Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development as one of the official sponsors of the inaugural National Private Sector Engagement Forum on Climate Finance (NaPSEF 1), held at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.
The landmark event, held under the theme “Advancing Private Sector Leadership in Climate Finance Mobilisation,” brought together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector actors to chart a new path for Uganda’s climate finance strategy.
Speaking on behalf of Equity Bank Uganda, the institution emphasised its growing role in financing green initiatives that promote innovation, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
“At Equity Bank, we believe the private sector must take a front seat in the climate transition. Our support for this Forum is part of a broader commitment to invest in sustainable solutions and unlock finance that will power Uganda’s climate resilience journey,” said a statement from the Bank.
The Forum was organised by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) with support from sponsors including PostBank, Housing Finance Bank, Stanbic Uganda, AGRA, IFAD, Grant Thornton, Roofings, Pepsi, PSFU, and international development partners such as ACELI Africa and the GRD Foundation.
State Minister for Planning, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, who officiated at the event, called on all stakeholders to seize the moment and forge new alliances that will drive green growth.
He noted that Uganda, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to climate action and has aligned itself with the revised New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which targets the mobilisation of USD 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate-related investments.
“Despite the global decline in official development assistance, Uganda sees this challenge as a catalyst for innovation and resilience,” said Minister Lugoloobi. “We must now focus on building bankable climate projects and unlocking the investment potential of our private sector.”
Representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, the Director of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), Jim Mugunga, delivered remarks that underscored the Forum’s importance as a foundation for a structured National Private Sector Engagement Framework.
“This Forum reflects our recognition of the private sector as a central player in Uganda’s climate strategy. Mobilising scalable and effective climate finance is no longer optional—it is essential to our sustainable development goals,” Mugunga said.
Participants also discussed how regulatory clarity, fiscal incentives, and cross-sector collaboration can help de-risk private investments and accelerate the development of climate-smart infrastructure, agribusiness, and renewable energy projects.
NaPSEF 1 signals a major policy shift toward inclusive climate finance in Uganda, placing the private sector at the heart of a just, low-carbon transition.
As a financial institution known for its inclusive banking model, Equity Bank Uganda’s sponsorship signals both leadership and confidence in the role of green finance as a tool for economic transformation. The Bank continues to position itself as a key player in facilitating access to climate-smart capital, particularly for SMEs and underserved communities.