Bank of Uganda To Issue New Guidelines To Mitigate Climate Related Financial Risks In The Banking Sector

By Moses Ssserwanga 

The Bank of Uganda is developing the Climate Risk Guidelines which will be issued soon to  provide clear direction on identifying, managing, and disclosing climate-related financial risks within the banking sector , BoU Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, has said.

Governor Atingi-Ego said the Central Bank is also  developing climate stress testing tools in collaboration with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) to assess the resilience of financial institutions under various climate scenarios.

The new guidelines will be in tandem with the Bank of Uganda Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2024 framework which guide Supervised Financial Institutions (SFIs) to integrate environment, social, and governance principles into their  governance, risk management, and reporting.

 It draws from global best practices, including the GRI and ICMA Bond Principles, while being tailored to the East African context.

“ In partnership with MoFPED and other stakeholders, we are developing a taxonomy to define eligible green activities, reduce greenwashing, and enhance transparency in climate finance,” Atingi-Ego stated adding that together with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) and the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), the Central Bank is building capacity in green finance product development, risk assessment, data governance, and reporting.

Atingi-Ego was giving a key note address at the just concluded first  National Private Sector Engagement Forum on Climate Finance ( NaPSEF 1) held at Serena Hotel, Kampala.

The Governor called upon the banking sector to integrate climate considerations into their  business models- noting that it  is not only  a regulatory burden—it is a strategic imperative. “It presents a unique opportunity to align profitability with sustainability”.

“We encourage financial institutions to define the scope of their Sustainable Finance Frameworks (SFFs) in line with national sustainability goals. Develop exclusion lists to mitigate environmental and social risks and engage third-party reviewers for independent ESG assurance to enhance data reliability and transparency,” he stressed.

“I urge all public and private sector actors to collaborate more closely, invest more boldly, and plan more sustainably. ESG integration is not a distant goal—it is expected to become mainstream in Uganda within the next 2 to 5 years, he added .

Mr. Denis Mugaga, the Head of the Climate Finance Unit ,  told the well attended  forum that government of Uganda created a Climate Finance Unit in the Minsitry of Finance ,Planing and Economic Development  (MoFPED )to lead on the coordination of climate and green finance mobilization, expenditure and tracking.

“The work of the Climate Finance Unit commenced in March 2023 with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and now with the European Union through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),” Mugaga said.

Mugaga revealed that the ministry has et up a National Green Taxonomy (NGT) 2025 to provide a clear criteria for classifying green projects. It aims at supporting the private sector to channel capital into investments that contribute to carbon reduction, climate resilience.

“ We have guidelines for mainstreaming climate actions in the financial sector 2024 which  provide financial institutions in Uganda with clear and practical steps on how climate action can be mainstreamed into their operations. This is in addition to the launch of the Uganda Carbon Markets Regulations & Fiscal Framework 2025  to support Uganda’s readiness to participate in carbon markets & guide fiscal requirements thereof,” he added .

Mr. Jim Mugunga , the Director Private Public Partnerships (PPP) at the Minsitry of Finance , underscored the importance of PPPs in primarily addressing infrastructure and service deficits.

By leveraging private sector capital, expertise and efficiencies, Mugunga argued , government is positioning itself to attract private capital to supplement its annual expenditure on infrastructure and services now at the tune of  Ug.Shs. 13.8 Trillion which amount is insufficient.

“ There is a need for alternative financing sources. PPPs advance the case for climate action by unlocking private capital,” Mugunga added.

Email ;msserwanga@gmail.com

Demand for Donkey Skins Fuelling Livelihood Crisis for Africa’s Women and Children

 

By Moses Sserwanga

New research presented to African leaders exposes theft and suffering as trade in donkey skins escalates

A new report launched at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo) has revealed the growing toll of the global donkey skin trade on African communities,
especially women and children in rural areas.

The research highlights widespread donkey theft and sharp drops in household income, warning of a mounting crisis driven by international demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey gelatine.

Published by The Donkey Sanctuary, the report titled Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures reveals how up to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to meet the demand for ejiao. With China’s donkey population already decimated, Africa has become a major source for this trade, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and transport-dependent families.

