ABOUT CSBAG

The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) is a coalition formed in 2004 to bring together civil society organizations (CSOs) at national and district levels to influence Government decisions on resource mobilization, allocation, and utilization for equitable and sustainable development. CSBAG’s Vision is ‘a Uganda with a people-centered budget that dignifies humanity’, with a Mission ‘to work towards ensuring that resource mobilization, allocation, and utilization is inclusive for a transformed Uganda.’

1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Uganda’s development agenda is increasingly shaped by climate change impacts and the need to transition to renewable energy. The government has committed to climate action through the National Climate Change Act 2021, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Vision 2040, yet budget allocations and execution for renewable energy and climate adaptation/mitigation remain uneven and under-scrutinized. Uganda faces escalating climate-related risks, including extreme weather patterns, floods, and heatwaves, significantly impacting its economy and the livelihoods of its citizens. Addressing these challenges requires substantial financial resources, estimated at USD 28.1 billion by 2030, for adaptation and mitigation efforts (NDCs, 2022).

To ease Uganda’s reporting on climate finance, align with NDCs and NAPs, and attract international climate funds, in the FY2024/25, the government of Uganda through Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) introduced budget output codes for Climate change mitigation and adaptation as part of the country’s Climate Change Budget Tagging (CCBT). These codes allow MoFPED to identify and track climate-relevant allocations and actual spending through the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

Additionally, under the National Climate Change Act 2021, all government ministries, Departments and Agencies are required to integrate climate change measures into their budgeting and planning processes, and they cannot access funding without submitting a climate change compliance certificate. This certificate verifies that an entity has allocated resources to climate adaptation and mitigation activities and aligns with Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contribution. This creates accountability for climate action across government and unlocks climate finance by ensuring that climate considerations are not treated as an afterthought but rather embedded in national and local development planning.

However, the public remains unaware about how much has been invested in these areas (renewable energy and climate change adaptation & mitigation) and to which particular interventions amidst the increasing debate about Uganda’s vulnerability to climate change and renewable energy transition.

Therefore, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) with funding from OXFAM DANIDA under the Humanitarian, Development & Peace initiative for crisis affected population in Uganda project seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct an independent analysis of national and local government plans and budgets related to renewable energy and climate change adaptation and mitigation both at national and sub-national level considering 2 districts of Yumbe and Madi Okollo. The findings will inform evidence-based advocacy for increased transparency, accountability, and financing in these sectors.

2. ABOUT THE STUDY

The study is designed to assess how well Uganda’s national and sub-national plans and budgets address renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities. Uganda’s development agenda is increasingly shaped by climate impacts and the need for a renewable energy transition, with commitments made through the National Climate Change Act 2021, NDCs, NAPs, and Vision 2040. Despite these commitments, budget allocations and execution in these areas remain uneven and under-scrutinized, creating a gap between policy intent and actual financing.

The analysis will focus on mapping key policy, legal, and planning frameworks, and then examining budget allocations, releases, and expenditure trends for renewable energy and climate adaptation/mitigation from FY 2020/21 – FY 2024/25. It will cover National Level and 2 selected districts of Yumbe and Madi Okollo. Using public expenditure tracking and budget analysis methods, the study will cross-check data from IFMIS, and Auditor General reports to assess alignment between planned budgets, actual spending, and stated targets.

The study will specifically assess:

• The extent of adoption and utilization of climate budget codes by MDAs and Local Governments;
• Whether climate-coded expenditures correspond to actual climate-related interventions;
• The consistency between climate tagging, releases, expenditure, and outputs delivered.

The findings are intended to inform evidence-based advocacy to improve transparency, accountability, and financing for climate and energy actions. The study will identify gaps and inefficiencies in current budgeting, highlight opportunities for more climate-responsive budgeting, and produce actionable recommendations for government, CSOs, and development partners. The work will also feed into stakeholder validation and a concise policy brief for advocacy use.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The overall objective of the study is to assess the extent to which Uganda’s national and selected sub-national plans and budgets address renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities.

