Margaret Athieno Mwebesa, Uganda’s Commissioner for Climate Change and National Focal Point at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has defended the country’s substantial presence at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. Amid reports of over 600 Ugandan delegates attending the conference, Mwebesa denies accusations of pursuing per diems and insists the delegation is dedicated to meaningful participation.
Government officials from various ministries, entities like the Uganda Investment Authority, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, and Uganda National Oil Company, among others, form part of the delegation. Criticism on social media focused on the perceived high expenditure on travel, allowances, and accommodation.
Mwebesa clarified that while 600 individuals might have been registered, not all secured funding for the trip. She emphasized Uganda’s negotiation roles on different levels, including African group negotiators, Least Developed countries negotiators, and G77+China negotiators. Thematic areas such as adaptation, loss and damage, mitigation, capacity building, technology development, transfer, and food systems are represented.
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of Uganda’s presence in safeguarding sovereignty and influencing decisions impacting the country. President Museveni, represented by Prime Minister Robina Nabanja, did not attend this year. Mwebesa urged support for the delegation, emphasizing their commitment to protecting the interests of Uganda and vulnerable countries.
Besides government officials, NGOs campaigning against fossil fuels, youth supported by UN agencies, and development partners also participate. Ugandans at COP28 aim to negotiate decisions with global implications, engage major players like the International Energy Agency, and attract funds for national projects, including the Energy Transition Plan. At the conference, Uganda closed commitments of about one billion dollars, targeting a total of four billion dollars.