The Donkey Sanctuary delegation at PADCo – left to right- Ian Cawsey, Otieno Mtula, Edie Bowles, Eduardo Santorum, Niall Duffy

“This trade is robbing African women of more than animals – it is robbing them of dignity, economic opportunity, and support in their daily lives,” said Dr David Obiero of Maasai Mara University and lead author of the study.

The report, backed by peer-reviewed research published in Human Animal Interaction, paints a grim picture: In one Kenyan community, 29 out of 30 women interviewed had their donkeys stolen.
In affected areas, household incomes fell by as much as 73% following the loss of a donkey. Women reported increased physical burden, emotional distress, and the breakdown of economic resilience after losing their animals.

Donkeys are essential for daily tasks including collecting water, transporting goods, and accessing markets. In many communities, they are seen as integral members of the household. One woman described her donkey as her “co-wife” due to the critical role it plays in supporting her family.

“When donkeys are stolen, families are thrown into hardship. Women are forced to carry firewood, water, and produce themselves. It’s painful to watch our communities suffer like this,” said Anne Odari Onditi, Treasurer of the Association of Donkey Owners in Kenya and contributor to the report.

Dr.Obiero

The report was unveiled at PADCo 2025, hosted by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and supported by the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE). The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to address the growing threat posed by the trade.

This follows the African Union’s bold decision in February 2024, when Member States agreed to a continent-wide moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys for their skins and committed to a strategy to protect the animals and the communities that depend on them.

“This research shows the clear link between animal welfare and human development,” said Marianne Steele, CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary. “The trade in donkey skins is not just a threat to animals. It is a threat to gender equality, food security, and rural livelihoods.”

Jessica Stark, Chair of ICWE, called on African governments to act swiftly, noting that, “Time is running out. We urge leaders to stand by their AU commitments, protect one of the continent’s most valuable working animals, and put an end to this destructive trade. Donkeys are more than animals. They are engines of development in rural Africa.”

About the author of the research:

David Obiero Oduori is a veterinarian with 17+ years of experience in livestock development, field research, and capacity building. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s in International Animal Health from the University of Edinburgh, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Veterinary Public Health. David has led initiatives ranging from animal welfare advocacy and development of animal protection legislations to community-based programs for working equines. As a lecturer at Maasai Mara University, he focuses on applied research, training, and community outreach while mentoring future professionals.

Impact of the skin trade on Africa’s women and children

CHILDREN DENIED NUTRITION – Donkey theft sees children deprived of food and water simply to feed the ejiao industry. A woman without a donkey may be forced to leave her breastfeeding baby behind so that she can carry the load. Parents living in poverty struggle to provide food, healthcare and essential items for their children and may be forced to reduce meal sizes or to skip meals entirely.

PHYSICAL HARM – Heavy loads carried on the head or back cause physical injury and deterioration and can lead to severe musculoskeletal pain, 35 maternal and foetal health problems and psychological trauma.

CHILDREN – MOST OFTEN GIRLS – DENIED EDUCATION Without a donkey, parents often can’t afford to pay for school fees, uniforms or supplies. They also can’t spare the labour and day-to- day survival may force them to sacrifice their children’s education. This burden disproportionately falls to girls, further embedding gender inequality and cementing them into a lifetime of poverty and disadvantage.

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA – Women often develop deep and enduring bonds with their donkeys, and many experience profound grief when their donkeys are stolen and slaughtered.

STOLEN TIME – When a donkey is stolen, what was a single trip with a donkey to collect water or supplies becomes multiple trips, and many hours, with the woman carrying the load herself.

DECLINING LIVING STANDARDS AND SANITATION – Without a donkey, families can struggle to access all the provisions they need, and, in the case of water, this can lead to health and sanitary problems in families. Basic provisions fall beyond the reach of families.
Did you know
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Headquartered in Devon, UK, the organization provides lifelong care to over 6,000 donkeys across the UK and Europe, through the ten sanctuaries and guardian homes, and reach about 447,00 more through its international programmes and partnerships.

The Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized agency of the African Union Commission, dedicated to supporting and coordinating the sustainable development of Africa’s animal resources. Through its work, AU-IBAR contributes to food security, economic
growth, and environmental sustainability across the continent.

