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Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has announced its sponsorship of the Green Industry Agenda, a Uganda Manufactures’ Association (UMA) led initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable industrial growth in Uganda.

Speaking during the launch of the agenda in Kampala on Thursday, the Bank’s CEO Godfrey Sebaana who was represented by Kaziro Kyambadde, Head of Corporate and Business Banking highlighted that the agenda aligns with the bank’s sustainability goals.

“The Green Industry Agenda will not only foster industrial practices that benefit both the economy and the environment, but will also improve the quality of life for various communities across the country. Over the years, Uganda has witnessed significant economic growth, though at an environmental cost. Despite abundant renewable energy sources such as hydro and solar power, the industrial sector has, to some extent, relied on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. This has created a delicate balance between economic advancement and environmental conservation," Kyambadde said.

Through the initiative, the bank aims to enhance the sustainability of supply chains by supporting projects focused on eco-friendly materials and green logistics and provide advisory services to manufacturers, while helping them integrate sustainability into their operations and business strategies.

“We are dedicated to driving sustainability in the manufacturing sector, and its ongoing efforts will ensure long-term positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society, reinforcing our role as a leader in promoting sustainable development.”

The UMA Green Industry Agenda is a national program designed to prioritize the use of renewable energy sources and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.

According to Deo Kayemba, UMA Board Chairman, this initiative to run between 2025/26 – 2035/36, supports Uganda's development in an environmentally conscious and economically viable manner.

He added that as urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure developments accelerate a holistic, beneficiary-driven sector-level intervention.

“The initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint of Uganda's industrial sector through the introduction of better and more efficient technologies. It also seeks to increase the efficiency of available resources and transition to net-zero emissions across all value chains,” Kayemba added.

It also aims to increase climate change awareness on both mitigation and adaptation measures, as well as facilitate research for green agendas for policy, advocacy, and contribution to global climate change goals.

Over the years, UMA has spearheaded numerous initiatives geared towards environmental preservation, exemplified by recent endeavors such as the Waste Water Management Project.

About the Agenda

The strategy for the agenda under-scores six main pillars, which include; Environmental Conservation (Adaptation and Mitigation), Green Energy and Energy Transition, Green Self-Regulation Practices, Industrial and Consumer Waste Management, Capacity Building and Awareness Creation on Green Agenda, Green Research, Innovations, Policy and Advocacy

As the manufacturing sector projects a 10% growth trajectory in the coming years, UMA is mindful of the potential environmental repercussions.

Consequently, the association remains vigilant in its efforts to balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability, recognizing that responsible stewardship is essential to safeguarding the natural resources upon which the sector depends.

“We aim to reduce Uganda's industrial sector carbon footprint by 10% in three years and 25% in the next nine years, and foster the green agenda within the domestic context. Our partners like DTB will fund various projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources in manufacturing facilities,” Kayemba said.