The Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) has launched a multi-partnership initiative with DiploBrief, Friends of Zoka, Solidarity Uganda, and the National Association of Professional Environmentalists.
The partnerships aim to strengthen community media, digital safety, and civic engagement ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, while amplifying storytelling on key social and environmental issues.
It will empower grassroots communities, promote ethical journalism, and foster inclusive dialogue on land rights, climate justice, gender equality, and youth marginalisation.
Charles Mawadri, Head of Programs for Friends of Zoka in Adjumani, revealed that the partnership with NUMEC, which has been ongoing for five years, amplifies the voices of marginalised communities on environmental justice, human rights, women’s land rights, and agricultural advocacy.
“Holding candidates accountable during campaigns allows voters to demand environmental protection and ensures politicians can be held accountable after elections,” he added.
Friends of Zoka, established in 2016, works to fight climate injustice and protect the forest, which faces threats from illegal settlements, charcoal production, logging, and encroachment by some senior officials.
Mawadri further highlighted the importance of Zoka Forest, a 1,259-hectare tropical rainforest in West Nile.
“Zoka Forest provides vital ecological and spiritual benefits and is home to the endangered Afzelia africana tree,” he said.
He also stressed that the project will advocate for people living with disabilities, who are often excluded from leadership and land ownership. “This project will make their voices heard,” Mawadri said.
Dickens Otim, Team Leader of the C.L.O. Action Alliance, criticised past election campaigns for neglecting environmental protection. “Politicians come with money but rarely preach about land rights or climate change,” he said.
The new initiative will require candidates to plant at least 20 trees before holding rallies and include environmental protection in their manifestos.
Innocent Florence Grace Aloyo, NUMEC board member, emphasised the role of journalists in mobilising communities for environmental conservation and land rights awareness.
She highlighted the need to start environmental advocacy in schools to instil long-term habits and suggested enforcing penalties for littering to shift community behaviour.
Orick Oryem, Assistant CAO of Gulu District, expressed full support for the project, urging journalists to advocate not only for grassroots communities but also for underdeveloped local institutions. He emphasised professional ethics, warning against the misuse of journalists by politicians.
Peter Banya, Deputy Resident City Commissioner in charge of the Laroo-Pece Division, stressed the need to address poverty and build local skills beyond election cycles.
“We must ensure the 2026 elections do not undermine the peace and progress achieved in the region,” he said.
The multi-million project, valued at shs80 million, will continue beyond the election period, allowing for follow-up on politicians to ensure accountability.
It also aims to train journalists and local communities as digital ambassadors for environmental conservation and civic engagement.
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