Adjumani | In an effort to address climate change, Gloria Mania and 50 other environmental activists from Dzapi sub-county in Adjumani district are taking action to safeguard their surroundings.
The region faces severe environmental challenges, including frequent flooding and widespread bush burning, which threaten livelihoods and ecosystems.
To support their mission, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Ireland, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Embassy of Sweden have provided funding to equip these climate champions with bicycles.
The assistance is being channeled through Friends of Zoka, RICE West Nile, and Sustainable Plan and Action for Community Empowerment (SPACE) under the “Strengthening Environmental Accountability and Climate Action in West Nile (SEA-WN)” initiative.
Understanding the harsh effects of climate change on their communities, the champions have launched programs promoting sustainable agriculture, tree planting, and environmental conservation. Their advocacy focuses on discouraging harmful practices like bush burning while encouraging alternative land management strategies to mitigate climate change’s impact.
“We appreciate Friends of Zoka for providing us with resources that will make our work more effective. Our community has suffered immensely due to climate change,” said Mania.
Another participant, Kevin Koyoidi, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its role in empowering local communities.
“Bush burning is a major issue in our village, and rising temperatures have made farming difficult. Our crops often fail during the first planting season. With these bicycles, we can reach more people to spread awareness,” she noted.
The group is also working to combat illegal logging, charcoal burning, and deforestation, particularly in Zoka Central Forest Reserve. Their grassroots activism has helped unite the community and encourage more residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Williams Amanzuru, team leader of Friends of Zoka, explained that the SEA-WN project, which runs from August 2024 to December 2027, covers Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Obongi, and Zombo districts. Implemented by a coalition of local organizations, including Friends of Zoka, RICE West Nile, and SPACE, the initiative seeks to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable resource use.
“The 50 climate action champions will play a key role in raising awareness about environmental protection, ensuring compliance with regulations, and working with local leaders and communities on climate-related concerns. They will also serve as links between the community and relevant authorities,” Amanzuru stated.
Adjumani’s Natural Resources Officer, Charles Giyaya, cautioned that climate change poses a serious risk to water security.
“If we fail to protect our environment, access to clean and safe water for both consumption and agriculture will become a significant challenge. These champions must use this support effectively to educate their communities,” he urged.
About the project
The SEA-WN project, with a budget of Shs 7 billion, aims to improve environmental accountability and climate resilience in Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Obongi, and Zombo.
By the end of its four-year implementation, the initiative is expected to provide 50% of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and men in these districts with access to sustainable alternative livelihoods, reducing dependence on environmentally damaging activities.
This project is part of a broader effort to combat climate change in the West Nile region by promoting environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable development.
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