Uganda

In the enabling business environment in Uganda, the beneficiaries of tax exemptions and incentives are large, well-established domestic firms and foreign multinational companies. This leaves a large informal sector composed mainly of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises at a disadvantage, particularly given the usual characteristics of such enterprises (unregistered, small businesses with low start-up capital investment requirements and minimal turnover). Furthermore, the survival of such enterprises beyond five years is highly uncertain, so they tend not to be competitive.

The policy support component of SWITCH Africa Green aims to address such issues by identifying gaps in policies, regulations, laws and standards in the priority sectors to address potential roadblocks to green business development and by supporting the formulation of specific policies, regulations and standards and the establishment or strengthening of the institutions needed for resource-efficient and green businesses to emerge and grow. 

Policy Activities

Policy Activity
National Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns for Green Economy Recovery and Job Creation

The Government of Uganda (GoU) is committed to the realization of the Goals and targets enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thence, the GoU has integrated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the National Development frameworks, including the Uganda Vision 2040, the Second National Development Plan (NDP II & III under development), and the Sector Development Plans.

Policy Activity
Sustainable Public Procurement in Uganda

Prior to 2018, Uganda did not have a public procurement policy that promoted sustainable development. Sustainable public procurement, also known as Green Public Procurement, uses the government’s purchasing power to choose goods, services and infrastructure that are environmentally friendly based on the value of their entire lifecycle.

Policy Activity
Guidelines for operationalizing the greened Tourism Bill in Uganda

The government of Uganda recognizes the importance of tourism for overall economic and social development. Tourism can boost economic revenue, reduce poverty through job creation, develop infrastructure, generate a sense of cultural exchange between nationals and foreigners, and help realize the Second National Development Plan and Uganda’s Vision 2040 – both designed to strengthen the country’s competitiveness. 

Policy Activity
Green Manufacturing Strategy in Uganda

The manufacturing sector in Uganda covers a wide range of activities, including the processing of raw materials into more valuable products. Therefore, a significant overlap occurs between manufacturing and other sectors, including construction, agriculture, forestry, handicrafts, and clean energy.

Policy Activity
Greening Uganda's Public Sector Procurement Policy

Uganda has put in place an elaborate system of institutions, laws and regulations to ensure the prudent use of public resources. Public sector procurement is at the centre of the way public money is spent and hence plays a pivotal role in a country's public financial management system. Its importance is derived from its role as the vehicle by which typically more than 55% of the budget implementation is managed in the country.

Policy Activity
National Stakeholder Workshop in Uganda

The SWITCH Africa Green National Stakeholder Workshop in Uganda was held on 19 and 20 November 2015 at the Hotel Africana in Kampala. The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Arnold Waiswa, Director of Environmental Monitoring and Compliance at the National Environment Management Authority, who delivered a statement on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda.

SWITCH-Africa Green Programme is implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme with the financial support of the European Union. The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of the project partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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