Rapa FM Pader

LIFE-AR project names new climate change committee in Pader

6 September 2024, 09:07

The fourteen elected PCCC members pose for a group photo after the election – Photo by Kasline Lakareber Gladys.

By Kasline Gladys Lakareber

The Parish Climate Change Committee (PCCC) elections in Pader district, held under the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) project, successfully concluded on Friday, 6th September 2024. This significant step towards strengthening local climate resilience resulted in the election of 42 committee members across three pilot sub-counties.

The electoral process commenced on Wednesday, 4th September, and took place in Kilim parish, Laguti sub-county, Awalmon cell, Pajule town council, and Kalangore parish, Pukor sub-county. The process attracted significant attention and participation, with over 300 residents casting their votes in Kilim parish alone. Characterised by transparency and fairness, the elections allowed community members to freely nominate and elect their preferred candidates.

Joseph Epitu, Commissioner at the Ministry of Water and Environment and National Focal Point Person for the LIFE-AR Uganda project, officiated the election proceedings. In his address, Epitu emphasised the crucial role of community engagement in developing local climate adaptation strategies.

“We have empowered these communities to select their own projects because they have a nuanced understanding of their local conditions,” Epitu stated. “Our responsibility is to provide the necessary funding and carry out monitoring.”

Epitu further assured residents that the financial resources required for the project’s implementation were secured. “The funds for the LIFE-AR project are firmly in place. Our task now is to return the power to the people, allowing them to choose projects that align with their specific needs,” he affirmed.

District leaders look on during the election of the PCCC in Pajule town council, Pader district – Photo by Kasline Lakareber Gladys.

The LIFE-AR project, which spans a decade and is currently in its second year, is being piloted in just four districts across Uganda, with Pader district being a notable participant. Supported by the Climate Change Act of 2021, the initiative aims to empower local communities to lead adaptation strategies against the adverse effects of climate change.

Epitu reassured the newly elected committee members of the legitimacy of their roles. “The PCCC is officially recognised under the government’s Climate Change Act,” he emphasised.

The elections were part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening local resilience to climate change through sustainable, community-driven approaches. The primary mandate of the PCCC includes identifying, planning, and overseeing the implementation of adaptation projects within their respective parishes. Additionally, the committees are responsible for ensuring that the 40% gender quota mandated by the project is upheld in all decision-making processes.

Locals lining up during the election process – Photo by Kasline Lakareber Gladys.

Robert Komakech Obina, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) for Pader district, urged the newly elected members to rise above political divisions to ensure the success of the project. He stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, given its growing impact on local livelihoods.

“LIFE-AR was introduced to mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change in our region. I am confident that this project will bring about significant improvements in Pader district,” Obina stated. “We must stay united and ensure that our local leadership works effectively with communities to implement these projects.”

In the final round of elections held on Friday, Kalangore parish in Pukor sub-county completed its voting, achieving full representation across all sectors. The newly elected members expressed their commitment to fulfilling their campaign promises.

Shara Adoch, the elected Women’s Representative for Kalangore parish, expressed enthusiasm about her new role. “This is not my first leadership position; I am committed to advocating for women to ensure our 40% representation is achieved,” Adoch asserted. She reaffirmed her determination to ensure that women’s voices are prominent in all PCCC deliberations.

Similarly, Alfred Peter Okello, the newly elected Civil Society Representative, pledged to champion equitable development. “I will strive to ensure a fair distribution of services, as entrusted by my constituents,” Okello vowed.

The LC3 Chairperson of Pukor sub-county, Hon. Richard Ojwini, called for unity within the communities to select impactful projects that benefit all eight villages in the sub-county. “We must work with a unified purpose and choose projects that will benefit all eight villages in our sub-county,” Ojwini emphasised. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation, despite varying levels of participation.

“Even if some villages had lower turnout, they must still collaborate with the elected PCCC members to ensure the success of the LIFE-AR project,” he added.

Winnie Namuyiga, the district’s focal point person for LIFE-AR, emphasised the programme’s impact: “About 70% of climate finance will go towards supporting local actions, ensuring that communities directly benefit.” The elected committee will undergo training to oversee the project’s implementation at the grassroots level.

The PCCC elections, conducted over three days, began in Laguti sub-county on 4th September, continued in Pajule town council on 5th September, and concluded in Pukor sub-county on 6th September 2024. Each of the three parishes elected 14 representatives, resulting in a total of 42 PCCC members for the district.

The committee’s structure includes a Chairperson, Secretary, two Youth Representatives, two Elder Representatives, one Civil Society Representative, one Private Sector Representative, two Women’s Representatives, two Opinion Leaders (Cultural and Religious), an Environment/Landscape Representative, and a Business Representative. This structure ensures comprehensive representation and inclusivity in climate adaptation efforts.

The LIFE-AR project remains a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change. By fostering close collaboration with local stakeholders, the project supports sustainable adaptation practices, promotes environmental stewardship, and mitigates the effects of climate change through targeted, community-driven interventions.