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Ministry of Water Launches LIFE-AR Project to Empower Communities Against Climate Change in Karamoja

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Ministry of Water Launches LIFE-AR Project to Empower Communities Against Climate Change in Karamoja
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The Ministry of Water and Environment has launched the LIFE-AR (Locally-Led Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience), a project aimed at combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability with a pilot phase set to roll out in 12 districts across Uganda.

The project is designed to give communities control over their climate resilience efforts, allowing them to choose their own enterprises, which the Ministry then supports with funding and resources.

“This is a community-led initiative, and it’s about giving people the power to decide what works best for them,” said Joseph Epitu the National Coordinator, Life-AR Programme. “By empowering local communities, we can create solutions that are sustainable and tailored to their unique needs.”

One of the first signs of success is in Kaabong, where the community has already enacted a by-law to curb deforestation, a critical issue in the region.

Tackling Deforestation in Kaabong

"Deforestation has been a major problem for us, and this by-law is a big step in the right direction. If you cut one tree we expect you to plant five," Angella Nakoru, a community leader to this publication. "It’s time we took action to protect our environment, and LIFE-AR gives us the tools to do so.”

The LIFE-AR project will focus on key environmental initiatives like tree planting, wetland reclamation, water conservation, and building dams to secure water resources. It’s also built to be gender-inclusive, ensuring that women are actively involved in the planning and implementation of all programs.

“We’ve made sure that women have a seat at the table, and their voices are heard in this project,” Alex Ojuka the Ministry's Senior Socialogist explained.

"Women are usually the ones most affected by climate change. So creating solutions that benefit everyone, not just one group will be a game changer." Priscilla Asio, Ngora district planner added

Karamoja, an arid region hit hard by illegal logging, poverty, and the effects of climate change, has seen significant deforestation over the years. But the LIFE-AR project hopes to reverse this trend by involving the community directly in environmental restoration.

"The loss of trees has been devastating for us, but with this project, we see a way to rebuild and preserve what we have left,” said Stella Lotyang a local community member.

As the LIFE-AR project takes shape, communities are hopeful that these grassroots efforts will help protect the environment for future generations.

“This is just the beginning," said the Ministry's Commissioner and National Coordinator Life-AR Programme Epitu.

“Our goal is to scale this project across the country, restoring Uganda’s environment one community at a time.” Epitu added

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