Roll out the programme approach for NDP III

The DPs recognize that the NDPIII introduced the programme approach to planning where the focus is on delivery of common interlinked, targets and goals for projects and programmes results (e.g. SDGs, Africa Agenda 2063 targets, macro, national and local government targets). The approach pays attention to achievement of results, which do not neatly fall within any particular sector (minimising the “silo” approach).  Although the programme approach may enhance synergies across sectors and other actors, it has some obstacles to overcome.

The partners will further discuss with the Ministry its implementation strategy, road map and overall coordination of the programme “Natural resources, environment, climate change, land and water management” and stand ready to participate in the different coordination mechanisms.

Implications of a planned merger of public sector semi- autonomous agencies

 Early this year, in February 2021, the Government of Uganda through the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, announced government’s plan to merge its ministries, commissions, authorities and agencies. The minister informed that, the plan will see government save over shs900 billion and as well improve efficiency in government. In the case of Ministry of Water and Environment, two agencies were named, National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), proposed for mainstreaming.

Development Partners seek guidance on the way forward and the implications for their work with the authorities concerned by the merging.

Operationalization of some of the provisions in the National Environment Act, 2019

In 2019, the Environment Act was repealed and replaced with the National Environment Act, No. 2019; tremendous work went into this process, we thank the MWE for its leadership. The group notes that the new Act introduces new provisions that aim to strengthen Environmental Management in the country and provide for emerging environmental issues like climate change, hazardous chemicals, biodiversity offset, Payment for Ecosystem services, Strategic environmental assessment etc. The National Environment Act 2019 also maintains the framework approach from the old law, with few prescriptive provisions on environmental protection, leaving the details to be defined in statutory instruments.

Development Partners look forward to continue discussions on the operationalization of the Act , in particular on the environmental and natural resources conditional grants to be appropriated by Parliament for financing environment and natural resources programmes in the Local governments (districts, cities, municipalities, town councils and sub counties).

Ambition on adaptation and mitigation in the National Determined Contributions and Long Term Strategy for Climate Change 

 The NDC development process has been consultative and inclusive, thanks to MWE (full) for taking such a productive approach. The Group thinks that by taking this approach, the Ministry is on track to achieve the two main objectives of the NDC revision:

1. To strengthen ownership for the implementation of the NDC, and
2. To explore the opportunity to increase national ambition in climate action to deliver climate resilient development and reduce vulnerability of the population to the impacts of climate change

The government is encouraged to take lead on demonstrating ambition in both mitigation and adaptation. While the 2015 NDC did not set ambition for adaptation, partners look forward to clear actions on adaptation and resilience in the revised NDC. On mitigation, any additional commitment above 22% (current commitment) will be a good reflection of ambition and will help to push other countries to commit.

 Tackling deforestation and forest degradation

 With the growing deforestation and degradation especially in protected area the need to step up efforts to protect them and preserve the ecosystem service is urgent. The importance of striking the right balance between environmental protection and economic development should be considered for promoting a more sustainable growth.

Government should provide strong, consistent and open political support to the forest management authorities and the law enforcement agencies.

The need for cleaner energy alternatives should be promoted and may need incentives.

Stimulate further private sector investment in commercial forestry and improve access to finance for the enterprise. Most financial institutions (commercial and development banks) do not provide funding (loans) suitable for forestry (long-term investment) due to the restrictive nature of generally standardized repayment plans.

 COP26

From 1-12 November 2021, The UK will host COP26 in Glasgow. The climate talks are aimed at bringing together heads of states, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.

As development partners, we affirm our commitments to working with government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, companies and the general population as a way of creating awareness and a continuing to inspire actions against climate change ahead of this year’s COP26.

The Pre-CoP events  in Italy involving the young people around the world will strive to make COP26 a success  as our attentions to the young in Uganda does not only come from the recognition of the fact that Climate Change will have greater impacts on the new generations, but also  from the desire to make young people in Uganda get actively involved in national debates, climate change policy formulations and the implementation of climate related programs across the country.