Uganda’s transition toward a green and sustainable economy gained renewed momentum as top corporate executives, senior government officials, UN agencies, development partners, and youth innovators convened for the 2nd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting & High-Level Dialogue on Green Economy, SDGs, and Sustainability held in Kampala.
Presided over by H.E. Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, representing the Prime Minister, the gathering signaled a unified national resolve to accelerate climate resilience, green investment, and sustainable development. The event drew top-level representation from the European Union, UN bodies, and key government agencies including the Ministry of Finance’s SPP Program, URA, UCC, NEMA, UTB, NWSC, NFA, ERA, and UEDCL.
Delivering a compelling keynote address, H.E. Jan Sadek, European Union Ambassador to Uganda, underscored a global shift toward sustainability — a shift he said positions Uganda for significant economic advantage if businesses act boldly.
“The world is changing fast — and in Uganda’s favour. Companies that pivot early to sustainability are becoming industry leaders. There is money to be made in sustainability, and leadership to be claimed,” he said.
Ambassador Sadek highlighted Uganda’s expanding ecosystem of green innovation — from electric mobility to solar cold-chain technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and eco-tourism — noting that these emerging sectors are increasingly supported through EU initiatives such as the Global Gateway.
He emphasized that Uganda’s vast natural wealth — forests, wetlands, biodiversity, and a fast-growing youthful population — represents one of the nation’s greatest economic advantages if protected and restored.
Representing Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Amb. Mwesigye reiterated Uganda’s commitment to climate action through robust frameworks including NDP IV, the National Climate Finance Strategy, and the Climate Change Act.
In her message, the Prime Minister stressed that Uganda’s development aspirations depend on decisive, collective action across all sectors. “Uganda’s development trajectory faces significant challenges from climate change and environmental degradation. The decisions taken by the CEOs here will shape a sustainable and prosperous Uganda for generations.”
She called on the private sector to scale up investments in nature-based solutions, renewable energy, green manufacturing, sustainable tourism, and climate-smart infrastructure. She also emphasized the importance of parish-level tree nurseries and youth-centered climate interventions.
“Young people are central to the green economy transition. Their innovation and creativity will drive Uganda’s transformation.” she added.
H.E. Sunasi Tejan Savage, IOM Chief of Mission, spotlighted the connection between climate risks, migration, and green job creation.
“A just green economy can reduce climate displacement and create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities,” he noted.
Panelists from leading institutions — including UCC Corporate Affairs Director, Mr. Fred Otunnu, and MTN Uganda ESG Manager, Ms. Lydia Nakigudde — emphasized the need to leverage digital technology, energy-efficient systems, and strong ESG frameworks to fast-track Uganda’s SDG ambitions.
Youth at the Heart of Uganda’s Green Transition
As co-organizers, Youth Go Green and the Green Economy & Sustainability Secretariat reaffirmed the central role of young people in Uganda’s sustainability journey.
Mr. Edwin Muhumuza, Head of the Secretariat, emphasized youth-led innovation in circular economy models, restoration initiatives, and climate entrepreneurship.
A Unified Call: Partnerships for People, Planet & Prosperity
Organized in collaboration with Youth Go Green, the Office of the Prime Minister–SDG Secretariat, Next Media Services, and the Green Economy & Sustainability Secretariat, the event also serves as a major build-up to the 7th Annual SDG Run.
The dialogue concluded with a resounding call for strengthened collaborations across government, private sector, development partners, and youth innovators.
The message was clear: Uganda’s green economy transition will be powered not by isolated efforts, but by strategic partnerships that place people, planet, and profit at the center of national development.