The Ministry of Water and Environment has called for stronger Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards to help Uganda address climate challenges while promoting responsible investment and sustainable economic growth.
The call was made on Friday, September 25, 2026, during the first National ESG Conference and Expo 2026 held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The conference was co-convened by the Ministry of Water and Environment and Envirosure Consulting, bringing together government officials, Members of Parliament, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and academia.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment said ESG requires joint action from government, businesses and communities, supported by credible data and predictable standards.
He said the Ministry’s responsibility for sustainable management of natural resources, water security and climate resilience places it at the centre of Uganda’s ESG agenda.
However, he stressed that environmental sustainability cannot be addressed separately from social equity and good governance.
“ESG bridges the gap between public policy, corporate responsibility, and grassroots community impact,” he said.
Uganda faces growing challenges including deforestation, water scarcity, pollution and vulnerability to climate change, which the ministry says threaten both the country’s environment and economy.
The Permanent Secretary urged stakeholders to move beyond simply complying with environmental requirements and instead embrace active restoration and sustainable investment.
He pointed to circular economies, green infrastructure and sustainable water management as some of the areas where Uganda can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and economic development.
The two-day conference is expected to examine practical ESG frameworks, governance readiness, sustainability reporting and how institutions can respond to emerging ESG requirements and standards.
An exhibition running alongside the conference is also showcasing approaches and innovations aimed at improving ESG performance.
The Permanent Secretary urged delegates to focus on practical outcomes, including developing recommendations for an appropriate ESG framework for Uganda and strengthening institutional capacity for ESG performance and reporting.
He also called for stronger partnerships to unlock climate finance and promote responsible investment.
He said the conference should result in commitments that are actionable, measurable and capable of being tracked beyond the event.
The ministry’s position places ESG as a broader development issue, linking environmental protection with social responsibility, institutional governance, investment and Uganda’s ability to build resilience against climate change.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for government, businesses and other stakeholders to identify practical approaches to embedding ESG principles in Uganda’s development agenda.
