This article examines the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in Uganda, emphasizing the country’s unique geography, climate vulnerability, and the development of its carbon market. Highlighting Uganda’s commitment to international climate treaties, the article discusses mechanisms for carbon trading and cooperative approaches under Article 6.
Key projects in renewable energy and reforestation demonstrate Uganda’s efforts in carbon sequestration and emissions reduction. The operationalization of Article 6 through Uganda’s National Climate Change Act 2021 and forthcoming regulations is analyzed, stressing regional collaboration and local engagement. The article concludes that with continued cooperation, Uganda can leverage the carbon market for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Climate Change, a View from the Top
Uganda is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 1100 meters (3250 ft) above sea level, and is almost entirely within the Nile basin. The Nile Basin is a geographical region encompassing the drainage basin of the Nile River, the longest river in the world. This basin spans eleven countries in northeastern Africa, including Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Eritrea. Uganda’s eastern part features higher elevations, particularly around Mount Elgon, which stands at 4321 meters (14177 ft), with the Rwenzori Mountains as the highest point at 5111 meters (16768 ft)1.
Being on the equator means that the imaginary line dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres passes through Uganda. This diverse topography, ranging from low-lying lakeshores to towering mountain peaks, influences its climate, agriculture, and biodiversity. The equatorial region, known for its rich biodiversity, contributes to Uganda’s diverse flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and plants. The high levels of solar insolation make Uganda a suitable location for solar energy projects.
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with relatively stable temperatures throughout the year and two major rainfall seasons: March to May and September to December. The consistent climate allows for year-round agriculture, which is advantageous for specialty crop production such as cotton, coffee, tea, vanilla, and shea butter.
According to the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda produces 3 tons of shea butter per year and over 6 million bags of coffee . Its coffee and shea butter are recognized for their unique qualities and are under consideration for geographical indications (GI) status.
A GI is a type of intellectual property protection that ensures only products genuinely originating from a specific place can be marketed under that name, owing to their qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherent to that origin.
Uganda’s economy is vulnerable to climate change, and its impacts have been felt across various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, forestry, energy, health, infrastructure, and settlements.
According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)3 , climate change is a change in climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere. Uganda’s National Climate Change Policy 2015, together with Uganda’s Vision 2040, recognizes that tackling the challenges of climate change, such as retreating glaciers and increased frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, heat waves, and landslides, will enhance sustainable economic and social development.
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