Uganda Development Bank (UDB) says it has mobilised at least $200 million for its Climate Finance Facility as it seeks new partners to fund projects such as irrigation schemes and electric public transport.
Dr Francis Mwesigye, UDB’s director of economic research and knowledge management, announced the figure at the Pre-COP31 National Forum in Kampala. He said the bank had used successive United Nations climate summits to raise money for the facility.
The facility helps the bank identify projects that can attract investment, assess climate risks and design financing for businesses. It backs projects that cut emissions or help communities adapt to climate change.
UDB has committed Shs200 million as lead sponsor of the Uganda Pavilion at COP31. The pavilion will serve as a meeting point for Uganda’s delegation, investors and development partners. The summit is scheduled to run from November 9 to November 20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye.
State Minister for Environment Beatrice Anywar, who will lead Uganda’s delegation, said the country would push for climate funding that is easier to access. Uganda will seek grants to help communities adapt, with a focus on the needs of least developed countries.
Ms Anywar said farmers need dependable water supplies to cope with recurring drought and reliable weather forecasts to plan their work. She urged government agencies, local authorities and development partners to prepare credible proposals, identify sources of funding and report on results.
UDB plans to host three events at COP31. One will explore how to attract investment in climate projects. Another will focus on financing electric buses, motorcycles and charging stations. The third will examine how public and private funding can help build large irrigation schemes and connect farms to them.
The bank also signed a memorandum of understanding at the Kampala forum to promote investment in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable infrastructure and green manufacturing. COP31 will mark UDB’s fourth consecutive appearance at the summit and its second year as lead sponsor of the Uganda Pavilion.
