By Diana. N. Kintu
Uganda has taken a major step toward securing a climate-resilient future with the launch of five strategic documents aimed at guiding the mobilisation and management of climate finance. Unveiled by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the documents establish a coordinated framework to support national climate commitments and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The centrepiece of this new framework is the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) 2025–2030. The strategy outlines how Uganda will attract, track, and utilise climate funds for mitigation and adaptation efforts. It emphasises transparency, strong governance, and participation from government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. Officials say the NCFS will help increase investor confidence and improve the country’s capacity to access global climate finance.
Supporting the strategy is the National Green Taxonomy, a tool designed to classify genuine climate-friendly investments. The Taxonomy identifies which activities align with national climate priorities, helping financial institutions and investors direct funding toward projects that produce measurable environmental benefits. Its development is also expected to reduce “greenwashing,” ensuring that resources invested under the climate banner are properly targeted.
The government also launched the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), which offers evidence-based insights into how climate change is affecting Uganda’s development trajectory. The report links climate risks with the country’s long-term ambitions under Vision 2040 and identifies priority sectors where climate investments can deliver strong economic and social returns. These include agriculture, water resources, renewable energy, and urban development. The CCDR is expected to guide policymakers and investors in making informed decisions that balance growth with climate resilience.
To strengthen the private sector’s role, the Ministry released Guidelines for Mainstreaming Climate Action in Financial Institutions. These guidelines outline how banks and other financial entities can incorporate climate risk assessment, green lending, and sustainability reporting into their operations. By integrating climate considerations into financial decision-making, Uganda aims to build a financial sector that supports green growth while remaining resilient to climate-related shocks.
Coordinating all these efforts is the newly established National Climate Finance Vehicle (NCFV). The NCFV will serve as a central mechanism for mobilising, pooling, and channelling funds from domestic sources and international partners. Its purpose is to ensure efficiency, reduce duplication, and align climate investments with Uganda’s national priorities and international commitments, including the Paris Agreement.
These initiatives are already attracting substantial financial support. Uganda has secured USD 100.8 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support more than 13 climate-focused projects. An additional USD 4.6 million has been provided for readiness and preparatory activities to enhance national capacity. The government has also received USD 11.5 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to implement projects in low-carbon livestock production, community resilience, renewable energy expansion, water and sanitation, and sustainable land management.
Government officials say the rollout of these strategic documents demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to proactive climate planning and long-term resilience building. As climate impacts grow more frequent and severe, the new framework is expected to protect vulnerable communities, preserve ecosystems, and stimulate new economic opportunities. These include green jobs, clean technologies, and environmentally sustainable investments that support national development.
For additional details, the public can access the Uganda Climate Finance Results brochure on the Ministry of Finance website. Regular updates are also available through the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) channel @mofpedU.