COP29: Ugandan climate activists unhappy with outcomes

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Ugandan climate activists have expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the COP29 conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Patience Nabukalu, a climate activist and organiser with Fridays for Future Uganda, who attended the November conference, says the outcomes failed to adequately address Global South's pressing concerns. Global South countries refer to those in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania.

"The costs of attending such events are prohibitive, with total costs per person amounting to over $6,000 (sh22m)," Nabukalu said.

"This raises serious questions about the accessibility of such events, particularly for activists and representatives from the Global South."

Nabukalu also criticised the lack of actionable steps to address the climate crisis, particularly regarding climate financing. 

Patience Nabukalu, a climate activist who represented Uganda at the recent COP29 in Azerbaijan. (Courtesy photo)

"We expected more than the $100b (sh368 trillion) annual climate finance pledge, but once again, the promises fall short". It should be noted that rich nations pledged to contribute at least $300b (sh1,104 trillion) annually to the global fight against climate change.

The activist's sentiments were echoed by other members of the Frontline Environmental Defenders (FED) network, a coalition of 21 youth-led Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working to combat the environmentally degrading impact of climate change.

Honey Opio, the founder and executive director of Youth on a Mission, which is based in Karamoja region's Abim district, attributed the environmental degradation in his region to poverty and illiteracy.

"Poverty has crippled the population to the extent that they rely heavily on natural resources," Opio said. "We need to come up with a strategy to get people out of poverty and address the issue of illiteracy."

Patience Nabukalu, a climate activist and organiser attached to Fridays for Future Uganda expressed her disappointment with the outcome of the recent COP29 conference that she attended in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Nabukalu said: “I was disappointed by the trip to Azerbaijan to attend COP29. The costs are too high—total costs per person amounting to $6,000 (sh22m), with the air ticket alone costing $2,000 (sh7.3m). This raises serious questions about the accessibility of such events, particularly for activists and representatives from the Global South".

She lamented that the outcomes of the conference failed to adequately address the pressing concerns of the Global South: "Despite Africa contributing less than 4% of global emissions, the continent continues to bear the brunt of climate change impacts, with devastating droughts, floods, and food insecurity. Yet, the financial and technological support promised to the region remains insufficient".

(Courtesy)

Nabukalu made these remarks at Joggies Recreation Centre in Bulaga on December 13, 2024, during a convention in which 21 civil society organisations (CSOs) united to form the Frontline Environmental Defenders (FED) network.

While she recognised some progress—such as increased discourse on loss and damage funding and a few new pledges for renewable energy investments—Nabukalu criticized the lack of actionable steps: "We need solutions that work for everyone, not just the richest nations. This COP felt more like a space for empty words than a platform for transformative change."

"Climate action must prioritise equity and justice. The Global South cannot continue to be sidelined while bearing the weight of a crisis we did not cause."

She urged leaders to consider the lived realities of communities on the frontlines of climate change. "We cannot afford another COP where the voices of the most affected remain unheard.

Nabukalu, a passionate environmental conservationist was part of the Fridays for Future (FFU) team that flew to Azerbaijan alongside her colleagues like Hilda Nakabuye and Prisca Kajumba.

Other notable attendees at the FED convention, included Regina Namugerwa a lawyer and Rotarian and environmentalist, Hashim Batya, Grace Ndyowe and Hoima based- John Kashoborozi as well as Bonnita Tukwatanise, who represented Treescape Planet Organisation.