Uganda Steps Up Green Economy & Sustainability ambition at 2nd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting

Kampala, December 4, 2025 — Uganda’s green economy agenda received a major boost as top corporate leaders, government officials, UN agencies, development partners, and youth innovators convened at the 2nd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting & High-Level Dialogue on Green Economy, SDGs, and Sustainability at Next Media Park.

The event brought national attention to the urgent need to accelerate climate resilience, sustainability, and multi-sector green investment.

The high-level gathering was presided over by H.E. Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, representing the Prime Minister. Joining him were several dignitaries, including the EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, the IOM Chief of Mission, UNDP Resident Representative, and heads of government agencies such as SPP-Ministry of Finance, URA, UCC, NEMA, UTB, NWSC, NFA, ERA, UEDCL, and others.

Corporate leaders from MTN Uganda, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, TowerCo of Africa, Roofings Group, Pride Bank, and many others also participated.

Organized by the Green Economy & Sustainability Secretariat, Youth Go Green, the Office of the Prime Minister–SDG Secretariat, and Next Media Services, the event serves as a major build-up to the 7th SDG Run.

EU Ambassador Calls Uganda’s Green Transition a “National Opportunity”

Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, emphasized that global markets are shifting toward sustainability — and Uganda stands to benefit if the private sector takes bold leadership.

“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 pointed to Uganda’s rising eco-entrepreneurship, such as e-mobility, solar cold-chain solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and eco-tourism innovations, the EU is supporting.

He stressed that Uganda’s natural endowment offers an enormous competitive advantage:

“Uganda’s greatest green assets are your forests, wetlands, extraordinary biodiversity — and above all, your youthful population. These are economic assets if protected and restored.”

The Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment through Global Gateway, including action in green finance, value-chain digitisation, renewable energy, and forest restoration.

Government Calls for Multi-Stakeholder Responsibility and Action

Representing the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye highlighted Uganda’s strong policy frameworks, including NDP IV, the National Climate Finance Strategy, and the Climate Change Act.

“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.”

He urged the private sector to lead in nature-based solutions, renewable energy, green manufacturing, sustainable tourism, and climate-smart infrastructure.

The Ambassador also emphasized Parish-level tree nurseries to tackle the climate crisis through youth inclusion in such interventions.

“Young people are central to the green economy transition. Their innovation and creativity will drive Uganda’s transformation.”

UN Leaders Call for Private-Sector Mobilization and Green Financing

The IOM Chief of Mission, H.E. Sunasi Tejan Savage, emphasized the link between migration, climate risks, and green jobs: “A just green economy can reduce climate displacement and create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.”

UN speakers are committed to supporting data systems, governance reforms, and private-sector sustainability standards.

UNDP Uganda underscored the need for blended finance, green bonds, investment de-risking, and impact-driven public–private partnerships. “Innovative financing will unlock new green industries, new jobs, and new solutions for climate resilience.”

High-Level CEOs’ Panel: A Call for Innovation & ESG Integration

A high-energy CEOs’ panel — comprising leaders from MTN, UTB, UEDCL, NEMA, NWSC, NFA, TowerCo of Africa, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, War Child Alliance, and Youth Go Green — discussed how the private sector can champion:

• Green financing and impact investments

• Digital transformation for climate resilience

• Energy-efficient and emission-reducing operations

• Eco-tourism and biodiversity protection

• Sustainable manufacturing and circular economy models

• Reforestation and nature-based solutions

Each panelist offered forward-looking commitments aligned with Uganda’s national and global ESG and SDG priorities.

URA – Commissioner General: “Tax incentives and smart revenue policies can unlock Uganda’s green investments. URA is working to balance revenue needs with sustainability and innovation.

UCC – Corporate Affairs Director, Mr. Fred Otunnu: “Digital infrastructure is central to Uganda’s sustainability agenda. ICT can support monitoring, accountability, and citizen engagement in climate action.

MTN Uganda — ESG Manager, Ms.Lydia Nakigudde: “We are leveraging digital innovation and energy-efficient networks to advance Uganda’s SDG and ESG commitments.”

CEO-TowerCo of Africa Uganda: “Green telecom infrastructure is the future. We are exploring renewable energy to reduce emissions and strengthen environmental stewardship” said; Mr. Pramesh Ramparsad.

Recognition of Sustainability Leaders & Road to the 7th SDG Run

Organizers recognized Platinum and Gold contributors to Uganda’s sustainability efforts, including partners from the private sector, government, UN Agencies, and civil society. The event also launched the build-up to the 7th SDG Run, a national initiative supporting Uganda’s target of raising 20 million trees by 2030 under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Youth Go Green & Head of Green Economy & Sustainability Secretariat, Mr. Edwin Muhumuza, highlighted the role of young people in climate innovation, circular economy models, and community-led restoration efforts.

A Unified Message: Partnerships for People, Planet & Profit

The event concluded with a strong, collective call:

Uganda’s green economy transition will be driven by partnerships — government, private sector, development partners, and young innovators working together.

The CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting has now positioned itself as one of Uganda’s flagship annual platforms on sustainability, green economy, and SDG leadership.