By KT Reporter
The Ministry of Water and Environment is set to launch a climate resilience project in Pader District and eleven other districts under the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR). Scheduled to begin in January 2025, the three-year initiative aims to address the effects of climate change while improving local livelihoods.
The other districts included in the project are Yumbe, Rakai, Kibaale, Lwengo, Ngora, Ntungamo, Kalaki, Kalungu, Pakwach, Kaabong, and Karenga. A total of 540 million UGX has been allocated to Pader District from the project’s overall funding of 50 million euros (approximately 237.7 billion UGX). Commissioner Latim Joel confirmed the initiative during community consultations on 29 November 2024 in Kalangore Parish, Pukor Sub-County, and Awalmon Parish, Pajule Town Council.
During the consultations, residents identified tree planting, road construction, and dam digging as their top priorities, which the ministry pledged to support. Latim said these projects are a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to building climate-resilient communities. “By working closely with residents, we ensure the projects address their needs and foster sustainable development,” he added.
Residents expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Acan Irene, from Kalangore Parish, Pukor Sub-County, highlighted the importance of tree planting in reducing high temperatures, encouraging rainfall, and generating income through fruit sales. “This project will help us fight climate change and improve our livelihoods,” she said.
Fredrick Too-willy Okumu emphasized the significance of road construction in enhancing market access and reducing accidents. “Better roads will ensure safer travel and ease the movement of goods to markets. It will change our lives,” he said.
District leaders also expressed strong support for the project. Resident District Commissioner Asiimwe Amos Nsibambi described it as a game-changer in the fight against climate change. “This project will transform our communities. Let’s embrace it wholeheartedly,” he urged.
Pader LC5 Chairperson, Obwoya Fearless Oyat, praised the initiative as a strong example of government-community collaboration to tackle climate challenges. He warned that poor performance could lead to the halting of the project in the country.
Pader District Forest Officer, Martin Okello, stressed the importance of agroforestry and training parish climate committees on proposal writing for sustainability. He also emphasized that building local capacity is crucial for the success of the project.
The LIFE-AR initiative, which targets 1,500 households in Pajule, Pukor, and Laguti sub-counties, supports Uganda’s 2030 climate strategy. By addressing issues such as deforestation, improving infrastructure, and mitigating water scarcity, the project aims to position Pader as a model of climate resilience-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
