Greening Uganda’s Economy as a Sustainable Pathway to Middle Income StatusA synthesis report of proceedings of the 73rd session of the state of the nation platform, April 2018, Kampala

John OkiiraAnna Amumpiire

ACODE Policy Dialogue Report Series, No.33, 2018

Published by ACODEP. O. Box 29836, KampalaEmail: library@acode-u.orgWebsite: https://www.acode-u.org

Citation:

Okiira, J., and Amumpiire, A., Greening Uganda’s Economy as a Sustainable Pathway to Middle Income Status: A synthesis report of the proceedings of the 73rd session of the state of the nation platform. Kampala. ACODE Policy Dialogues Report Series, No.33, 2018

© ACODE 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. ACODE policy work is supported by generous donations and grants from bilateral donors and charitable foundations. Reproduction or use of this publication for academic or charitable purposes or for purposes of informing public policy is excluded from this restriction.

Contents

Abstract ..........................................................................................................iii1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 12. Background .............................................................................................. 33. Presentations ........................................................................................... 54. Launch of the Report ............................................................................. 85. Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................. 11

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1. IntroductionThe 73rd session of the state of the nation (STON) dialogue focused on taking stock of the policy frameworks that suppor t transit ion to green economy. The dialogue was organised as part of the series of dialogues convened by the Green Economy Coalition (GEC) and national partners, notably ACODE in Uganda. It brought together representatives from key government ministries, agencies and departments responsible for water and environment; local government, civil society organizations; non-governmental organisations, faith-based institutions, cultural institutions, media; academia;

private sector and development partners. The key speakers were: Mr. Stuart Worsley - Programme Director at Green Economy Coalition; Mr. Paul Mafabi - Director Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Water and Environment; Mr. Ronald Kaggwa - Manager Production, Trade and Tourism Planning, National Planning Authority; Dr. Callist Tindimugaya – Commissioner, Water Resources, Planning and Regulation, Ministry of Water and Environment; and Mr. Alex Asiimwe - Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Mr. Charles Mwanguhya a STON member moderated the dialogue.

The overall objective of the 73rd STON dialogue was to facilitate multi-stakeholders to take stock of the policy frameworks that support transition to green economy and provide an

AbstractTransition to a green economy requires concerted efforts from all government sectors and involvement of different stakeholders. It requires countries to increase their share of GDP to development areas like renewable energy, clean transport, clean technologies, clean waste management, clean water resources management and sustainable agriculture. To achieve this, there is need to dialogue and build consensus on priority actions and areas. This report is a synthesis of the 73rd session of the state of the nation platform that focused on taking stock of policy frameworks that support transition to a green economy and provided an opportunity to stakeholders to share and inform the on-going and proposed interventions, plans and strategies that support this transition. The discussions led to a number of recommendations key among which are: (i) the need to increase investment in natural infrastructure (environment and natural resources), (ii) rationale of increasing citizen engagement in greening the economy and (iii) the need to build the required institutional capacity, especially at local government level.

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opportunity to stakeholders to share and inform the on-going and proposed interventions, plans and strategies that support transition to green economy. Specifically, the 73rd STON dialogue set out to achieve the following objectives:

I. To discuss opportunities for transiting to green economy and inform the on-going and proposed interventions.

II. To provide an opportunity for stakeholders to generate strategies and interventions for sustainable management of Uganda’s rivers and river catchment areas.

III. To launch green economy barometer report and Uganda green economy network

2. BackgroundGreen economies are a path to sustainable development (Ntambirweki, B & Brenda, A, 2017). They respond to the development challenges and imbalances in growth strategies that underlie the global financial and economic crisis by motivating policymakers in all countries to give green investments sufficient space in their counter-cyclical policies. The consequence of doing that is a reduction in the threats associated with food, water, energy, ecosystem and climate crises; which have disproportionate impacts on the poor (GEI, 2009). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines a “green economy” as one that results in improved human

well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities (UNEP, 2011).

Investing in green sectors such as energy efficient technologies, renewable energy, public transport, sustainable agriculture and sustainable management of natural resources significantly brings about recovery and sustainable growth, increases competitiveness, saves nature and creates jobs, improves the quality and decency of jobs, and reduces poverty, while tackling acute environmental problems. However, this is possible with a favourable policy and institutional framework. Uganda is in the process of establishing a policy and institutional framework which is conducive to green growth.

