Kampala, Monday 19th October 2026 – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi and the Country Director of GIZ Uganda, Mr. James Macbeth Forbes signed an Implementation Agreement for the project “Sustainable Peatlands Management for People, Climate and Biodiversity (Peat4People)”.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Commissioner, Wetlands Management Department, Mr. David Okurut, the Head of Rural Development at GIZ, Ms. Myriam Fernando, the Peat4People Project Coordinator, Mr. Simon Baer, and other technical staff of the Ministry.
The project, valued at €9.5 Million, will run for three (3) years and will be implemented in Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, the pilot site is Nabajjuzi Wetland in Masaka District.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary appreciated the continued and cordial collaboration between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of Uganda, particularly in advancing the climate and environment agenda. He emphasized the critical importance of conserving peatlands, noting that they store vast amounts of carbon, regulate water flows, host unique biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of thousands of Ugandans.
The GIZ Country Director appreciated the strong relationship with the Ministry, the knowledge products being generated and the technical support being provided to ensure the project's success.
Through the signing of the Implementation Agreement, the two parties committed to jointly:
1. Generate science-based evidence to inform policy and decision-making.
2. Strengthen institutional frameworks for peatlands protection and restoration.
3. Pilot sustainable management practices and alternative livelihood options.
4. Enhance regional and international learning and exchanges.
The project is expected to generate valuable lessons and sustainable value chains that will enhance the management of Uganda's peatlands.