As Uganda pursues long-term economic transformation, any major changes—such as modernizing or greening its transport systems—must be implemented in a way that safeguards livelihoods and expands opportunities for all. The Uganda Just Transition Framework (2025) provides the national blueprint for achieving this goal, outlining how government, communities, and development partners can ensure that no one is left behind as structural changes unfold. The framework was developed by the Ugandan National Planning Authority (NPA), with technical and financial support from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the African Development Bank.
A recent transport sector study, conducted by the African Development Bank with support from CIF and in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport, provides a practical example of how the Just Transition Framework would operate. While the study does not indicate that Uganda is yet ready to formally transition its transport systems, it demonstrates the type of analysis necessary for sector-wide reforms.
The study assessed the potential impacts of introducing cleaner mobility options, such as electric motorcycle taxis and minibuses, on jobs, incomes, gender equity, and community welfare. Under the Just Transition Framework, any transport shift would begin with a screening for social welfare risks, considering how drivers, mechanics, informal operators, or low-income commuters might be affected and whether new technologies would increase or reduce household costs.
Planners must then undertake detailed analysis to identify which groups are most vulnerable, including women traders, youth riders, informal sector workers, small repair businesses, or regional transport hubs. They also evaluate how changes in mobility systems could affect access to essential services, land use, and local government revenues.
The framework emphasizes broad stakeholder engagement, ensuring that communities and individuals who rely on the current transport economy help shape priorities, identify risks, and co-design mitigation measures. It also accounts for regional differences and the impact of gender on transport work.
Based on this analysis, the government would develop targeted support strategies, such as skills training for workers adapting to new technologies, access to credit for small operators, measures to expand opportunities for women, and protections for communities affected by new infrastructure. These strategies are designed to be realistic, financed, and aligned with national development objectives.
All approved measures are consolidated into a Just Transition action plan, which is integrated into Uganda’s national planning and budgeting processes to ensure sustainability, accountability, and long-term monitoring.
The collaboration supporting both the framework and the transport study reflects a strong partnership between CIF and the African Development Bank, two institutions working across Africa to promote equitable, climate-aligned development. Their long-standing engagement in Uganda spans infrastructure, energy, and social development programs.
This partnership positions Uganda to prepare for future sector transitions, particularly in transportation, by focusing on outcomes that are inclusive, data-driven, and rooted in social equity, ensuring that economic transformation benefits all segments of society.
