By Eng. Dr. Michael Nkambo Mugerwa, Trizer Nankunda and Charles Mwesige
Uganda shall utilize its natural resources to advance the economy, ensure energy security and lift its citizens out of poverty. As we pursue the necessary development path, of exploiting oil and gas resources in a sustainable manner, we remain aware that Uganda is highly vulnerable to climate change and its impacts.
Uganda is committed to addressing the climate crisis by domesticating the Paris Agreement through enactment of the National Climate Change Act in 2021. Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) shall contribute to Uganda’s targets for Nationally Determined Contributions, by offsetting GHG emissions ahead of operationalization of its planned refining and petrochemical industries.
UNOC is cognizant of the fact that addressing the climate change crisis will require sustained efforts, national solidarity and ambitious commitments. In that regard, the company which oversees the state’s business and commercial interests in the oil and gas value chain launched the Alliance for Climate Resilience (ACR) initiative at Serena Hotel on the 30th of August 2023.
The ACR is a cross stakeholder platform whose mission is to identify, develop and facilitate climate-related projects in Uganda. This initiative is in line with UNOC’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and priority areas of Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation and Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE).
The ACR was launched by Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, with Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim, the State Minister of Environment.
Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, the CEO of UNOC, cited Global Forest Watch which reported that Uganda lost 1.03 million hectares of forest between 2001 – 2022, equivalent to 463 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions absorption capacity. Using the ACR initiative, UNOC will mobilise key stakeholders to act and reverse this trend.
Eng. Dr. Michael Nkambo Mugerwa, the programme lead, said that the main objective of ACR is to develop a sustainable response to the climate change issues, placing emphasis on mitigation measures and adaptation to climate change impacts.
Through the ACR, UNOC plans to grow 40 million trees on about 40,000 – 100,000 hectares and restore wetlands as an initial intervention. This will offset up to one million metric tonnes of CO2from the planned refinery, fertilizer and petrochemical industries to be set up within the Kabalega Petrobased Industrial Park.
Dr. Mugerwa indicated that UNOC is seeking strategic partnerships, with both private and public sectors, international development partners, global environmental funds, carbon market players and others. Potential partners include the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Inter-Religious Council, among others.
Objectives of the Alliance for Climate Resilience include:
• Enhance carbon emissions uptake through conservation of forests and wetlands.
• Mobilize climate financing.
• Support local communities in adapting to climate-related risks.
• Promote clean cooking methods.
• Raise grassroots level awareness about climate change.
• Enhance Uganda’s regional visibility in the global fight against climate change.
The ministers applauded UNOC for coordinating a structured approach, towards a concerted effort to address climate change concerns.
Hon. Beatrice Anywar commended UNOC for the groundbreaking initiative, which will bring Climate Financing into the country through international carbon markets and will be used for adaptation and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, she emphasized that the government is strengthening the enabling environment by developing regulations and enhancing capacity building to harness the opportunities availed by carbon markets.
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa expressed that initiatives like the Alliance for Climate Resilience are a testament to Uganda’s resolve to develop its natural resources in a sustainable manner. Hon Nankabirwa reiterated that deforestation is one of the main causes of environmental degradation in Uganda. The transition from the use of firewood and charcoal, to the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) produced by Uganda’s oil and gas projects, will go a long way towards solving deforestation.
Therefore, the Alliance for Climate Resilience is a manifestation of UNOC’s resolve to safeguard our planet and ensuring the well-being of current and future generations. By coming together, it is acknowledged that no single entity can comprehensively address climate change challenges alone, yet by pooling expertise, resources and innovative ideas we shall forge a path towards a more climate-resilient Uganda.
Eng. Dr. Michael Nkambo Mugerwa is the General Manager, Uganda Refinery Holding Company at Uganda National Oil Company.
