Green Stories Uganda Newsletter | VOL 6 ??

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In a bold move to cement our contribution to inspiring more people to adopt sustainable actions, we have launched the "Women in Green Entrepreneurship Showcase." Through this initiative, we seek to celebrate women in green entrepreneurship and inspire more women to join this significant space.

In this edition we bring you notable green stories like Uganda-Denmark Partnership Day, the recent announcement by NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) regarding their inaugural National Environment Sustainability Awards and more.

Here's a rundown of these exciting green stories. ??

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Thanks,

Patrick Seremba.

Green News Curator

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This week, the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda hosted the Uganda-Denmark Partnership Day 2024, bringing together hundreds of stakeholders to discuss driving positive impact across critical areas such as climate change, green job creation, resilience, refugee response, and accountability.

The occasion marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Denmark and Uganda, which has spanned over 3 decades. The two nations have collaborated extensively on initiatives focused on climate, environment, agriculture, refugee response, gender, civil society, accountability, and human rights etc.

The event was graced by dignitaries including Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Leader of Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, and Danish Ambassador H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, celebrated the launch of the new Bilateral Development Program for 2023-2028. This 650 million DKK (approximately 360 billion UGX) program will see around 60% of the funding directed towards green initiatives, with a particular emphasis on climate adaptation.

"Uganda is a valued partner in global climate policy, and together we strive for a greener future," added Ambassador Albjerg.

However, the event also highlighted the need for greater climate action in Uganda. Phionah Boonabaana, a member of the EU Youth Sounding Board, noted that while the country has made progress with the National Climate Change Act (2021), implementation remains a challenge. "Uganda's climate change policy needs a boost. Let's push for action, not just words!" she urged. Stakeholders engaged in dynamic discussions on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The event also provided a platform to showcase Denmark's support for Uganda's vibrant civil society. Ambassador Albjerg highlighted the partnerships that empower youth, women, and human rights advocates across the nation, fostering open and honest dialogue on even the most challenging topics.

As the celebrations and discussions continued, it was clear that the Denmark-Uganda partnership has entered a new era of strengthened bilateral ties and a shared commitment to driving sustainable development and climate action in the years ahead. For Details.

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In a significant step towards a sustainable future, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced the inaugural National Environment Sustainability Awards. Scheduled for June 28th, 2024, this prestigious event will recognize exceptional initiatives that drive efficient resource use, pollution prevention, and ecosystem health.

The awards aim to celebrate innovative sustainable practices and nominees will be evaluated based on their tangible environmental impacts.

The National Environment Sustainability Awards come at a critical time as Uganda grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change and ecological degradation, by recognizing and rewarding sustainability champions, NEMA hopes to catalyze a nationwide shift towards more eco-friendly policies and behaviors. For Details.

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In the heart of Uganda, a pioneering startup studio called Rootical is working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and equitable food system. Founded by Hannes Van den Eeckhout, Rootical is taking a unique approach to nurturing purpose-driven entrepreneurs and building regenerative agri-food businesses.

Uganda, known as the "Organic Champion Nation," has over 400,000 certified organic farmers - the highest in Africa and second only to India globally. However, the country is also seeing a rise in the use of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals, threatening the delicate balance of its natural ecosystems.

Rootical's mission is to empower entrepreneurs to create commercially viable, scalable, and impactful businesses that can help reverse this trend. Unlike traditional incubators, Rootical operates as a "startup studio," providing hands-on support from the ideation stage through to launch and ongoing mentorship.

"Rootical is Uganda's first regenerative startup studio," explains Hannes. We bring together talent, ideas, and resources to germinate startups with the power to make a lasting impact in the food system.

In the past year, Rootical has trained 40 food system entrepreneurs, with 37% taking on new roles in the agri-food sector and 50% experiencing career advancements. Importantly, 86% of participants reported implementing changes in their organizations as a result of the regenerative business training.

Looking ahead, Rootical plans to launch its second cohort in Uganda in October 2024 and is exploring expansion to other East African countries. The startup studio has already secured over $1 million in funding and $100,000 in direct startup capital to support its mission.

"If there's one thing we are learning, it's that we're in the business of talent," says Hannes. We are striving to become exceptional at attracting, selecting, and nurturing the right founders - those with a mix of drive, entrepreneurial mindset, commitment, and availability.

By investing in purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Rootical aims to catalyze a demand-driven transition to a more fair, inclusive, and regenerative food system in Uganda and beyond. As the country looks to harness its natural advantages, initiatives like Rootical could play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable agricultural future.

A Rootical Way Of Building Impactful Agri-Businesses – Full Story!

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Laban M Joshua |?Director |?GRO Foundation Uganda? - Expert Contributor

As the global focus on sustainability grows, Uganda's cultural, religious, and large corporate entities are playing a pivotal role in driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.

Our new assessment examines the current state of ESG compliance among these entities and explores how they can effectively participate in the lucrative global carbon markets.

We find that while cultural and religious organizations in Uganda already engage in environmental and social initiatives, they often lack formal ESG compliance mechanisms and governance structures. Meanwhile, large corporations have begun integrating environmental management, but comprehensive ESG strategies remain limited.

To address these gaps, we recommend establishing standardized ESG frameworks tailored to the Ugandan context, providing capacity building, and implementing policies that incentivize ESG compliance. Crucially, we call for supporting the development of carbon credit projects that meet international certification standards, as well as facilitating high-level access to global carbon markets.

"Uganda's cultural, religious, and corporate entities have a unique opportunity to position the country's economy in the global carbon markets," says Laban. "By aligning with ESG principles, they can drive sustainability while unlocking new economic opportunities.

