Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has announced its sponsorship of the Green Industry Agenda, an initiative led by the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA) aimed at promoting sustainable industrial growth in Uganda.
Represented by Kaziro Kyambadde, Head of Corporate and Business Banking at DTB, the bank’s CEO, Godfrey Sebaana, emphasized that supporting the Green Industry Agenda will have numerous benefits for the economy, environment, and communities across the country.
Uganda has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, but this growth has come at an environmental cost. Despite having abundant renewable energy sources, such as hydro and solar power, the industrial sector has partially relied on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.
This delicate balance between economic advancement and environmental conservation prompted the launch of the UMA Green Industry Agenda, which prioritizes the use of renewable energy sources and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The 10-year program, launched on July 25, 2024, focuses on environmental sustainability, aiming to conserve the natural ecosystem and promote the adoption of renewable energies.
During the launch event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Deo Kayemba, the UMA Executive Board Chairman, emphasized the significance of this initiative for environmental protection.
He stated that the manufacturing sector recognizes its shared responsibility to prioritize green practices and integrate them into business strategies.
Dr. Munir Safieldin, the UNICEF Representative to Uganda, highlighted the potential of the manufacturing sector as a game-changer for Uganda.
He encouraged the adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies to reduce the carbon footprint.
The launch of the Green Energy Agenda demonstrates a strong commitment from the manufacturing sector, with the hope that future generations will benefit from a greener Uganda.
The Premier, Nabbanja, acknowledged Uganda’s vulnerability to environmental shocks, including flash floods, landslides, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures.
She emphasized the need to create new jobs and economic opportunities through the green industry, particularly in areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly manufacturing. Uganda currently boasts over 8,000 industries, contributing significantly to the economy and employing over 1.8 million Ugandans.
Additionally, the industrial sector contributes approximately 33% of the country’s tax collection.
Nabbanja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wetland protection, emphasizing that no one will be spared in the National Environment Management Authority’s actions against encroachers.
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