As a continental leader in donkey preservation, AU-IBAR spearheaded the adoption of the AU Moratorium on the Slaughter of Donkeys for Their Skins, protecting these vital animals and the communities that depend on them. AU-IBAR continues to advance strategic frameworks—such as the Pan African
Strategy for the Development of Donkey Species in Africa—and champions collaborative efforts with the International Coalition for Working Equids, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and development partners to improve donkey welfare, combat illicit trade, and integrate equine protection into national and regional development agendas.

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com

 

Bank of Uganda To Issue New Guidelines To Mitigate Climate Related Financial Risks In The Banking Sector

 The Bank of Uganda is developing the Climate Risk Guidelines which will be issued soon to  provide clear direction on identifying, managing, and disclosing climate-related financial risks within the banking sector , BoU Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, has said.

Governor Atingi-Ego said the Central Bank is also  developing climate stress testing tools in collaboration with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) to assess the resilience of financial institutions under various climate scenarios.

The new guidelines will be in tandem with the Bank of Uganda Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2024 framework which guide Supervised Financial Institutions (SFIs) to integrate environment, social, and governance principles into their  governance, risk management, and reporting.

 It draws from global best practices, including the GRI and ICMA Bond Principles, while being tailored to the East African context.

“ In partnership with MoFPED and other stakeholders, we are developing a taxonomy to define eligible green activities, reduce greenwashing, and enhance transparency in climate finance,” Atingi-Ego stated adding that together with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) and the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), the Central Bank is building capacity in green finance product development, risk assessment, data governance, and reporting.

Atingi-Ego was giving a key note address at the just concluded first  National Private Sector Engagement Forum on Climate Finance ( NaPSEF 1) held at Serena Hotel, Kampala.

The Governor called upon the banking sector to integrate climate considerations into their  business models- noting that it  is not only  a regulatory burden—it is a strategic imperative. “It presents a unique opportunity to align profitability with sustainability”.

“We encourage financial institutions to define the scope of their Sustainable Finance Frameworks (SFFs) in line with national sustainability goals. Develop exclusion lists to mitigate environmental and social risks and engage third-party reviewers for independent ESG assurance to enhance data reliability and transparency,” he stressed.

“I urge all public and private sector actors to collaborate more closely, invest more boldly, and plan more sustainably. ESG integration is not a distant goal—it is expected to become mainstream in Uganda within the next 2 to 5 years, he added .

Mr. Denis Mugaga, the Head of the Climate Finance Unit ,  told the well attended  forum that government of Uganda created a Climate Finance Unit in the Minsitry of Finance ,Planing and Economic Development  (MoFPED )to lead on the coordination of climate and green finance mobilization, expenditure and tracking.

“The work of the Climate Finance Unit commenced in March 2023 with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and now with the European Union through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),” Mugaga said.

Mugaga revealed that the ministry has et up a National Green Taxonomy (NGT) 2025 to provide a clear criteria for classifying green projects. It aims at supporting the private sector to channel capital into investments that contribute to carbon reduction, climate resilience.

“ We have guidelines for mainstreaming climate actions in the financial sector 2024 which  provide financial institutions in Uganda with clear and practical steps on how climate action can be mainstreamed into their operations. This is in addition to the launch of the Uganda Carbon Markets Regulations & Fiscal Framework 2025  to support Uganda’s readiness to participate in carbon markets & guide fiscal requirements thereof,” he added .

Mr. Jim Mugunga , the Director Private Public Partnerships (PPP) at the Minsitry of Finance , underscored the importance of PPPs in primarily addressing infrastructure and service deficits.

By leveraging private sector capital, expertise and efficiencies, Mugunga argued , government is positioning itself to attract private capital to supplement its annual expenditure on infrastructure and services now at the tune of  Ug.Shs. 13.8 Trillion which amount is insufficient.

“ There is a need for alternative financing sources. PPPs advance the case for climate action by unlocking private capital,” Mugunga added.