With the right support and strategies, Uganda's diverse entities can play a pivotal role in achieving global environmental goals while bolstering the nation's economic future. Read Full Story!

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As Uganda grapples with the heavy environmental toll of its logistics networks, local businesses are stepping up with innovative approaches to make their supply chains more sustainable.

In an interview, David Ssengendo, Procurement & Admin Manager at e-commerce giant Jumia Uganda, outlined some of the critical challenges the country faces. "Key problems include high carbon emissions from fossil fuel-dependent transportation and manufacturing, improper waste disposal leading to soil and water contamination, as well as unsustainable land use practices.” he explained.

However, Ssengendo noted that Jumia and other Ugandan companies are taking concrete actions to address these issues. Jumia, for instance, has introduced electric delivery vehicles and biodegradable packaging to reduce its environmental footprint. The company has also invested in optimizing logistics through emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics to minimize waste.

Other firms are exploring innovative solutions as well. Some are investing in energy-efficient factories powered by renewable sources like solar energy. Community-based recycling programs are also sprouting up to tackle the country's waste management woes.

According to Ssengendo, some of the primary barriers to wider adoption of sustainability practices are the high costs of green technologies, lack of recycling infrastructure, limited awareness about sustainability benefits, and insufficient government support through policies and incentives.

To overcome these hurdles, Ssengendo believes the Ugandan government must play a catalytic role. "We need the government to provide incentives, strengthen regulations, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and promote education around best practices," he said.

Looking ahead, Ssengendo envisions an ideal future with a "zero-waste, carbon-neutral supply chain system that also benefits local communities." Achieving this vision will require Ugandan companies to continue innovating while collaborating with the government and other stakeholders.

As Uganda charts a more sustainable path for its logistics networks, the ingenuity and leadership of local businesses could pave the way for a greener future.

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Green Stories Uganda, a digital multimedia ecofriendly brand, is on a mission to aggregate, contextualize, and amplify green information, making it accessible to inspire and sustain a mindset of sustainability within its audience.

At the heart of this endeavor lies the Green Story Showcase: “Women in Green Entrepreneurship " an ambitious initiative that celebrates, empowers, and amplifies the stories of Ugandan women entrepreneurs who are driving sustainability and environmental stewardship through their businesses.

The core objectives of this showcase are multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to provide a prominent platform for inspiring women to share their journeys, innovative business models, and positive impact. This initiative seeks to encourage more women to pursue green entrepreneurship, shining a spotlight on successful role models and green economy opportunities.

Secondly, the showcase aims to foster a supportive network and ecosystem for these women entrepreneurs. Enabling connections, collaborations, and access to valuable resources, the initiative hopes to empower these change-makers to scale their businesses and amplify their reach. Participants will benefit from priority story placement, profiling, audience access, and opportunities for green finance, skilling, and talent connections to support their entrepreneurial journeys. Express your interest to showcase!

As the women in green entrepreneurship showcase unfolds, Green Stories Uganda invites the nation to join in celebrating these inspiring role models, fostering a future where sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a way of life. For Details.

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As the sun sets over the lush, rolling hills of Uganda, a quiet transformation is taking place, one solar panel at a time. At the heart of this revolution is LUK Solar, a pioneering social enterprise that is bringing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to the country's rural communities.

LUK Solar was born out of a profound need – the need to provide safe, clean energy to the 70% of Ugandans who lack access to the national grid. Founded in 2015 by John Baptist Walusimbi and his German partners, Kurt Zügner and Lisa Zügner, the company has since grown under the leadership of Walusimbi's son, Jude Kigozi, who joined the team in 2018.

"Our business model is unique," says Kigozi, we focus on providing scalable solar systems, solar fridges, and solar lighting that are accessible and affordable, even for the most remote communities. This focus on productive use and pay-as-you-go financing has set LUK Solar apart, enabling them to make a tangible impact on the lives of those they serve.

And the impact is undeniable. In just a few short years, LUK Solar has installed over 10,000 solar home systems in more than 20 villages, benefiting over 40,000 households. They've also created 30 jobs for their Solar Scouts and partnered with women's groups, training them in the handling of solar products. The results have been transformative – improved school performance, enhanced security, and increased incomes for some women.

But the journey has not been without its challenges. “Payment defaults and reaching remote areas have been our biggest hurdles," Kigozi acknowledges. We've adapted, using solar-powered e-bikes, the PayGops app, and an online dashboard to monitor and support our field agents.

As LUK Solar looks to the future, their ambitions are bold and unwavering. "Our products will become ubiquitous in Ugandan households," Kigozi declares. We plan to expand to more districts, targeting the 70% of the population without access to reliable energy. Our goal is to establish LUK Solar as the go-to brand for village energy solutions.

It's a vision fueled by a deep commitment to sustainability, job creation, and community empowerment. With the support of their founders and partners, LUK Solar is rewriting the renewable energy narrative in rural Uganda, one solar panel at a time. For Details.

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Tree Adoption Uganda , a youth-led social enterprise, is on a mission to create communities where people and nature flourish. Through tree planting initiatives and environmental education, the organization works to combat deforestation and landscape degradation in Uganda.

This Sunday, June 16th June, the organization is hosting the #Run4Climate event to increase awareness about the pressing impacts of climate change and raise funds to restore Uganda's degraded landscapes.

Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate and show their support for a greener, more sustainable future. This is our chance to come together as a community and make a real difference! For Details.

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Raising ambition, accelerating action: towards enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions for forests launched! Read more on the report!

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