The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Masaka, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A coalition of civil society organizations operating in the greater Masaka sub-region, known as the Community Transformation Network (COTFONE), has launched a campaign urging local government leaders to champion environmental preservation in the area.
Denis Luis Bukenya, the Programs Coordinator at COTFONE, noted that many lower-level leaders are shifting responsibility for protection to the police and technocrats, whose presence in these matters is limited. Bukenya explained their plan to use their network of CSOs to assess and profile leaders based on their contributions to environmental conservation.
This initiative aims to hold these leaders accountable for any destructive environmental practices occurring within their areas. As part of their campaign, Bukenya mentioned engaging with different leaders to remind them of their environmental responsibilities and to raise awareness about the adverse effects of climate change, prompting appropriate actions.
Bukenya also disclosed plans within their three-year project to promote discussions about alternative clean energy sources that communities can adopt, reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation.
Elena Nalule, a CSO Community Monitor in Lwengo district, emphasized the need to engage with men to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. She highlighted that men often contribute significantly to environmentally harmful practices and suggested involving them as agents of change, starting at the household level.
Nalule emphasized the importance of engaging men to realize the negative impacts of their actions and to become proactive in environmental conservation efforts.
Vincent Birumuye, the Vice Chairperson of Lwengo district, welcomed the campaign, expressing hope that it would revitalize lower local councils to actively participate in environmental preservation. He noted that village and parish council leaders are entrusted with safeguarding the environment but highlighted their reluctance to report and prevent environmental destruction.
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