By the time of the dialogue, Uganda had developed and launched the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (UGGDS). The UGGDS was meant to operationalize the broad green growth principles highlighted in Agenda 2030, the Uganda Vision 2040 and the NDPII (2015/16-2019/20) to support Uganda’s accelerated transition to a middle-income status. The UGGDS was developed under the leadership of the National Planning Authority; Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Water and Environment; and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is against this background therefore that ACODE in collaboration with IIED organised

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the 73rd STON dialogue on Greening Uganda’s economy.

3. Presentations3.1 G r e e n E c o n o m y Coal i t ion: Accelerat ing the transition to fair green economies

Worsley’s presentation focused on highlights of the green economy transition. He noted that this process is happening around the world. He noted that over the last 200 years, the global economy had expanded through five different areas of industrial growth which had been based on unlimited access

to resources with un-costed use of the environmental resources. He however noted that in the contemporary world, the Green Economy Coalition/movement had created opportunities for a smooth transformation which was based on sustainable development principles.

Across the world, Worsley noted that green investment were increasing; green bonds which had been issued totalled 155 Billion US Dollars in 2017, and

the private sector had invested 8.1 Trillion US Dollars in the green economy between 2009 and 2017. The investment levels going into the greening of the economy was rising exponentially. In all, greening economies was no longer a marginal agenda. Around the world, the global policy was reported to be changing, for the first time. For instance,

there was a framework within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which essentially gave green economy enthusiasts a complete set of matrix. Worsley noted that although some could argue that the frameworks are not perfect, they were generally and broadly accepted as being great sets of matrices which measured many things important to the environment, social well-being and economic growth.

Image 1: Stuart Worsley, Programme Director, Green Economy Coalition, making a presentation at the dialogue in Kampala

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It was noted that the world has finally began to recognise the need to have something different and the SDGs were a good move towards that. There was also the Paris Agreement climate deal and 175 out of 197 countries in the world had signed up to this climate deal and; China in December 2017 had launched the world’s largest carbon trading scheme.

Worsley noted that the Green Economy Coalition was a response that had been put together by a number of people to resolve the social, financial and environmental crisis. He explained that the world was in crisis but the Rio Declaration had given the green economy enthusiasts a green light for the green economy and the Paris Agreement and SDGs had accelerated the basis for this transition. He observed that there were global organisations in the lead for a green economy. Notable ones include the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Bank, regional development banks, United Nations Partnership fo r Ac t ion on Green Economy (UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme, International Labour Organization, UN Institute for Training and Research and UN Industrial Development Organization) and newer organisations for like Global Green Growth Institute. He also noted that there were green economy action plans at all levels: from local to municipal and national levels. Big private sector organisations were also getting on board. The world in 2016-18 was reported to be seeing some remarkable

changes. For instance, 2017 marked the end of the internal combustion engine in Europe, and by 2035 there will be no sale of cars that have an internal combustion engine. Sweden for example was noted to be set to no longer be making cars with an internal combustion engine after 2020. In 2017, 50% of UK energy came from non-carbon resources half of which was from renewable resources. Clean energy firms massively outperformed fossil fuel majors on the stock market last year (16% growth compared to -1.5% losses). Worsley stated that this global movement is not about to stop.

However Worsley pointed out that there were global challenges notable of which we include: over 1.6 billion people around the world still living in poverty. 60% of the word’s ecosystems being degraded and 7 out of 10 global risks being caused by either poverty or environmental loss. Around the world, inequality was prevalent, the rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer. The Green Economy Coalition (GEC) had pulled together 50 different organisations made up of companies, NGOs, research institutes, professional associations, environmental heavy weights, trade unions and United Nations organisations. He noted that GEC was a coalition of the willing who had come together to try and do something about the degraded ecosystems by promoting the transition to green economies. The GEC purpose was to accelerate this transition in the following ways: (i) building bridges to make connections between business, civil society and government; and (ii)

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stimulating debate and dialogue by fostering discussions that as a basis for solutions. GEC was working through one of its members - ACODE which represents the GEC in Uganda to most the day’s dialogue.

