The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and Church of Uganda (COU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly undertake interventions to address the prevailing climate change challenges.
The signing of the MOU took place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the Provincial Secretariat of the Province of the Church of Uganda at Namirembe, Kampala.
Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary signed on behalf of Church of Uganda while Eng. Dr. Michael N. Mugerwa, the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, signed on behalf of UNOC.
Adams Sadiiki, the Communications Officer for Church of Uganda said that, they are cognizant of the fact that, addressing the climate change crisis will require sustained collaborative efforts, national solidarity, and ambitious commitments.
He said that, the interventions will be coordinated through the recently launched Alliance for Climate Resilience (ACR).
“This commitment is intended to foster a structured cooperation among the two entities in advancing the ACR goals,” Sadiiki said.
According to Sadiiki, UNOC and COU commit to collaborating on various initiatives under the Alliance, which will safeguard the planet and ensure the well-being of current and future generations.
Mugerwa said that, through this strategic partnership, the Alliance will enhance carbon emissions.
“Through this strategic partnership, the Alliance will enhance carbon emissions uptake through conservation of forests and wetlands, mobilize climate financing, support local communities in adapting to climate-related risks, and raise grassroots-level awareness about climate change,” Mugerwa said.
Rev. Ongeng applauded UNOC, adding that, the partnership is critical to both institutions.
However, according to Sadiiki, the collaboration under the MOU will include the following;
Conservation of already existing natural resources, reforestation and afforestation of selected areas as identified by all COU Dioceses.
Mobilization of financial resources and expertise to support the implementation of conservation, reforestation, and afforestation management plans.
Support local communities to establish and manage selected climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives at household level, among others.
Uganda signed and ratified both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol (KP), then signed and ratified the Paris Agreement thus committing itself to the adoption and implementation of policies and measures designed to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.
