NAPE trains 150 Kotido women in environmentally friendly skills

6 October 2025, 11:26 am

By Mathew Abekson

The National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) has trained 150 women in Kotido to produce briquettes as part of an initiative aimed at addressing climate change while also empowering them economically.

The women have been organised into five Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) across the municipality, with 30 members each, to make and sell briquettes and engage in other income-generating activities.

Briquettes are blocks of compressed charcoal dust made from recycled charcoal dust, clay, and cassava flour, and are primarily used as fuel for cooking at home.

The National Association of Professional Environmentalists was launched in 2023 with funding from the Women’s International Peace Centre and UN Women. Its aim is to empower women to contribute to a sustainable environment while promoting tree planting.

Ayero Vivian Moding, Chairperson of the Kotyang-Kadakori Disability Group in North Division, said she is hopeful that the Association of Environmentalists will help protect the environment through initiatives such as tree planting and the use of briquettes.

Shiba Ainomugisha, NAPE’s Legal Officer, explained that the briquettes burn cleaner than traditional charcoal, reducing environmental pollution and helping to save trees from being cut down for charcoal.

Namoe Rose Chilla, a member of the Star of Wisdom Group in Kotido Central Division, encouraged other women to join savings groups to access similar opportunities.

The five groups affiliated with NAPE are registered with the Kotido District Local Government, allowing them to access programmes such as EMYOGA, PDM, and GROW.

Richard Lemu, the Community Development Officer for Kotido West Division, commended NAPE for collaborating with local officials but urged them to train women to raise tree seedlings locally, rather than supplying exotic trees that may not thrive in Karamoja.