Kampala – The British High Commission in Uganda has made a significant financial commitment, urging local project leaders to engage in the fight against climate change by applying for a portion of the Ush53 billion ($14.02 million) fund established by the UK government.

According to NAM News Network, the announcement was made during the inauguration of the Climate Finance Accelerator programme. Kate Airey, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, called upon the private sector, leveraging the country’s young demographic, to propose innovative projects that can contribute to green growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

Ambassador Airey emphasized the importance of the private sector’s role in generating impactful growth through creativity and innovation. She mentioned that these sectors give her optimism for Uganda’s future and encouraged Ugandan innovators to apply for climate financing to support transformative projects that can counteract the effects of climate change.

Airey also highlighted that such funding could help support Uganda’s growing population, projected for 2030, ensuring food security and enabling the country to become a global food exporter.

Amanda Kabagambe, the managing director of Bethel Advisors — the organization administering the fund in Uganda — explained that this initiative is part of a global programme sponsored by the UK government. Bethel Advisors is responsible for providing technical assistance to climate-responsive projects, with similar initiatives already underway in countries such as Colombia, Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, Turkey, and Vietnam.

For those interested in the funding, Kabagambe directed them to Bethel Advisors’ website for eligibility criteria. She noted that approximately eight projects are expected to be chosen across various sectors, including energy, water, agriculture, transport, waste management, forestry, and the broader economy. The projects must be in the pre-feasibility stage and require funding of at least $1 million (Ush3.7 billion).

Selected projects will benefit from a range of support services, including technical and financial expertise to aid in securing investments. Additionally, the support will cover the enhancement of financial models, investor pitching advice, and the integration of gender equality and social inclusion measures, with a focus on empowering women and marginalized communities.