Uganda has taken a decisive step toward greening its financial system with the launch of a Sustainable Finance Curriculum, a landmark initiative aimed at embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) values into the country’s banking and investment practices.
The programme, introduced in Kampala, is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and aBi Finance, supported by the European Union, the Royal Danish Embassy and Impact Fund Denmark. It seeks to strengthen the ability of financial institutions to align profitability with sustainability, ensuring that the flow of capital supports responsible and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi Ego, the Executive Director for Bank Supervision, David Kalyango, said the new curriculum marks a defining moment for Uganda’s financial sector. He urged banks and other institutions to think beyond immediate profits and consider the long-term environmental and social consequences of their operations.
“The time has come for every financial decision to reflect not just economic value but also the sustainability of our communities and the environment that sustains them,” Kalyango said.
He noted that Uganda’s reliance on agriculture a sector highly exposed to climate change, makes it essential for financial actors to anticipate and mitigate related risks. Without proper safeguards, he warned, climate impacts could slow economic progress and reduce national output over the coming decades.
The new curriculum introduces practical modules on climate risk assessment, sustainable lending practices, green product design, sustainability reporting, and responsible governance. It also guides institutions on managing their “financed emissions”, the indirect carbon footprint generated through loans and investments.
According to aBi Finance CEO Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, the curriculum is designed to empower banks, microfinance institutions, and fintech companies to finance solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting natural ecosystems.
“This programme is about creating financial professionals who see sustainability as both good business and good citizenship,” she said.
UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde described the initiative as a cornerstone in modernising Uganda’s financial education, saying it will equip bankers with the competence to lead the transition toward a more sustainable economy.
The launch aligns with Uganda’s broader policy reforms under the National Green Finance Taxonomy and Green Bond Framework; both aimed at positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable finance.