are battling unpredictable weather patterns that threaten one of the country’s leading export earners. Along Lake Kivu, floods have displaced thousands of families, underscoring the urgent need for action.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the newly launched Climate Finance Strategies—developed with support from the World Bank, European Union (EU), and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)—aim to bridge the financing gap in climate adaptation and mitigation. The strategies were unveiled under the theme: “From Ambition to Action: Financing Uganda’s Climate Commitments.”
Development partners emphasized that climate financing, if effectively harnessed, could build resilience while unlocking new opportunities for green growth and jobs.
The European Union pledged to back Uganda’s transition, with commitments towards mobilizing up to $28 billion by 2030 for climate action. Michelle Walsh, the EU Team Leader in Uganda, noted that the bloc remains committed to working with government and private sector players to expand access to sustainable financing.
Similarly, Dr. Pablo Martinez, Country Representative of GGGI, pointed out that climate investments can drive innovation in renewable energy, agriculture, and urban planning.
World Bank representative Annette Tamale cautioned that Uganda risks losing between 2–7% of its GDP by 2050 if climate challenges remain unaddressed. She noted that more than 80% of households already impacted by climate change are facing food insecurity, poor infrastructure, and increased economic shocks.
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In his keynote address, Hon. Lugoloobi stressed that deforestation remains one of Uganda’s most pressing environmental threats, citing the destruction of Mabira Forest and wetlands as clear examples of unsustainable practices.
“We cannot talk about climate resilience without addressing the rampant tree cutting across our forests and wetlands. These ecosystems are our first line of defense against climate change,” he said.
The minister urged financial institutions to align with Uganda’s National Green Taxonomy and called for greater private sector engagement in climate financing. He emphasized that protecting forests and wetlands, while channelling resources into sustainable investments, will be crucial in combating the climate crisis.
The launch of the Climate Finance Strategies marks a milestone in Uganda’s efforts to mobilize resources towards its international climate commitments. Beyond mitigation, the strategies are designed to tackle urgent domestic challenges such as food insecurity, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.
With forests like Mabira under threat, government insists that urgent action—backed by sustainable financing and stronger partnerships—will determine whether Uganda can safeguard its environment while building a green and resilient economy.
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