The specific Objectives of this study are:

• Map key policy, legal, and planning frameworks for renewable energy and climate change in Uganda.
• Analyze budget allocations, releases, and expenditure trends for renewable energy and climate adaptation/mitigation at national and selected district levels (Yumbe and Madi Okollo) for FY 2020/21 – FY 2024/25.
• Examine the consistency between climate tagging, releases, expenditure, and outputs delivered.
• Assess whether climate-coded expenditures correspond to actual climate-related interventions.
• Stakeholder consultations: Conduct KIIs with MDA officials (Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and OPM, district planners, environment and natural resource officers (Yumbe and Madi Okollo) in understanding and explaining the performance of renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities.
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improving budget transparency and climate-responsive budgeting.
• Provide actionable recommendations for government, CSOs, and development partners.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

The assessment will focus on analysis of plans and budgets on renewable energy and climate change adaptation & mitigation in Uganda (FY 2020/21 – FY 2024/25) at both national and sub-national level (Yumbe & Madi Okollo). Stakeholder consultations with MDA officials (Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and OPM), district planners, environment and natural resource officers (Yumbe and Madi Okollo) in understanding and explaining the performance of renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities.

5. METHODOLOGY

The consultant is expected to employ a mixed-method approach that supports evidence-based analysis including the following methods:

• Document review: Examine NDP IV, NDCs, NAPs, Energy Policy 2023, Budget Framework Papers, National Budget Estimates, Ministerial Policy Statements, and relevant district plans/budgets.
• Budget analysis: Use Public Expenditure Tracking and Budget Analysis methodologies to assess allocations and execution.
• Data triangulation: Cross-check budget data with IFMIS, and Auditor General reports.
• Validation: Present preliminary findings to a stakeholder validation workshop organized by CSBAG.

6. DELIVERABLES

The consultant will deliver the assignment within 45 working days and not later than 20th July 2026. The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan, data collection tools, and list of target institutions (within 2 days of contract signing).
• Draft Report: Preliminary findings shared with CSBAG for input and feedback.
• Final Report: Incorporating all feedback and providing a comprehensive analysis, policy recommendations, and stakeholder action plan.
• Policy Brief: A 3–5-page summary of findings and key advocacy messages.
• PowerPoint Presentation: For dissemination to stakeholders.

7. DURATION

The assignment will be undertaken within 45 working days, with final outputs delivered not later than 20th July 2026.

8. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Development Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in public finance management, budget analysis, and/or climate Policy in Uganda/East Africa.
• Proven experience conducting budget tracking and policy analysis for CSOs or government.
• Strong knowledge of Uganda’s PFM system, climate policy, and energy sector.
• Demonstrated skills in stakeholder engagement and report writing.
• Proven experience conducting similar studies in Uganda or within the EAC region.
• Sound understanding of climate change frameworks and national commitments, and climate programming.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and writing skills.
• Excellent report writing and stakeholder engagement experience.

Technical quality is evaluated based on the following grid:

9. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested consultants or firms should submit a technical and financial proposal comprising the following:

The technical proposal should include:

• Cover letter showing availability and competence.
• A brief understanding of the ToRs and critique.
• Proposed methodology and tools considering ethical aspects.
• Work plan and timelines.
• Team composition and CVs (Including lead and associates/assistants).
• Evidence of similar work done (at least two with references).

Financial proposal should include:

• Only cost items quoted in Uganda Shillings (UGX).
• A detailed budget breakdown covering professional fees (daily rates for all team members), travel costs, accommodation, data collection costs, and any other relevant associated costs.
• Validity period of the proposed cost estimates.
• Proposed payment schedule linked to deliverables.

Submit applications to:

The Executive Director
Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)
P.O. Box 660, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda
Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close, Ntinda-Stretcher Road
Email: procurement@csbag.org
Deadline: 5:00 PM, 5th June 2026

Note: The email subject line should clearly state “Analysis of Renewable Energy and Climate Change Planning and Financing”