KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – The Minister of Water and Environment, Rtd. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, has launched the Kyambogo University Climate Finance Catalyst Hub (KYUCFCH), calling on stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect the environment from unnecessary destruction.
The one-day event, held under the theme “Unlocking Green Capital: Empowering Uganda’s Green Transition Through Innovation, Partnerships and Investment,” brought together government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), policymakers, academics, researchers, environmental science students from institutions of higher learning, civil society organisations and the media.
Otafiire congratulated Kyambogo University management for establishing the hub, saying it should be used to accelerate the sensitisation of stakeholders on the importance of environmental conservation and promote activities aimed at protecting natural resources through affordable financing.
The minister also recalled that, about 23 years ago, when he previously served as Minister of Environment, he had plans to influence policy and legislation to channel water from some of Uganda’s major rivers to the Karamoja region to address drought and transform the area into a major food-producing region.
He said although he initiated discussions on the proposal, he was frustrated by unnamed individuals who opposed the idea.
However, Otafiire said he was fortunate to return to the same Cabinet portfolio and pledged to pursue the proposal to channel water to Karamoja.
He also cautioned against what he described as pressure from some neighbouring countries over the management and flow of Nile waters, warning that changes in the volume of water released downstream could have negative consequences, including flooding in lower-lying areas.
Otafiire said Uganda should prioritise strengthening its capacity to manage and utilise its water resources, including exploring ways of directing some water to Karamoja to boost agricultural production.
He questioned how Uganda, which hosts major water bodies including the River Nile, can continue to experience hunger and starvation, particularly in Karamoja, where drought has contributed to loss of livelihoods and lives.
As the minister responsible for water and environment, Otafiire said he would engage Cabinet and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the longstanding challenges facing the region.
Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka, welcomed the establishment of the hub, saying it would contribute to creating employment opportunities for young people while supporting innovation and environmental sustainability.
The hub’s leader, Dr. Simon Peter Musinguzi, and Environmental Hub Uganda team leader, Rodrick Muhumure, thanked the government for supporting the initiative and urged young people to utilise the facility to promote economic development at the university and in surrounding communities.
They also appreciated the support from development partners, government ministries, departments and agencies, higher education institutions, Centenary Bank, Elevate Her, GAYO, Climate Action Network (CAN), AGHnet and Kyambogo University, among others.
The day-long symposium attracted more than 300 participants, mainly environmental science students, who took part in discussions and a live debate on climate finance, environmental protection and Uganda’s green transition.
