Shs 7bln project to strengthen to enhance environmental accountability launched in Adjumani
The four-year initiative, which is funded by the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Ireland, the Netherlands Embassy, and the Embassy of Sweden, is being implemented by local non-governmental organisations
ADJUMANI, 6 November 2024 – A Shs 7 billion project aimed at enhancing environmental accountability and climate action in the West Nile districts of Adjumani, Madi-Okollo, Obongi, and Zombo has been officially launched.
The four-year initiative, which is funded by the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Ireland, the Netherlands Embassy, and the Embassy of Sweden, is being implemented by local non-governmental organisations: Rural Initiatives for Community Empowerment [RICE], the lead partner; Friends of Zoka; and Sustainable Plan Action for Community Empowerment [SPACE].
The Consortium Project Manager Jackson Olema stated that the project’s primary focus is on environmental governance and is expected to benefit over 55,540 people across the four districts. Of these, 48 percent are women, 36 percent are youth, 10 percent are persons with disabilities, and 16 percent are men.
“We are advocating for the sustainable use of the environment, and I urge you all to understand and take ownership of this project. The environment has become an adversary to humans due to the damage we’ve inflicted on it,” Olema said.
He also pointed out that the West Nile region is experiencing significant climate challenges that are adversely affecting the livelihoods of local communities, while noting that there has been little accountability in environmental conservation efforts.
Charles Giyaya, the Natural Resources Officer for Adjumani District, highlighted that the district has been severely impacted by climate change, including flooding and drought.
“Climate change is already taking its toll. The Zoka Central Forest Reserve, a tropical forest that used to sustain rainfall in the region, has been severely degraded. As a result, the region is experiencing inadequate rainfall, which has led to food insecurity. This is only going to worsen with further climate impacts,” Giyaya said.
He added, “This project has come at the right time. It will help promote accountability, adaptation, and resilience-building within our communities. As a district, it is our responsibility to ensure that we remain accountable to the public.”
William Amanzuru, Team Leader of Friends of Zoka, expressed concern over the ongoing environmental degradation in the region’s protected areas but welcomed the project as a solution to curb environmental abuses.
“With the introduction of this project, through community dialogues and awareness campaigns, we expect to see a reduction in environmental impunity,” Amanzuru said.
Richard Edema, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, explained that the district was chosen to host the project because it is particularly vulnerable to environmental disasters.
“We face significant environmental injustices in this district, largely due to human activities, which call for immediate climate action. We must ensure that the taxpayer money invested in this project is used effectively to address these pressing challenges,” Edema stated.
Ben Anyama, the Adjumani District LCV Chairman, called on the implementing partners to ensure that the project is result-oriented and delivers tangible solutions to the environmental challenges facing the district.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between project partners, district technical teams, and stakeholders from the private sector. “We need to invest in research and come up with achievable, practical solutions to tackle these challenges,” Anyama added.
According to the project design, by the end of the four-year period, 50 percent of women, persons with disabilities, youth, and men in the target districts are expected to have access to alternative livelihoods that are more sustainable and less reliant on environmentally damaging practices.
This project is part of a broader effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the West Nile region, promoting environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable development practices.
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