AfDB and Climate Investment Funds Launch Workshops for Just Transition in Uganda's Sustainable Development

"Uganda is leading in climate action, which will bring both positive and negative impacts," stated Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, African Development Bank Country Manager for Uganda.

The African Development Bank Group, in collaboration with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), has initiated a series of pioneering workshops aimed at integrating 'just transition' principles into Uganda's sustainable development strategy.

The two-day event convened key stakeholders to ensure that Uganda's shift towards a clean economy prioritizes equitable outcomes for all communities. This initiative underscores the Bank Group’s commitment to balancing environmental progress with social justice across Africa.

"Uganda is leading in climate action, which will bring both positive and negative impacts," stated Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, African Development Bank Country Manager for Uganda. "This project supports the government in understanding the risks and opportunities associated with climate mitigation measures in the transport sector."

A significant highlight of the workshops was the unveiling of a socio-economic impact assessment model developed by Neyen Consulting. The model focused on Kampala, where half of Uganda's vehicles operate, particularly targeting informal sectors.

The workshops deliberated two primary proposals: replacing 60% of the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) fleet with electric vehicles by 2035 and increasing the ratio of minibus taxis to boda-bodas through the rapid adoption of electric minibuses by 2035. These measures align with Uganda's National Determined Contributions (NDC) and aim to substantially curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Simultaneously, Uganda has embarked on drafting its national Just Transition Framework with support from CIF and the African Development Bank Group. This framework aims to chart a development path that mitigates vulnerability, poverty, and inequalities during the country's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Moses Masiga, Climate Finance Expert and CIF/World Bank Consultant, highlighted, "Workshop participants exhibited a deep understanding of current strategies for transitioning towards low-carbon and climate-resilient pathways outlined in various national development plans."

Key sectors identified for just transition planning include agriculture, forestry, energy, minerals, transport, urban planning, and green industrialization.

Masiga added, "The workshops emphasized the importance of aligning just transition strategies across sectors, demonstrating the benefits versus costs, and building upon existing national and sectoral strategies."

These workshops build upon earlier national sessions held in April, which engaged over 50 representatives from government and non-governmental stakeholders.

Ngafuan concluded, "This process underscores the Bank's commitment to equitable and transformative climate action across Africa, particularly in Uganda. Analyzing climate actions through a sectoral lens is crucial for unpacking sector priorities while ensuring national-level synergies and coherence."