Kadaga Advocates for Unified National ESG Framework to Safeguard Uganda's Resources

First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has stressed the urgent need for a cohesive national framework to guide Uganda’s approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Speaking at the inaugural National ESG Conference and Expo 2026 in Kampala, Kadaga highlighted that current ESG efforts are fragmented, hindering their potential national impact.

Kadaga emphasized that sustainability can no longer be a secondary concern, especially as human activities intensify pressure on Uganda’s vital natural resources, including forests and water bodies. She identified the heavy reliance on biomass energy, expanding agriculture, urbanization, poverty, and industrialization as key drivers of resource decline.

While acknowledging progress by institutions like the Bank of Uganda and the Uganda Bankers Association, Kadaga expressed concern about the siloed nature of ESG implementation. She defined ESG as a measure of an organization’s environmental footprint, its treatment of employees and communities, and its governance practices.

The environmental aspect of ESG scrutinizes carbon emissions, waste management, and climate change risks. The social component addresses labor practices, diversity, human rights, and community relations, while governance focuses on management, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.

Kadaga further noted that robust ESG performance is increasingly critical for accessing finance and investment. Global financial institutions and commercial banks are now incorporating ESG criteria into their lending and investment decisions. Uganda has already taken steps to support sustainable investment, such as introducing a National Green Taxonomy to define eligible green investments and prevent greenwashing.

Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), echoed Kadaga’s sentiments, urging that ESG principles be integrated into tangible investment and development decisions, moving beyond policy statements to deliver visible community results. He also pointed out that poor ESG management poses significant economic risks, impacting businesses and livelihoods through climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequalities.

Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment, described ESG as an accountability agenda that must permeate all government operations, from planning and budgeting to project design and reporting, requiring cross-sectoral collaboration for its success.

This initiative is crucial for Uganda’s long-term development and resource management, as highlighted at the National ESG Conference and Expo 2026 in Kampala. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kadaga-calls-for-national-framework-to-protect-natural-resources-5612930