As Uganda and the global community prepare for the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress report scheduled for June, civil society organizations (CSOs), led by the United Nations Association in Uganda (UNAU), have convened in Ntinda, Kampala to examine accountability gaps—particularly within five SDGs currently under review.
The goals in focus include SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Linda Asaba, UNAU’s Programs Manager, said the meeting was aimed at critically assessing accountability challenges within the SDGs framework.
“As CSOs, we believe it is important to examine accountability gaps across the SDGs broadly, and especially within the goals currently under review,” she noted.
Explaining the timing of the engagement, Asaba highlighted that although Uganda will not present a Voluntary National Review (VNR) this year, the annual SDG progress report still offers an opportunity for input.
She emphasized that bringing CSOs together helps identify gaps and shape their interventions, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to closing accountability gaps and advancing progress toward the goals. The discussions are also expected to inform Uganda’s annual SDG progress report coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister through the SDG Secretariat.
Alvin Mutebi, a member of the sounding board at the Royal Danish Embassy, acknowledged progress made in SDG implementation, including increased awareness, inclusive participation, localization of the goals, and efforts to build local content.
However, he noted that significant challenges remain. These include limited funding for key SDG priorities, the absence of a clear and effective coordination mechanism, and persistent information gaps—particularly in communicating SDG-related information from central institutions to ordinary citizens.
Mutebi also pointed out the low levels of public interest and participation in SDG-related discussions, underscoring the need for improved engagement strategies.
The 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be held under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all.”