He called on STON platform which is composed of different stakeholders in Uganda to generate ideas of what needed to be done to sustainably maintain the environment. He reminded participants that GEC communicates and tells stories of change and that there was a tracker for countries around the world to track their green economy transition. He concluded by noting that it was not only about reducing the environmental damage but also building a stronger and better natural resource sector by promoting financial reforms that invest in it.

Five themes of change aimed at greening an economy

The illustration above illustrated the themes intended to transition towards a green economy: valuing nature; tackling inequality; greening of existing sectors;

need for financial reforms and good governance.

3.2 Government pol icy framework to transit Uganda to a green economy

The keynote address delivered by Paul Mafabi, Director, Environmental Affairs in the Ministry of Water and Environment discussed the key elements under greening the economy as per United Nations Environment Program (UNEP 2011), These include improved human well-being, social equity and significant reduction of environmental risks and ecological scarcities. He noted that the focus had been on social equity and improving human well-being but not reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. He underscored the fact that Green economies were a path to sustainable development and they responded to the development challenges and imbalances in growth strategies that underlay the global financial and economic crisis by motivating policy makers in all countries to give green investments sufficient space in their counter-cyclical policies.

He observed that Uganda’s natural environment and the services provide a prerequisite for social and economic development. He stressed that water resources including the water catchment areas in Uganda are a source of livelihoods to many Ugandans and have substantially contributed to economic development. Uganda’s rivers, lakes and wetlands cover about 18% of the total surface area of the country, up

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to 40% of Uganda’s rainfall comes from wetlands and forests and the 60% difference comes from peripheral influences.

In light of the country’s economic transformation prospects, growth in income and employment should be driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution; enhance energy and resource use efficiency and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services while also improving the livelihoods of poor people who are dependent on nature.

He noted that environmental degradation had led to the rampant loss of biodiversity estimated at a rate of 1% per annum, soil erosion accounting for 80% of the total cost of environmental degradation in Uganda, estimated at 4-12% of the Gross National Product, and frequent occurrence of landslides, floods, droughts (there were recent

droughts in Isingiro and Kanungu) and polluted water bodies. The water supply in Paliisa had dried-up recently with consequences to the people while the degradation of River Rwizi had been reported recently. He also noted that wetland coverage had declined to 8.4 % compared to the desired level of at least 12%; forest cover had declined to 9% compared to the desired level of at least 18% and the native plant and animal population index has fallen to 40% compared to the desired 60%.

He added that this degradation had also resulted in water scarcity, food insecurity, disease prevalence, increased communal conflicts and damage to infrastructure among other

consequences. The degradation had been driven by increased demand for agricultural land, wood fuel and timber for construction triggered by rapid population growth which is currently estimated at 3.2 % per annum. If we do not address this degradation, the ability for the environment and natural resources to provide the much needed services will be curtailed.

ie in Africa)

No. Natural Capital Contribution to GDP

1 Agriculture 25.3 % GDP and employs 72% of the total labour force, 77% of whom are women, and accounting for 63% of the rural youth

2 Fisheries 2.3 % GDP, 3.4% of the total population depend on it for the livelihood

3 Water Resources Over 80% of the country’s energy and about 5 million people get free water from wetlands valued at USD 25 Million per annum

4 Forests and land About 12% of the GDP

5 Tourism 9% GDP contributing USD 1.7 Billion annually to the economy. 90% of Uganda’s tourism is nature based

6 Minerals 0.3 % GDP

7 Oil and gas Estimated at 6.5 billion barrels of oil and 100 billion cubic feet of gas (in less than 20% of the Albertine Graben)

Table 1: Contribution of natural capital to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

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Throughout the last 20 years, Uganda’s population density has been growing rapidly, placing significant pressure on the use of land. If managed properly, this increase can support economic growth but the right systems must be in place to promote efficient land use according to a new World Bank economic update.

In order to consolidate and accelerate this growth process, government in 2007 approved the comprehensive national development planning framework policy which provides for the development of a 30 year vision to be implemented through: three 10 year plans; six 5 year National Development Plans; sector investment plans; local government development plans; annual work plans and budgets. Consequently, cabinet approved the National Vision statement, ‘a transformed Uganda society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years’.

