Uganda calls for integration of climate actions in budgeting processes

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As Uganda assumes the co-chairmanship of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, minister of state for general duties, Henry Musasizi, has called on fellow finance ministers to consider climate action in the planning and budgeting processes.

Climate action refers to efforts aimed at combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as floods, droughts, according to the World Bank.  

For finance ministers to address these, they should allocate budgets for climate action to manage economic risks, seize development opportunities, and incentivise climate-informed public spending, added the World Bank.

Musasizi made the call on Thursday, after taking over the chairmanship of the coalition during the 2025 Spring meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund, which took place in Washington DC.

Minister of State for General Duties, Henry Musasizi, after taking over the co-chair position. (Courtesy)

Musasizi assumed the office on behalf of Uganda from Sri Mulyani Indrawti, the finance minister from Indonesia.

“Uganda's central focus during its co-chairmanship will be adaptation. We believe adaptation efforts are not just necessary for resilience but are also key to unlocking economic opportunities," Musasizi said.

He said Uganda will work in close partnership with all the 98 member countries and Institutional partners, including the World Bank and IM.

Musasizi was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, and other technical staff from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

This was during the 13th ministerial meeting, under the theme, Finance Ministers at the forefront: Driving Economic Prosperity, Sustainable Development and Climate Action amid Constrained Fiscal Environments.

The World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, held annually in Washington DC are key forums where discussions about global climate action and financing are held.

Participants included entrepreneurs and youth advocates, a panel of experts discussing the World Bank’s three-pillar approach, which is investing in human capital and infrastructure, creating predictable regulatory environments, and mobilising private capital and a closing dialogue between young people and global leaders.

The event was aimed at exploring the importance of properly valuing Africa’s green wealth and integrating the value of such services into national accounting systems.

It also aimed at building strategic partnerships and fostering coordination and advocacy to develop continental and global support for increased investment in valuing countries’ green wealth and mandating its inclusion when rebasing gross domestic product.