UNICEF drills two boreholes to provide clean and safe water for Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo

 This was made possible with funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid

As Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement continues to face challenges of limited water supply due to increased new arrivals of Sudanese refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has with funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid financed the drilling and motorization of two more boreholes to provide clean and safe water to save lives.

UNICEF with European Union Humanitarian Aid commissioned a water supply feasibility study with the aim of exploring long term adequate and sustainable water supply options to address a 20-year water demand for Kiryandongo area.

One of the expected recommendations from the study was to drill four high yielding boreholes with an aim to increase access to adequate clean and safe water supply to save lives as an immediate response.

However, out of the four newly drilled high yielding boreholes, only two boreholes (in cluster A and G) were found to have water supply of the quality suitable for use by the refugees and host communities in Kiryandongo settlement and the motorization of the boreholes using solar power begun end May 2025. solar power.

On completion, the motorized boreholes will provide an additional approximately 42M³/Hr. (a total of about 288M³ of clean water per day - including - six hours. pumping with diesel-generator power) which is expected to improve the water supply service levels to at least 14 -15 litres per day, up from the current 9.1 litres per person per day. The water supply per person per day dropped from 16 litres in 2023 to nine litres in 2024, which is far below the recommended International Humanitarian Standard of 20 litres per person per day. 

UNICEFUganda/2025

This latest humanitarian intervention by UNICEF aims at improving access to adequate and equitable safe water supply for some of the 85,004 Sudanese refugees registered in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement Cluster A and G and nearby host communities.

The settlement is currently hosting a total of 150,723 refugees in clusters G, L, B, A and the figures continue to rise, according to the Commandant Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Mr. Emmanuel Turyagenda. The new boreholes will supply water to the most vulnerable existing refugees, host communities and the Internally Displaced Populations (IDPs) living in the neighbouring areas.

The development of the two water systems will contribute to the urgently needed water supply infrastructure, in line with the Interagency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) plan developed jointly with WASH actors active in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement under the leadership of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and the proactive participation of UNICEF.

In the same WASH plan, UNHCR has planned to develop another water supply system from a surface water source within Kiryandongo area to further increase access to safe water supply for the refugees and host community. 

Each borehole funded drilled and constructed by UNICEF with European Union Humanitarian Aid funding will constitute a solar powered water supply system, complete with an electric multistage centrifugal submersible borehole pump, a solar power system with mono crystalline PV Solar panels, PV solar panel support structure for mounting solar panels and electrical accessories.

A 22Kv diesel-powered generator will also be installed to provide backup power for the daylight pumping hours. These two water systems will have transmission pipelines (HDPE pipe OD 75mm PN 16), that will carry water from the boreholes to the reservoir tanks and water supply distribution networks each with about 14 tap stands per system.

Mr Paul Semakula, a WASH specialist based at the UNICEF Zonal Office in Arua, said that this additional water infrastructure to be developed in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, will improve access to safe and reliable (un-interrupted) water supply service levels of at least 14-15 litres per person per day to at least 21,000 refugees in Cluster A and Cluster G hence significantly reducing or eliminating the need for water trucking in Cluster A. Secondly the distribution tap stands in the cluster will ensure girls and women will not have to move long distances to access safe water.     

Made in Uganda: Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Hands Over Kayoola EVS 2025 Model Bus To Uganda Civil Aviation Authority

 Uganda’s automotive industry flagship Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC)  has  handed over the Kayoola EVS 2025 model – 12 –meter bus to the management of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCAA.)

This event marked an electrifying moment for Uganda, igniting a new era in the country’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) journey. At the grand closing ceremony of the National Science Week 2025 held under the theme “Made in Uganda: From Innovation to Market,” Kiira Motors Corporation has once again unleashed a powerful symbol of African ingenuity and unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.

The Kayoola EVS 2025, a masterpiece from Uganda’s automakers, stands as a resounding testament to Uganda’s burgeoning capability to design, engineer, and produce world-class electric vehicles. The vehicle is a meticulously crafted solution tailored for the vibrant rhythm of African cities.

The handover ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the national parliament , Mr. Thomas Tayebwa ,who presented the keys of the fully electric bus to the UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye . This was at the closing of a week-long National Science Week organized by the Ministry of Science ,Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) at Kololo Independence grounds.

