Major General Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister for Water and Environment, said Uganda will soon face the El Niño phenomenon, and its arrival will add more than a metre of water to Lake Victoria. He revealed that the country is torn between keeping the water and flooding Uganda or releasing it to flood other places. He said nature gives us excess water, and we’re debating what to do with it while people in some parts of Uganda are dying of hunger. He stressed the need to transfer water from waterlogged areas to water-stressed areas by creating water silos, thereby keeping the water the country needs and releasing excess water.
He emphasised the need for the government to liaise with universities to use the knowledge generated by research and put student ideas into practice. He, however, regretted that academics, technicians and politicians think within the box rather than outside it. He joked that if the box is disturbing, they should remove it and think without it.
Major. Gen. Kahinda Otafire, addressing participants of the symposium
He warned universities and governments not to wait for funders to solve local problems. He said that every form of support carries interests, and funders’ interests may not align with national interests. He encouraged universities to invest in solution-focused knowledge generation to address local problems. Students presented several innovations, and the minister promised to support one project on managing electronic waste.
The minister served as Chief Guest at the launch of the Kyambogo University Climate Finance Catalyst Hub Project on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as part of the Climate Finance Symposium for Youth and Women 2026. Under the theme: Unlocking Green Capital, Empowering Uganda’s Green Transition through Innovation, Partnerships, and Investment, the event brought together academics, civil society, government, and students. The symposium was held in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the British High Commission, GIZ, Elevate Her, CAN U, among others.
Participants in CTF 105
Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the Vice Chancellor, highlighted the role of universities in generating knowledge and innovation, stressing the need for collaboration between government and funders to find solutions to climate change. He also highlighted the shortage of professors and PhD holders, who are key drivers of research and innovation.
He appreciated the students’ presentation, which he said offers hope as students focus on new ideas and apply this knowledge to raise funds. He also appreciated government support, which has boosted research and innovation at Kyambogo and other universities.
Some participants pose for a photo after the symposium.