Kampala, Uganda: aBi Finance has launched an intensive training program targeting top leaders of Uganda’s Tier 4 financial institutions, SACCOs, and microfinance entities, to deepen their understanding and application of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
The program, delivered in partnership with the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), kicked off with a three-day session at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, from May 5–7, 2025. It is part of a nationwide capacity-building drive aimed at embedding responsible financial practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to David Kaweesi, aBi Finance’s Investment Manager for Financial Services Development, the training equips boards and senior management with the knowledge to “set the tone, develop ESG-aligned policies and embed ESG principles across their institutions.”
“Our goal is to equip board members and senior executives with the expertise to set the tone, develop ESG-aligned policies and embed ESG principles across their institutions; from financing climate-smart agribusinesses and clean energy transitions, to advancing social inclusion, and robust risk management mechanisms,” Said Kaweesi. “This will drive sustainable business growth and meaningful community impact.
The training is part of a countrywide capacity-building initiative, with 18 sessions planned across Uganda’s key regional centers during May 2025; 12 for Tier 4 leaders and 6 tailored sessions for media professionals.
A key focus is on green and sustainable finance, with practical examples tailored to Uganda’s needs. In climate adaptation finance, participants explored funding solutions for smallholder farmers adopting drought-resistant crops, solar-powered irrigation systems, water-harvesting technologies, etc to combat erratic weather patterns.
For mitigation finance, the training highlighted support for clean energy transitions, such as SACCOs offering affordable financing solar for irrigation, energy-efficient cookstoves, eco-friendly waste management and e-mobility solutions like electric motorcycles. These initiatives reduce carbon emissions while creating affordable alternatives for underserved communities.
The program also emphasized biodiversity conservation finance, showcasing how financial institutions can back projects like agroforestry loans, eco-tourism ventures, and sustainable land management to protect ecosystems. Examples included financing beekeeping cooperatives near forest reserves and supporting wetland restoration efforts to sustain local livelihoods.
During the Kampala sessions, Cassius Musasira, a UIBFS facilitator, noted that many Tier 4 institutions already practice ESG principles informally, such as funding clean energy projects or supporting community initiatives.
“ESG aligns with African cultural values,” Musasira emphasized. “When a SACCO lends to a women’s group practicing organic farming or a microfinance institution prioritizes loans for solar dryers, they’re already advancing sustainability. This training helps standardize and scale such efforts.”
Why ESG Matters for Tier 4 Institutions
The program underscored the risks of ignoring ESG, such as loan defaults due to climate shocks or reputational damage from unfair lending practices. Conversely, adopting ESG opens doors to green investment partnerships, customer loyalty through ethical banking, and resilience against regulatory shifts toward sustainability.
By embedding these principles, Uganda’s Tier 4 financial institutions can better serve their communities while advancing financial inclusion and sustainable development.
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