Core Functions of the Network

1. Research and Policy analysis
Objective: To promote and facilitate research and document progress, capture the impact of different intervention measures and foster shared learning from climate change interventions in Uganda.

2. Lobbying and Advocacy
Objective: To enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to lobby and advocate for the management of climate change and its impacts in Uganda and at regional and international level.

Advocate for effective policies and programmes related to climate change by engaging with the government as well as other national and international agencies. CAN-U should focus on the following themes for advocacy:

• Incorporate climate change related challenges, adaptation, mitigation and urgently required responses into the regular programmes of government as well as other development agencies
• Ensure that the process of preparing international negotiations like COPs are participatory, transparent and efficient by engaging in constructive dialogue and coordination with the concerned stakeholders as well as providing technical input as and when required.
• Encourage government to take advantage of opportunities for carbon finance and other funding mechanisms related to climate change to mobilize resources for initiating clean development and adaptation programmes and promote climate resilience and low carbon economic development in Uganda.
• Assist CSOs and government to clarify Uganda’s position and strengthen its ability to raise its voice and effectively negotiate at COP/MOPs and other international meetings so as to ensure that international decisions are favorable to countries like Uganda.

3. Capacity Building and Information sharing
Objective: To build the capacity of civil society organizations, community based organizations and communities on management of the impacts of climate change and variability.

• Raise awareness among key stakeholders (relevant government officials, civil society, researchers, professionals, media, students and the general public including vulnerable communities and groups) through the following programs: Regular interaction programmes, seminar and workshops; Networking and coordination ; Education programmes ;  & Media campaigns.
• Build capacity on issues such as mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, carbon finance and international negotiations among key stakeholders.

4. Mitigation and adaptation initiatives

5. Coordinate activities among members.

This will be done through:

• Regular meetings and sharing of information through e-newsletter and web site.

• Exchange, compile, process and disseminate information related to climate change in the Ugandan context through an active web site, publications, and resource centers.
• Build strong linkages and partnership with local, regional and national civil society organizations, networks, and groups to agree on common objectives for addressing climate change issues in Uganda.
• Build partnership and network with national and international groups involved in the climate change sector.

5. Resource mobilization (for the network and its members)

Objective: To ensure that there are adequate resources (human, financial) for network activities and other activities that may require network intervention. Identifying mechanisms for resource mobilization including Stakeholder analysis (who has what).