C0012 Uganda

On 11 January 2025, the IRM registered a complaint concerning a fatal drowning incident in south-western Uganda with potential relevance to GCF-funded project FP034, “Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda” (FP034). The complainants requested and were granted confidentiality in accordance with the PGs and TOR. .

The complaint relates to a drowning incident of an 8-year-old girl that occurred in 2023 in South-Western Uganda. The incident took place at a water retention facility or 'pond' that was under construction, and located adjacent to wetlands. The IRM team visited the site of the incident and spoke with affected community members to ascertain relevance and potential linkages to GCF project sites. Through a review of project documentation and information that included eyewitness accounts the IRM was able to confirm that several GCF project activities and stakeholder engagements, in and around the sub-county and wetland system, had been under implementation around the time of the incident.

On 10 February 2025,  the IRM determined the complaint to be eligible. During the initial steps phase, the IRM team engaged with complainants and other stakeholders to understand the issues in the complaint and to provide further information on the next steps available to process the complaint. Complainants reported experiencing adverse livelihood impacts as a result of project activities. Following numerous engagements with the IRM, both in person and virtually, complainants indicated that dispute resolution was their preferred choice of process for handling the complaint. The IRM further confirmed that the Executing Entity was also willing to engage in a dispute resolution process with an aim to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses concerns raised in the complaint.

Between June and October 2025, a comprehensive problem-solving process was facilitated by the IRM team and the UNDP's Stakeholder Grievance Response team. On 6 novembe 2025, a problem-solving agreement was reached between the complainants and the Executing Entity, the Ministry of Water and Environment of the Republic of Uganda. The UNDP was an observer to the process and extended its support in its role as the Accredited Entity. Parties decided to keep the agreement confidential. Parties further agree that the outcome of the problem-solving process is focused on providing livelihood support to affected family members, and does not redress the loss of life. 

The case has been moved to the problem solving monitoring stage for the IRM to monitor parties' commitments included in the agreement until all actions are completed and the case is closed.