BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - Ugandan MPs attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, have called for climate financing models that prioritise communities most impacted by climate change.
Members of Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, including Ritah Atukwasa (Mbarara City) and Shartsi Musherure (Mawogola North), stressed the importance of shifting from bureaucratic funding processes to direct support for local solutions that address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Climate finance, sourced from governments, private companies, and innovative mechanisms, aims to help countries like Uganda mitigate and adapt to climate change.
However, the MPs criticised the current system, citing delays and excessive red tape that hinder timely access to funds for frontline communities.
They argued that equitable access to climate funds should move beyond conference rhetoric to tangible support for those bearing the brunt of climate impacts, including farmers, fishermen, and families displaced by extreme weather.
The legislators proposed channelling funds directly to community-driven initiatives to build resilience and empower local populations to lead their own solutions.
Highlighting the role of women in these efforts, they advocated for an inclusive approach where women are not just beneficiaries but active participants in initiatives such as tree planting, flood management, and renewable energy projects.
This people-centred approach, they emphasised, aligns with global climate goals while offering practical solutions for a sustainable and fair transition.
By empowering local communities, particularly those most vulnerable, Uganda can achieve meaningful progress in combating climate change while ensuring no one is left behind.