KAMPALA, June 14, 2025 – Uganda has taken a significant step towards accelerating climate action with the launch of a new regulatory framework to govern its national carbon market.
The National Climate Change Mechanism 2025 was officially inaugurated in Kampala recently, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to realising Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon trading.
As a long-standing signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] since 1993, Uganda is positioning itself as a regional leader in climate action and sustainable development.
The newly launched guidelines are expected to unlock opportunities for climate finance, spur the creation of green jobs in sectors such as forestry, renewable energy, and agriculture, and support the country’s broader sustainable development agenda.
Ian King, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], highlighted the transformative potential of the carbon market for Uganda.
“Carbon markets offer Uganda a transformational opportunity to attract climate finance, create green jobs, and deliver inclusive growth while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals,” said King.
“UNDP is proud to support the Government of Uganda in this bold step through our Climate Promise initiative, which seeks to align national climate action with global ambition.”
The development of the Carbon Market Regulations was led by the Climate Change Department [CCD] under the Ministry of Water and Environment [MWE], with both technical and financial backing from the UNDP.
The new regulations will provide a comprehensive framework for: Measuring and reporting greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions; Approving and implementing various mitigation schemes; Facilitating the international transfer of carbon credits; Ensuring transparent benefit-sharing of carbon revenues; Establishing robust monitoring and verification systems
By promoting environmental integrity and accountability, the regulations aim to support Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contribution [NDC] and advance the country’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy [LT-LEDS].
The MWE envisions the framework as a tool to empower communities and stakeholders to actively participate in carbon market projects. This is seen as not only a means of benefiting financially but also as a pathway to strengthen climate resilience and promote grassroots mitigation efforts.
While Uganda has historically shown limited commitment to environmental sustainability, the introduction of these regulations marks a turning point. The government, private sector, and local communities now have a clear framework to enhance participation in climate mitigation and drive meaningful environmental action.
https://thecooperator.news/global-carbon-pricing-revenues-top-a-record-us-100bln/
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