He noted that several countries had achieved middle income status through pursuit of a development path regardless

of the implications of such growth for the environment and its social impact. None the less they still grapple with challenges of rampant income inequality, poor socio-economic and physical infrastructure and a relatively degraded environment. This had compounded the poverty of the most vulnerable groups of society

t h r o u g h c l i m a t e change impacts and loss of l ivelihoods and had impeded o v e r a l l n a t i o n a l s o c i o - e c o n o m i c t r a n s f o r m a t i o n through imposing high dependence burdens on the government and a few productive i n d i v i d u a l s . To

avoid such an outcome, Uganda has planed to pursue an inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious low carbon development path through implementation of the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy. The green growth model has provided the ideal path to sustainable development.

Steps being undertaken by Government to transition Uganda to a green economy

» Development of the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy to operationalize the principles of green growth as espoused in the 2030 Agenda(SDGs), Uganda Vision 2040 and second National Development Plan

Image 2: Paul Mafabi delivering a keynote speech at the dialogue in Kampala

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» Uganda had pi lo ted several initiatives on carbon credits and REDD+ related activities

» Integrated natural capital into national accounting specifically the ministry of water and environment has undertaken a study on the contribution of water and natural resources to the GDP

» Uganda has embarked on greening the economy through massive tree planting movement framework which is focused on massive tree planting through establishment of plantations, woodlots and farm tree stocks

» The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has taken lead in preparing a national plan for advancing environmental economic accounting in Uganda

» There was on-going capacity and skills enhancement

» Operationalized environment and natural resource monitoring and management systems

» U g a n d a h a d c o m m i t t e d t o address biodiversity loss and had implemented the Aichi targets via its second National Biodiversity and Action Plan

» Several wetlands and forests had been restored and demarcated. UNDP and the government of Uganda had mobilised 24.1 million US Dollars from the Green Climate Fund to implement the presidential initiative to restore wetlands

Mr. Mafabi in his concluding remarks stated that there were opportunities for integration of the green economy concepts within the on-going policy processes namely: the on-going revision of the National Environment Act, the on-going review of the National Wetlands Policy and formulation of a Wetland Conservation and Management Bill and lastly the proposed review of the National Forestry Policy. He emphasized that Environmental laws should be respected and impunity punished; the on-going revision of the National Environment Act was an opportunity to address gaps in enforcement and compliance within the environment and natural resources sector. There were plans to establish an environment tribunal and an independent environment protection force.

3.3 Status of Uganda’s Transition to Green Economy

Mr. Kaggwa presented about the status of Uganda’s transition to green economy. In his submission, he mentioned that Uganda had garnered several milestones between 1991 and 2015, these included: Income poverty reduced from 56% to 19% but increased to 24% in 2017. The percentage of national budget locally funded increased from 64.7% to 82%. Literacy levels rose from 54% to 72.2%. Life expectancy rose from 48.1% years to 63.3 years and access to electricity grew from 5.6% to 20.4% over the same period.

In light of the above milestones, Mr. Kaggwa noted that a number of

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challenges still exist which included; A declining natural capital base e.g. forest cover from 24% in 1990 to 8% today (2.5% p.a.), wetland cover from 18% in 1990 to 8% to date. High levels of unemployment especially youth unemployment at 66% in 2015. High but declining levels of income inequalities (Gini coeff icient, 0.37), regional imbalances and gender disparities. Persistence of vulnerability; vulnerability to climate change, external shocks and slowdown in economic growth (average of 4.4% in in last two years), below the Vision and NDP II targets and what is required for transition to middle income.

Mr. Kaggwa stated that there was no globally accepted definition of green growth. However, he noted that there were agreed principles that govern the green growth approach to

development which included; Sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. Resource use efficiency which entails adoption of new technologies and innovations; Climate change response through adaptation and mitigation; green and decent jobs; improved human wellbeing and social inclusiveness; environmental sustainabil i ty and social economic transformation. Mr. Kaggwa mentioned that countries defined and contextualized green growth to their national circumstances and development needs.

