By Denis Kasule Ssebunya
Uganda is set to receive 361 billion Shillings (USD 95 million) from Denmark for Climate Change Refugee and Civic Space Support.
The lion’s share of the funds, 178.6 billion Shillings, will address issues affecting refugee populations and support Uganda’s role in regional stabilization.
Additionally, 91.2 billion Shillings will promote environmentally friendly economic transformation aligned with global climate goals, while 41.8 billion Shillings will strengthen democratic values, human rights, and civic space.
Dan Jorgensen, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, unveiled this five-year fund during discussions on climate change policies at Makerere University’s Human Rights and Peace Center.
Jorgensen emphasized the fund’s focus on mitigating climate change’s adverse effects on Ugandan society, including both locals and refugee communities, given Uganda’s status as Africa’s largest refugee host country.
Jorgensen stated that the fund aims to support refugees in leading decent lives, addressing Uganda’s plea for international assistance for its refugee communities. The funds will be channeled through local and international NGOs, highlighting the responsibility of developed countries to finance climate change initiatives in the developing world.
The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between Uganda and Denmark, recognizing the injustice that the countries most impacted by climate change are not its major contributors.
Brian Isabirye, the Commissioner for Renewable Energy, acknowledged Uganda’s ambitious Net Zero emissions target by 2050 but highlighted funding challenges and insufficient data for decision-making in the transition.
Isabirye emphasized the importance of funding research for development, a critical aspect addressed by part of the Danish fund, aimed at supporting local companies to sustain and localize clean energy value chains outside the capital city.
