C0010 Uganda

On 3 April 2024, IRM received a complaint alleging adverse impacts related to the implementation of GCF funded project FP034 "Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda." The IRM acknowledged receipt on 8 April, 2024 and subsequently proceeded to determine elibility of the complaint. Complainant(s) have raised several concerns related to implementation of the project including restrictions on access to wetlands, lack of compensation and/or adequate consultation, increased food insecurity and impoverishment of wetland-dependent communities and increased threats to community health, security and safety, among others. During eligibility determination, IRM gathered information including first-hand accounts of harms alleged and detailed description of livelihood and wetlands demarcation activities in more than one district where the GCF-funded project is being implemented. On 8 May 2024, determined the complaint to be eligible.

The complainant(s) requested and were granted confidentiality, per the IRM PGs and a result of the IRM's retaliation risk assessment. The complainant(s) are represented by a civil society organization who in the initial steps phase agreed to lift its confidentiality to enable more efficient communication with relevant stakeholders and parties to the process.

The deadline for the initial steps was to lapse on 7 July 2024, but this deadline was extended to 10 November 2024 due to the complexities involved in the case, including the large scope of the project, numerous stakeholders involved in the project and the complaint, as well as the limitations in employing efficient communication tools. During initial steps, the IRM engaged with complainant(s) and relevant parties to provide further information on the next steps and options available to process the complaint, involving meetings and two missions in Uganda to meet with stakeholders. At the conclusion of the initial steps phase, the parties agreed to pursue problem-solving as the preferred complaint-processing modality.