In light of Uganda’s development needs and context, the Uganda Green Growth

D e v e l o p m e n t Strategy defines g r e e n g r o w t h as: “an inclusive l o w e m i s s i o n s economic growth p r o c e s s t h a t e m p h a s i z e s e f f e c t i v e a n d eff icient use of t h e c o u n t r y ’s natural, huma and physical capital wh i le ensur ing that natural assets

continue to provide for present and future generations”. He noted that Green Growth is not a substitute for sustainable development but rather an innovative approach for accelerating the achievement of sustainable development.

Image 3: Ronald Kaggwa, Manager Production, Trade and Tourism Planning, National Planning Authority, presenting on the status of Uganda’s transition to green economy at the dialogue

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Status of green economy: policy, legal and institutional frameworks

The Government of Uganda had demonstrated a commitment towards the principles of green growth and sustainable development as indicated in various legal, policy, planning and institutional frameworks. The core principles of a green economy were mainstreamed in many government policies, laws, plans and programmes which included the Constitution of Uganda 1995, the Uganda Vision 2040, the second National Development Plan (NDP II), the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution 2015, and the National Climate Change Policy 2015 and its draft law. In order to operationalize the core principles of a green economy, a Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (2017/18 – 2029/30) which identified key interventions for achieving the transition to a green economy had been developed. Uganda was also a party to international legal instruments that are pertinent to a green economy including, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992, the Kyoto Protocol 1997, and the Paris Agreement 2015 among others. The Government of Uganda therefore wished to pursue a green growth development strategy in line with national, regional and global commitments. However, Government’s major role was generally limited to providing an enabling environment through policy, continuous regulatory

reforms, and enforcement of legislations, good infrastructure and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

Uganda’s Green Growth Development S t r a t egy ( 2017 /18 - 2030 /31 ) operationalizes the core principles of green growth in the country and it identifies five key intervention areas with high green growth multiplier effects including: natural capital management and deve lopment ; sus ta inab le agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable transport and planned urbanisation and green cities.

Mr. Kaggwa mentioned that although Uganda’s green economy policy landscape is impressive, it is widely acknowledged that poor implementation of existing policies and laws stands out as the biggest challenge to the country’s transition to a green economy.

He stated that these obstacles notwithstanding, Uganda had several operational, on-going and planned green growth projects and initiatives by both Government and non-State actors including the following among others:

Renewable energy: Government was committed to increasing generation of electricity from renewable sources and adoption of energy efficient technologies. About 76% is generated from Hydro Electricity Power (HEP) (459MW), 17% from thermal (100MW) and 7% from cogeneration (41MW). Development of big HEP projects with Karuma dam expected to generate 600MW and Isimba dam 183 MW.

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There are several micro Hydro Electricity Power (HEP) plants such as Soroti solar power plant which is the biggest in East Africa. It contributes 10MW to the national grid and has potential to triple this production to 30MW at full capacity. Consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is increasing though still on a small scale and mainly in urban areas. In addition, Government is taxing Kerosene and subsidizing solar panels to promote use of renewable solar energy for lighting at the household level. While the use of solar energy has significantly increased, there are still concerns about the high initial costs of solar batteries and other accessories as well as the poor quality of the solar power equipment on the market.

Mr. Kaggwa further stated that there were still major challenges of availability, access and affordability of energy. Indeed, Uganda was still an energy poor country with per capita electricity consumption estimated at 80kWh/year which is far below Kenya at 155kWh/year, Ghana at 300kWh/year and the Republic of Korea at 8,502kWh/year. He therefore argued that there was still need to offer more off-grid renewable energy options to enhance energy access and availability especially in remote rural areas where on grid energy supply would not make a lot of economic sense.

Sustainable transport: Mr. Kaggwa indicated that there were several on-going and planned sustainable transport initiatives such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that would have light rails connecting different divisions of

the city and roads with walk ways; bus transportation was increasing especially on long upcountry routes which included train services in the city. There was planned development of ferries plying different routes. He alluded that there were concerns about road safety with Uganda registering high number of accidents in the region. For example, according to the Ministry of Works and Transport Performance Report 2016/2017, at least 9,572 people were killed in motor accidents in the last three years country wide.

He also mentioned that the potential of inland water transport to ease traffic jams in the city and major highways (Jinja-Kampala, Kampala-Masaka, and Kampala-Entebbe) had not been exploited. According to a World Bank report, Uganda loses US$ 800 million p.a. (Shs. 2.9 trillion) due to the long time spent in traffic jams.

