The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment, has officially launched the process of developing a new set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of its ongoing commitment to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The launch was done my the ministry at Kampala Sheraton Hotel on July 15, 2025.
In accordance with the National Climate Change Act Cap 182, the Climate Change Department is mandated to prepare, communicate, and maintain successive NDCs that outline Uganda’s commitment to addressing climate change, as stipulated in Article 4 of the Paris Agreement.
To date, Uganda has submitted two NDCs, the first in 2016, and an updated version in 2022.
Now, the Ministry, in collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders, is embarking on the preparation of its third iteration, known as NDC 3.0.
The NDC 3.0 process is designed to: enhance adaptation and mitigation efforts, scale up climate finance mobilization, and reflect national priorities and emerging global developments.
The key steps in the process include: taking stock of the progress made in implementing the updated NDC; Identifying and assessing emerging issues; refining existing targets, such as economy-wide and sector-specific emission reduction goals, adaptation targets, and climate finance ambitions; costing the implementation of revised NDC investment plans; and developing and marketing bankable investment proposals aligned with the new targets.
NDCs are central to global climate efforts. They represent each country’s individual commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 by 196 Parties to the UNFCCC, established a universal legal framework to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. It also aims to strengthen countries’ abilities to adapt to climate change and ensure financial flows are consistent with low-emission and climate-resilient development.
The Paris Agreement introduced a shift in global climate governance—from a top-down to a country-driven, bottom-up approach—with each nation taking responsibility for its own climate goals, while being held accountable through transparent monitoring and reporting.
NDCs, which must be updated every five years, are expected to increase in ambition over time. They serve as short- to medium-term roadmaps that outline national plans for mitigation, adaptation, and climate-related investments.
Uganda, while it has not yet fully achieved its NDC targets, has made notable progress. Its updated NDC commits the country to a 24.7% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 relative to business-as-usual projections. This target is broader in scope and more ambitious than the 2016 commitment, covering more sectors and emphasizing both adaptation and mitigation strategies.
In preparation for COP30 in Brazil, Uganda is aiming to secure a dedicated pavilion to elevate its voice in international climate discussions. The country seeks to use COP30 as a platform to attract investment, form new partnerships, and share its climate resilience efforts with the global community. This includes lobbying for space at the summit, advancing national strategies on sustainable finance, and preparing for active participation in carbon markets.
Uganda is also pursuing bilateral agreements under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to engage in cooperative approaches through the trade of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs). Uganda is currently in discussions with potential buyers, including Switzerland, Singapore, and the UAE.
The government aims to establish a starting price of $10 per carbon credit—a benchmark that would help African countries secure fairer returns in the international carbon market, where they have historically been underpriced.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda’s climate strategy remains on track, and the development of NDC 3.0 marks a crucial step in the country’s ongoing climate ambition.
