Uganda has reached a major milestone in its climate journey with the official launch of the National Climate Change (Climate Change Mechanism) Regulations 2025, commonly referred to as the Carbon Market Regulations.
These regulations mark a critical step forward in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 6, which enables countries to cooperate on emissions reductions through international carbon markets.
The launch event brought together over 200 stakeholders from government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, cultural institutions, youth groups and development partners.
The regulations are expected to unlock new opportunities for climate finance, drive sustainable development, and create green jobs in key sectors such as forestry, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Uganda, a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 1993, has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate action. With vast natural resources and a strong political commitment to environmental sustainability, the country is leveraging its carbon sink potential to catalyze inclusive and climate-resilient growth.
The development of the Carbon Market Regulations was led by the Climate Change Department (CCD) under the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its flagship global initiative, the Climate Promise.
“Carbon markets offer Uganda a transformational opportunity to attract climate finance, create green jobs, and deliver inclusive growth while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Ian King, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
“UNDP is proud to support the Government of Uganda in this bold step through our Climate Promise initiative, working to align national climate action with global ambition.”
The new regulations provide a comprehensive framework for: Measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
Registration and oversight of verifiers and validators; Approval and implementation of climate change mitigation projects; Ownership and benefit-sharing of carbon credits and validation, verification, and international transfer of carbon credits.
The Carbon Market Regulations are designed to ensure that mitigation projects meet the highest standards of environmental integrity and sustainable development, while also contributing to the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
Through this regulatory framework, Uganda aims to empower communities and local stakeholders to participate meaningfully in carbon market projects. These efforts will not only enhance mitigation outcomes but also promote environmental stewardship and resilience at the grassroots level.