Sustainable urban development: Mr. Kaggwa stated that there were a number of on-going interventions for ensuring sustainable urban development some of which have registered visible gains though most are haphazard, unsustainable and are curtailed by the absence of an integrated national physical development plan. He revealed that Uganda has one of the highest urbanization rates estimated at 5.4% annually. Majority of the cities in Uganda have grown in the face of ineffective and inadequate planning giving rise to slums, limited economic opportunities, inadequate access to water and sanitation services, poor

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waste management and drainage, settlements and encroachment on natural ecosystems such as urban wetlands and forests. The absence of a National Physical Plan continues to drive haphazard urbanization.

Climate change response: Mr. Kaggwa indicated that there were a number of on-going climate change response initiatives that are related to green growth, including, the creation of an updated inventory of greenhouse gas emissions by sector; preparation of various Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs); the community tree planting project which entails distribution of free tree seedlings; development of a national REDD+ strategy; environmental tax on the high emitting old vehicles; addressing the fiduciary requirements to make Uganda qualify for climate finance from the various international climate finance windows; distribution of efficient charcoal saving cook stoves; and undertaking studies that quantify the economic cost of climate change response coupled with the cost of inaction.

However he indicated that continued vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and failure to undertake climate change adaptation will result in costs to the economy in the range of US$3.2-5.9 billion within a decade (Study by MWE) while action estimated at US$ 264 million annually implying that the cost of inaction is over 24 times higher than the cost of action.

As he concluded his presentation, Mr. Kaggwa mentioned that Uganda had several operational, on-going and planned green growth projects and initiatives by both Government and non-State actors which included the following among others:

» U g a n d a G r e e n i n c u b a t i o n programme which is aimed at creating green decent employment, enhancing productivity, reducing poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability (Domestication of the Songhai model-in Kampilingisa in Mpigi district)

» Switch Africa Green Project which is driving resource use efficiency by adopting sustainable consumption and production principles in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

» Organic agriculture, Irrigation and ecosystem restoration. He mentioned that Uganda is leading in organic Agriculture

» Inclusive programs e.g. Youth livelihood programs, free legal aid and social protection schemes for the elderly are all components of GG and waste to wealth initiatives.

In a nutshell, Mr. Kaggwa stated that in order forgreen growth to be achieved, we need psychological and behaviour change (mind set & attitudinal change) among the citizens.

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3.4 Management of Uganda’s rivers and river catchment areas: strategies and interventions

The Commissioner, Water Resources Planning and Regulat ion in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr. Tindimugaya, made a presentation on strategies and interventions in management of Uganda’s rivers and river catchment areas. He started off his presentation stating that Uganda has a lot of water resources and these resources come from within and outside Uganda. Therefore, if we were to manage and develop these resources, we have got to know where they come from and how they can be managed for the benefit of the people in the country.

He stated that assessment was done and it revealed that Uganda had 43 billion cubic metres of water annually. 69 per cent of the water comes from outside of the border which means that if the borders of the country were closed, it would remain with only 31 per cent of the water. Uganda’s water resources are part of the Nile basin and that is why Uganda needs to remain in discussion within the Nile basin Initiative and the East African Community. Internally, he mentioned that 15 per cent of Uganda is open water, 3 per cent permanent and 9.4 per cent seasonal wetlands and 98 per cent of water resources are trans-boundary.

He mentioned that water is at the heart of development and key in achieving middle income status. Uganda has

had four water management zones which must be managed well because pollution in one area would have an impact in other areas. The zones include; Kyoga Water Management Zone (KWMZ): Mbale, Albert Water Management Zone (AWMZ): Fort Portal, Upper Nile Water Management Zone (UNWMZ): Lira and Victoria Water Management Zone (VWMZ): Mbarara.

He indicated that water has four major uses which included: Water for People that means water supply and waste water treatment and disposal; Water for food which included irrigation, livestock watering, post-harvest processing; Water for nature which entailed quality, quantity and distribution for healthy ecosystems and water for other uses which included; energy, oil and gas, navigation, fisheries, drainage and flood management, industry.