The colourful function was witnessed by Dr. Monica Musenero the  Minister STI  and Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi , the CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation .

In his prepared speech Deputy Speaker Tayebwa noted that the Kayoola EVS 2025 was a moving declaration of innovation, resilience, and the sheer power of homegrown solutions. He commended KMC for its milestone achievements, noting that Uganda is firmly on the path of self-driven innovation.
“It is time to believe in our own. What we are importing from abroad is not even comparable. These are home-grown solutions, built by our own people, for our own needs,” Tayebwa stated.

“The official handover of a Kayoola EVS 2025 unit to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) signifies the seamless integration of green mobility into Uganda’s critical aviation infrastructure, solidifying our pledge to drastically reduce carbon emissions and elevate service delivery at our nation’s vital gateways.

 Furthermore, this handover embodies the crucial confidence public institutions are placing in our high-tech, domestically produced innovations, a vital step in cultivating a robust local market for electric vehicles and propelling the technological advancements essential for our economic transformation,” he said .

For the Global South, Tayebwa noted , this momentous occasion reverberates far beyond Uganda’s borders. “ It unequivocally affirms that the African continent is not merely a consumer of imported technologies but a dynamic creator of high-tech, transformative solutions. The Kayoola EVS 2025 epitomizes the aspirations of a continent steadfast in its resolve to leapfrog into a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future for all,” he added.

He went further to state ; “As we celebrate this monumental milestone, we powerfully reaffirm our unwavering commitment by the government under the visionary leadership of  President Yoweri Museveni, to investing in Science Technology and Innovation as the undeniable driver of Uganda’s socio- economic transformation.

While receiving the well branded elegant bus , UCAA Director General Bamwesigye thanked the government of Uganda for funding the electric vehicles programme.

“We are particularly thankful to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for its unwavering support and guidance in advancing e-mobility and nurturing Uganda’s indigenous motor vehicle industry,” he said .

Bamwesigye recalled that in 2020, UCAA was approached by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) to pilot the Kayoola EVS—Low-Floor Electric Bus—by facilitating the transportation of  its staff between Kampala and Entebbe International Airport.

“We embraced this opportunity, and five years later, we have never looked back. Today, we are proud to receive the first of our fleet of six electric buses, having fully embraced this transformative innovation,” the DG said adding that this new concept aligned seamlessly with UCAA core value of embracing innovation and technology in a rapidly evolving environment.

“ It was especially significant that the buses are environmentally friendly—powered by electricity, eliminating diesel use and its associated pollution. The Kayoola EVS also supports our commitment to climate and environmental protection, in line with the Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of achieving net-zero aviation carbon emissions by 2050,” he stated.

Tayebwa also handed over certificates of competence to UCAA’s electric bus operators

Bamwesigye said that as Ugandans  reflect on the transformative journey of strategic investment in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as a key driver of the country’s projected tenfold economic expansion by 2040, UCAA reaffirms its support and commitment to KMC’s e-mobility innovations. We wholeheartedly embrace the theme of this Science Week: “Made in Uganda: From Innovation to Market.”

In alignment with the government of Uganda’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, Bamwesigye said that UCAA has undertaken the replacement of its ageing diesel fleet with six electric buses manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation.

“The shift from diesel-powered vehicles to electric mobility is a significant step toward enhanced environmental sustainability and reduced pollution,” he noted .

KMC Chief Executive Officer, Paul Isaac Musasizi, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the new electric bus model: “We are optimistic that the introduction of this new model will create significant opportunities—not just for commuters, but also for transport entrepreneurs because the vehicle supports a more sustainable and profitable business model, thanks to its use of affordable energy. Compared to fuel-powered vehicles, users save over 78% in energy costs and more than 46% in annual maintenance expenses. This electric bus is not only a smart mobility solution, but a smart economic one as well.”

About this new Kayoola 2025- 12-meter model

 The fully electric bus has a range of up to 350 kilometers on a single charge , a spacious 56-seated passenger capacity, and a suite of modern amenities including Wi-Fi, HVAC, USB-charging ports, ECAS, CCTV, and an inclusive design ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com