Uganda Biodiversity Fund, Ministry of Water and Environment Join Forces for Conservation

Uganda Biodiversity Fund (UBF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Water and Environment to identify financing gaps for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources. The purpose of this MoU is to cooperate in mobilizing and utilizing financial resources to support biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable natural resource management in Uganda.

The MoU was signed on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Ministry’s head offices in Luzira. Signatories included Mr. Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment; Mr. Stephen Mugabi, the Director of Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Water; Mr. David Duli, the Chairperson of UBF’s Board of Trustees; and Mr. Ivan Amanigaruhanga, the Executive Director of UBF.

During the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary noted the Ministry’s interest for partnering with UBF to promote biodiversity in Uganda, emphasizing Uganda’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving it for the world.

“Uganda is very rich when it comes to biodiversity. We have the blessing of rare species, and we should therefore use this opportunity to preserve them not only for Uganda, but for the entire world.”

He added that Uganda has several bird species, mammals, aquaculture, and tree species, some of which are still being discovered among other gifts that it should share with the rest of the world.

David Duli concurred, noting the global threat posed by the destruction of biodiversity and stressing the importance of sustaining Uganda’s economic and social well-being through conservation efforts. He mentioned ongoing collaborations with local organizations to raise funds for biodiversity conservation in Uganda.

“If we are going to sustain our economic and social economic wellbeing of our different nations across the world, especially Uganda. It is a very small country and yet heavily endowed with diversity.”

According to the MOU, the Ministry will recognize UBF’s mandate and potential to assist the Government of Uganda/MWE in managing grants and other financing models for biodiversity conservation.

The Ministry will also participate in UBF events aimed at advancing common interests and objectives related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.

UBF, on its part, will mobilize financial resources to support identified priorities and common objectives regarding biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in Uganda. It will also participate in Ministry events aimed at furthering shared interests in conservation.

Duli explained that UBF was established in 2016 to address gaps in biodiversity funding models in Uganda. The organization serves as a catalyst for mobilizing, managing, and channelling financial resources for biodiversity conservation for the benefit of current and future generations.

While UBF already collaborates with government agencies like NEMA and UNBS, Duli emphasized the importance of partnering with the Ministry to safeguard biodiversity. The meeting was attended by commissioners from the Ministry and the UBF team, including Mr. Ivan Amanigaruhanga, the Executive Director.