Dr. Tindimugaya also affirmed that water Catchment Management Plans (CMPs) provided a framework for implementing water resources related to interventions in a catchment; they also provided an opportunity to stakeholders to have coordinated planning and implementation of water and related interventions in a catchment. He stated that various stakeholders could pick components of the CMP that are in line with their objectives and mandates and develop them into implementable action plans. He noted CMPs address a lot of issues that stakeholders in catchment initially have to deal with albeit, in isolation.

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In conclusion, Dr. Tindimugaya indicated that six wetlands had been restored in Mbarara. He added that catchment based planning and management in Uganda has taken root but still needs support of various stakeholders in all forms. Identification of possible partners to collaborate with to advance Catchment Based Integrated Water Resources Management (CBIWRM)continued to be a priority of government and substantial amount of funding is needed to implement catchment based on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Innovative funding sources, options and mechanisms were being explored. He also mentioned that priority was being given to those implementing already prepared CMPs so as to protect water resources through catchment restoration while improving people’s livelihood. He finally stated that everybody is called upon to join and support this framework if indeed water and environmental resources are to be secured for sustainable socio-economic development of Uganda.

3.5 Green jobs programme and its relevance to livelihood improvement in Uganda

Mr. Asi imwe Alex, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Educational Safety & Coordinator, Green Jobs Program, Chemical Safety and Security, made a presentation on behalf of Mr. Pius Bigirimana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labor & Social Development (MGLSD). He stated that

the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development was implementing the Green Jobs Programme government approved on 7th December 2016 and the goal of the programme was to create green and decent employment, enhancement of labor productivity, and reduction of poverty through: promotion of workplace re-skilling and skilling for educated and un-educated; promotion of resource efficiency and social safeguards at workplaces and enhancement for the productivity of workers and enterprises.

He mentioned that green jobs were decent jobs that helped reduce negative environmental impacts and promote safety and health at work ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies.

He mentioned some of the ingredients of green jobs and these included; Safe Work Systems which entailed safety, hygiene and health at workplaces (waste management & reduction of industrial pollution etc.); Energy and Raw Materials Efficiency which involves appropriate skills and technologies for: solar projects/systems, storage, packaging and transport, energy saving stoves, efficient production system; minimization of waste and industrial pollution which constituted recycling and re-use projects (plastics, paper, wood, metal, domestic/ industrial water etc.) and Protection and Restoration of Ecosystems which entailed tree planting projects, eco-tourism projects and artificial wetlands/wildlife parks.

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He mentioned some of the green job programme interventions and these included:

Support informal sector with green technologies & business start-ups toolkits which involved Identification and mobilization of Jua-kalis; Provision of green technologies and business start-ups tool kits; Accreditation and Certification; Exposure tours and Research and Training.

Revitalization of quality apprenticeship and volunteerism in Uganda which entai ls development of National Apprenticeship Framework; Initiation of functional partnerships between Industries, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Education and Sports and both Public and Private Sector Training Institutions; Facilitation of Industry responsive curr icula development, t ra in ing packages and certification; Capacity

Development programs for instructors and workplaces to deliver and monitor quality apprenticeships; Leading review of skills development and workplace learning policies and regulations; Strengthening of government and private sector employment services and vocational orientation of apprentices and documentation, development and promotion of knowledge sharing for good practice models.

E s t a b l i s h m e n t o f I n d u s t r i a l Business Shelters w i t h C o m m o n user fac i l i t i es w h i c h e n t a i l s mechanical, metal fabr icat ion and welding; Plumbing & Construct ion; A r t , D e s i g n , L e a t h e r w o r k s , Textile & Tailoring; Agro processing; Wo o d w o r k a n d

Carpentry and each shelter is meant to house a workplace skilling facility (Centre of Excellence) and master craftsperson’s or experienced trainers in different trades and government will also procure and install modern common-usable equipment and plant.

Support the adoption of Songhai model-Green Incubation Centres. The model uses authentic technology (natural micro-organisms, sunlight and bio-energy) to harness environmental capital to produce more and better quality food. The model is being piloted

Image 4: Mr. Asiimwe Alex making a presentation at the dialogue

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at Kampiringisa in Mpigi district. It involved integrated production system, Procurement of specialized agriculture equipment and tools for primary, secondary and tertiary production and research, training and development.

