Uganda moves to strengthen climate resilience

The Government, through the water ministry, has partnered with Conservation International and the Africa Innovations Institute to address climate change challenges, conservation and capacity development.

The ministry says Conservation International has been a valuable partner, serving as a link between the Government and some of the green funds.

Because of their credibility, ministry permanent secretary Dr Alfred Okidi says they have been selected to implement several projects.

“One such project is the cattle corridor programme, which is set to be submitted for final approval in September this year. The other project is the Global Shea Landscape Project that aims to restore endangered species while generating income for local communities,” Okidi says.

Specifically, the Global Shea Landscape Project, a $6.7 million programme led by Conservation International in collaboration with the Africa Innovations Institute and the water ministry, seeks to restore ecosystems and create sustainable livelihoods in Uganda's Shea belt.

This project focuses on strengthening women's co-operatives, promoting agroforestry and increasing biodiversity, demonstrating the complementary nature of climate action and inclusive development.

“These two projects should be before the board, and they should be approved. This will pave the way for us to do some activities in the cattle corridor, starting from Kyakwanzi, and extending a little bit northwards,” Okidi added.

He made the remarks during the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the ministry, Africa Innovations Institute ( AfrII) and Conservation International (CI) Africa Field Division in Kenya held at the Water ministry head office in Luzira, Kampala on July 1, 2025.

This MOU, according to the stakeholders, is a reaffirmation of their common obligation to protect our ecosystems, empower communities, and maintain Uganda's compliance with global climate commitments, particularly those outlined in the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework.

"This partnership will ensure a long-term engagement that benefits both our country, CI, and AfrII because now they can dedicate resources and people to help us move together,” Okidi said.

AfrII chief executive officer Prof. George William Otim-Nape said, 'as we celebrate Uganda's journey towards climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development, today’s MOU signifies a shared vision, mutual commitment, and a reinforced relationship that is grounded in research, driven by innovation, and governed by inclusive values'.

According to Otim-Nape, AfrII believes in the power of data. But, more importantly, they trust in the power of people, farmers adapting to droughts, women rehabilitating degraded lands, youth developing local solutions, and policymakers mapping Uganda's ambitious, low-carbon future.

CI Africa head Jimmiel Mandima said signing this MOU is a milestone for formalising their collaboration.

 “As CI, we don’t believe in building CI teams in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, instead we identify credible agencies, academia and work together to co-create ideas and build internal capacity. Our goal is to collaborate and identify capacity gaps in these institutions, while also exploring ways to address the significant funding gap," Mandima concluded.