Moroto | HRNJ-Uganda| Led by the Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda, the embassies of Ireland, Swedish embassy, and Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tuesday, jointly launched new partnerships to work with over 20 civil society organisations (CSOs) focusing on promotion of accountability, civic engagement, and rights.
Apart from the Netherlands, which was represented by Joost van Ettro, the deputy head of mission in Uganda, other embassies were all, represented by their ambassadors including H.E Signe Winding Albjerg (Denmark), H.E Maria Hakansson (Sweden) and H.E Kevin Colgan (Ireland).
Speaking at Moroto-based Hotel Africana where the grand occasion that attracted national and local partners in Karamoja happened, Ambassador Signe underscored the importance of strong collaboration between civil society, state and non-state actors as well as citizens in improving service delivery.
She revealed that through their project, which covers all nine districts of Karamoja sub-region; Moroto, Kaabong, Karenga, Kotido, Abim, Napak, Amudat, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit, partners will receive grants to support the implementation of activities intended at improving service deliver over the next 4 years of its life.
“Delighted to be in Karamoja to launch partnerships for civic engagement, rights and accountability.” Ambassador Hakasson said, “based on our own experiences, we are convinced that democratic and socio-economic development requires citizen participation to drive change and ensure accountable governance.”
On his part, Joost van who is also the Head of Cooperation at the Kingdom of Netherlands, Uganda Mission noted the difficult environment through which Ugandan non-state actors operate in, appreciating them for their persistence and commitment to work towards strengthening democratic values and protection of rights and pushing back on shrinking civic space.
Beneficiary Partners
The launched project will benefit over 20 organisations including; RiamRiam Civil Society, Uganda Law Society, FIDA Uganda, Nakere Rural Women Activists Organization, Resilience Action Committee, and Multi Community Based Development Initiative.
Other beneficiaries are; the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, African Centre For Media Excellence, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group, Anti Corruption Coalition Uganda, Uganda National NGO Forum, Advocates Coalition for Development And Environment, Defend Defenders, and Danish Institute for Human Rights, etc.
Lillian Byarugaba, the executive director of FIDA Uganda, said that they will use the project to address gender justice issues and promote access to justice in the districts of Moroto and Kaabong.
Ruth Ataa, the Executive Director of Nakere Rural Women Activists Organization said they will put the funds from the newly launched project to good use through further building of women’s capacities in various aspects including leadership and entrepreneurship so they can gain skills in self-sustenance.
Another area her organisation will focus on, Ataa said, will be combating bad cultural practices that have greatly contributed in blocking women from making decisions issue she said, negatively impacts on the fight to achieve gender equality.
This is a great stride in the right direction