Strengthen Social Safeguards in Infrastructural Development Projects. This programme intervention involved development and enforcement of labor and occupational safety standards; Prevention and response to sexual and gender based violence at workplaces and project’s communities; Support of equitable involuntary resettlement measures and provision of tools and training to women and youth groups for green employment intensive works.

Strengthen Local Governments and Kampala Capital City Authority. According to Mr. Asiimwe, this would be done through provision of tools and equipment, provision of grants for green jobs creation projects, establishment of district job centers and information management.

Towards the conc lus ion o f h is presentation, Mr. Asiimwe stated the of relevance of green jobs to livelihood improvement as; job creation with a target of 3.5 million jobs in the next five years; enhanced labor productivity and competitiveness of enterprises; quality food production and environmental sustainability.

4. Launch of the ReportAfter the Panelist presentations, Mr. Paul Mafabi, Director Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Water and Environment led the launch of the book titled ‘Greening Uganda’s Economy as the Sustainable Pathway to Middle Income Status’. This book was authored by Mr. Ronald Kaggwa, Manager/Head Production, Trade and Tourism Planning Department at the National Planning Authority (NPA) and Mr. Bernard Namanya, partner at BNB Advocates, a Ugandan Law Firm.

Image 5: Launch of the Greening Uganda’s Economy as the Sustainable Pathway to Middle Income Status Report

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Conclusion and RecommendationsDuring the plenary session, participants were given an opportunity to share some of their perspectives about the discussions in the dialogue and also propose recommendations for the transition to a green economy. Some of the outstanding recommendations from the plenary session included:

1. Adoption of clean green technologies: Par t ic ipants cal led upon the government to re-skill and train the existing labour force to enable it operate the new technologies. It is evident that the green growth transition will create several jobs which required appropriately skilled labour. The on-going skilling Uganda initiative should also extend to policy makers, the private sector and civil society if they are to continually mainstream green growth in their activities.

2. Need for creation of strategic partnerships at all levels: Transition to a green economy requires the creation and strengthening of strategic partnerships at all levels. These partnerships among others include; Public Private Partnerships (PPP), partnerships with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and partnerships with the communities as well as between developing and developed countries. This will create mechanisms for synergies, linkages and complementarities for the various initiatives.

3. There is need for institutional alignment to eliminate duplication of roles and conflicting mandates if we are to consistently move towards green growth. Institutions that have more or less similar work should be merged and agencies handling work substantially similar to the line Ministry of Water and Environment should be returned to the parent Ministry.

4. Innovative ways of raising resources: There is need to create innovative ways of raising resources where everyone should be involved and this can be done through publ ic sector a l locat ion and environmental fiscal reform; Green Public Procurement with focus on Buy Uganda Build Uganda and local content; Certification of sustainable production & trade, & inclusive green social enterprises; Green Energy Investments and Incentives; Green Innovation and payments for ecosystem services and International funding especially that Uganda is still below the target of accessing international funding.

5. Government needs to shift its expenditure from chains that encourage unsustainable production, consumption, inefficiency & high waste generation to sustainable production chains and establish quality assurance requirements for use of efficiency, sustainability and certification in service delivery and production standards.

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6. Need to enforce legis lat ion: Participants called upon government to effectively enforce legislation through enhanced enforcement & implementation of legislation on environment & natural resource management and also promotion of environmental fiscal reforms and other incentives to effect enforcement of legislation, and social inclusive development. Further, they noted that there is need to introduce fiscal reforms on old motor vehicles & new vehicles to reduce environmental damage.

7. Investment in natural infrastructure (environment and natural resources) should be increased: there should be investment in agriculture, energy

and other resources. This investment will ensure food, water and energy security. This is critical for other infrastructure to work.

8. Transparency, participation and accountability should be the hallmark of all green growth activit ies. Financial resources mobilized for green growth investments should be used for their intended purposes and the benefits thereof shared inclusively in a way that reflects social equity.

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Advocates Coalition for Development and EnvironmentPlot 96, Kanjokya Street, KamwokyaP. O. Box 29836, Kampala-Uganda

Tel: +256-312-812150Fax: +256-041-534056

Email: acode@acode-u.orgWeb: www.acode-u.org