SDG Localization in Uganda: Prospects for Climate Change Mitigation

Countries around the world are engaged in various activities toward achieving the SDGs ahead of the 2030 target date. One of the challenges of the SDG is its global nature which poses implementation challenges particularly at a country level. As a result, the progress of implementing the SDGs is slow, and there is a likelihood that they may not be achieved. Six years since adopting the SDGs, it is imperative to reflect on the progress of implementation of specific SDGs in different contexts as this may inform a realignment of the implementation strategies and documentation of best practices that can be replicated elsewhere. Uganda is struggling to achieve the SDGs because its economy is largely donor funded and its programs are restricted by the ties of funders. Resources for implementing the SDGs therefore are limited, and with the emergency of COVID-19 in early 2020, attention shifted to fighting the pandemic, dropping the focus on the implementation of the SDGs. However, Uganda (a member state of United Nations and signatory to the SDGs) is strenuously localizing the SDGs which is a critical step in the translation of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into local actions and impacts. Localizing the SDGs involves defining, implementing, and monitoring the SDGs at the local level. Critical steps to localize SDG 13 (Climate Action) have been taken as climate is central in achieving economic, social, and environment sustainability. Uganda is an agricultural country largely relying on rainfed agriculture. Therefore, climate is a determining factor for the economic development trajectory of the country as well as the reduction of hunger, poverty, malnutrition, disease, and pests and access to clean water and sanitation. This chapter examines the progress with the localization of SDG 13 in Uganda and suggests strategies for achieving it by 2030.