The Austrian government has committed £2 million (approximately Shs 7.6 billion) towards climate change mitigation in Uganda, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda.
The funds, provided through Austria’s ministry for Climate Action and Technology, will support an ambitious environmental project titled the “Integrated Mechanism for Protection and Adaptation to Climate Threats.”
This initiative seeks to combat deforestation and restore over 4,000 hectares of trees in the western districts of Kagadi and Kikuube, regions severely affected by rising temperatures, deforestation, and environmental degradation.
Austria’s commitment to climate action
The announcement was made by Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, Austria’s representative to Uganda, during the project’s official launch at Sheraton hotel in Kampala last week. She emphasized Austria’s commitment to supporting practical solutions for climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation, particularly in vulnerable regions.
“By supporting this project, Austria reaffirms its leadership in global climate action, contributing significantly to Uganda’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts,” Dr Kerschbaumer stated.
She further stressed the need for comprehensive policy-driven approaches that align with both global and local environmental priorities.
“As we face the escalating challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, the need for urgent and collective action has never been more critical,” she added.
Jane Goodall Institute’s role in climate mitigation
The Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, a leading conservation organization, will oversee the project’s implementation.
Peter Apell, the institute’s programs director, outlined the initiative’s objectives, which include tackling the negative effects of climate change such as erratic rainfall, poor agricultural yields, wetland encroachment and food insecurity. The project also aims to support local communities whose livelihoods have been impacted by climate change.
“The project’s objective is to support communities affected by climate change while protecting Uganda’s natural resources from destruction,” Apell stated.
With additional funding expected in the future, Apell revealed that the Jane Goodall Institute plans to expand the project to other areas facing similar environmental threats. The initiative is set to run for five years, with a goal of planting over 3.6 million trees to restore Uganda’s rapidly depleting forests.
Call for stronger environmental conservation efforts
Lillian Ruteraho, the resident district commissioner of Kagadi, urged the government to intensify its environmental conservation efforts by holding all individuals accountable for environmental degradation, regardless of their social status.
“The environment is being degraded at a terrifying speed. It’s high time the government took stronger action against environmental destruction,” Ruteraho emphasized.
She also commended the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda for its ongoing conservation efforts, recognizing the organization’s vital role in environmental protection and climate resilience.
With Uganda experiencing record-high temperatures—some areas reaching 37 degrees Celsius—experts attribute these extreme conditions to deforestation and rapid urbanization.
The collaboration between Austria and the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda is expected to provide much-needed relief by restoring critical forest cover and enhancing climate resilience for affected communities.
The project stands as a significant step in Uganda’s climate action efforts, demonstrating the importance of international partnerships in tackling the global climate crisis.
We already fought to stop destruction of Mabira forest, Amuru land, yet since, nothing was done to ensure plantation of trees, especially as Ugandans use woods, grass for domestic purposes!
Worse, UN & Agencies installed, are installing, will install refugees/migrants on lands & this is already destroyed lands, trees, grass, lakes, rivers…!
Ugandans MUST get rid of Museveni in UNITY, then put in place a real governance, to give chance to protection, development of their land, thus be actors to ensure protection of environment!
Ugandans MUST not let Museveni rule legally, constitutionally for 45 years!
Any Ugandan going against Museveni at next inhuman fake presidential election will only be thanking him for destroing Uganda legally constitutionally!
Ugandans, NO to the tribalistic system & UNITY, NOW!