Town council embraces green future as IGAD launches climate-smart initiative
KOTIDO, November 19, 2025 — In a significant step towards environmental resilience and sustainable development, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development [ IGAD ] has officially launched its ambitious Greening Initiative in Kacheri Town Council and Kacheri Subcounty.
From November 17-19, 2025, residents and local authorities are taking part in a series of activities aimed at tackling the region’s pressing environmental challenges, including drought, food insecurity and widespread deforestation.
This pilot project is a key component of IGAD’s wider programme, Enhancing Gender Equality in Access to Land Resources for Transformative Climate-Change Adaptation in the IGAD Region, and seeks to operationalise the newly drafted Physical Development Plan [PDP] for Kacheri.
Dr Addis Teshome from IGAD’s Land Governance Unit outlined the initiative’s immediate goals:
“We are committed to planting 5,000 seedlings across public spaces, schools and community woodlots. These trees will serve as vital green buffers, improve soil health and, crucially, strengthen the climate resilience of a region that has long battled the harsh realities of drought and environmental degradation.”
Community engagement was a central theme throughout the launch.
Emmanuel Oyuku Ocean, Chief Administrative Officer for Kotido district, stressed the importance of local participation, saying, “When women and youth are actively involved in planting and protecting these trees, we are not just growing forests; we are securing water sources, boosting nutrition and significantly reducing our vulnerability to natural disasters.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Kodito district LC5 Chairperson Samuel Lokoru expressed his district’s full support, saying, “ This project is a welcome and tangible partnership for sustainable development in Kotido. I urge IGAD and our development partners to consider extending this vital greening work to other sub-counties and institutions, so that every corner of our district can benefit from healthier land and a greener future.”
The Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor issued a strong call for accountability and stewardship, stating: “I implore all district staff and every community member in areas where these trees are planted to guard them meticulously until they thrive. The future of our children depends on the shade, fruit and ecological benefits these trees will provide. Let us not allow a single seedling to perish.”
The three-day programme featured stakeholder consultations, radio sensitisation to reach a wider audience, and hands-on tree-planting activities. Planting sites included the district office, Kacheri Sub-county headquarters, Kacheri Primary School, Lokiding Primary School and surrounding market areas. Locations were carefully chosen based on availability of unencumbered land, proximity to water sources and the presence of designated caretakers to ensure long-term stewardship of the young trees.
This impactful initiative is funded by the Africa Climate Change Fund [AfDB] and represents a strong collaborative effort involving Uganda’s Ministries of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Water and Environment, alongside local NGOs and women’s groups.
The project aligns with key national frameworks, including Uganda’s National Urban Policy, the Parish Development Model and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions [NDCs] under the Paris Agreement.
The Greening Initiative aims to sow the seeds of a greener, more resilient Kacheri—one better equipped to withstand climate shocks while empowering women and youth for a sustainable future.
The project also seeks to address ongoing deforestation in Kotido, where many residents, particularly men, have historically relied on charcoal burning and raiding to sustain their livelihoods.
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