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Harvesting Health: Integrating Nutrition and Sustainable Farming in Mt. Elgon

Accelerating Resilient Food Systems in Africa (RVO)

Inception Week: August 12-16, 2024

Last week, our new initiative, Harvesting Health: Integrating Nutrition and Sustainable Farming in Mt. Elgon, officially kicked off in Kapchorwa, Uganda. This exciting project, supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) under their Accelerating Resilience Food Systems in Africa (ARFSA) program, marks the beginning of a transformative three-year journey. Selected from 150 applicants, our project aims to bolster the nutritional status and food security of communities in Kapchorwa and Kween districts.

Building on the solid foundation laid by our consortium partners—Food for the Hungry (FH) and the Kapchorwa Civil Society Organization Alliance (KACSOA)—this project draws on extensive local expertise. AidEnvironment, a key player in the region for the past four years, has been pioneering the Green Future Farming project (funded by the IKEA Foundation). This initiative focused on circular agriculture to restore degraded lands, enhance water availability, and boost vegetation cover. Additionally, it offered investment opportunities for young farmers, improving their coffee crops and access to sustainable markets through regenerative agriculture, value chain development, and landscape management.

FH brings a deep-rooted presence in Kapchorwa and Kween, working closely with women’s care groups and local schools. These care groups, composed of women who meet to discuss nutrition and community challenges, use a cascading model to spread information. Each trained woman shares her knowledge with others, creating a network of informed individuals. FH also supports school programs on nutrition, entrepreneurship, and literacy.

KACSOA, a network of NGOs, community-based, and faith-based organizations across Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo, focuses on advocacy in education, health, agriculture, environmental management, climate change, and human rights. As part of our consortium, KACSOA will drive advocacy and policy implementation to foster a supportive environment for the project.

From August 12 to 16, the consortium gathered for a dynamic Inception Week, filled with strategic meetings and site visits:

  • Monday, August 12: The week began with an engaging session at the AidEnvironment office, where consortium members presented their organizations and their roles in the Harvesting Health project. Breakout sessions followed to discuss coordination points and action plans, culminating in a group discussion of the day’s outcomes.
  • Tuesday, August 13: Project managers met with local government officials from Kapchorwa and Kween to introduce the project. Meanwhile, team members finalized the initial action plan. The day also included visits to Moyok Primary School and other local schools, as well as a care group, to observe FH’s work with school gardens and the cascading impact of their care groups.
  • Wednesday, August 14: The day began with a reflection session at AidEnvironment’s office, reviewing the progress of the first two days. Later, consortium members visited a farmer group in West Division to see AidEnvironment’s regenerative agriculture efforts, including biofertilizer training, biodigesters, and the establishment of nurseries with indigenous, fruit trees and crops.
  • Thursday, August 15: We celebrated the official launch of the project at AidEnvironment’s office, with government officials and stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Education, Agriculture, and local districts in attendance.
  • Friday, August 16: The week concluded at the KACSOA office, where members learned about the organization’s advocacy role and shared reflections on an inspiring and productive week.

With the combined expertise and dedication of our consortium, we are thrilled to officially launch the Harvesting Health project. Our collective energy and commitment will drive this initiative to make a significant impact on the lives of the people in Mt. Elgon.

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The Sebei Regional Dialogue on Elections

In a significant move towards advancing the national discourse on Free and Fair Elections, a recent regional dialogue facilitated by KACSOA has led to a consensus on several key electoral issues. The initiative provided a platform to present political and electoral reforms, emerging from extensive citizen consultations held through the “Topowa” and “Fireplace” conversations.

During the forum, Charicha Alex Bosco Chapman highlighted the need to elevate academic qualifications for leaders. He criticized the presence of MPs who lack a proper understanding of the constitution, which has led to ill-advised amendments, such as the removal of presidential term limits without a referendum. Chapman emphasized that reinstating term limits is crucial to safeguarding democracy.

Charicha Alex Bosco Chapman making his presentation during the Dialogue | KACSOA Photo

Another critical issue raised was the current requirement for public servants to resign before joining politics. Participants argued that they should be allowed to apply for leave without pay instead, to avoid losing their positions if unsuccessful in elections. This requirement has deterred many capable individuals from participating in politics.

Osman Sayekwo pointed to the inactivity of the Sebei Parliamentary Caucus as a contributing factor to the region’s unresolved challenges. He noted that Uganda’s primary problem is not a lack of reforms but the unwillingness of those in power to follow established rules. Sayekwo also pointed out that low civic competence among citizens leads to the election of unqualified leaders, as many voters are unaware of the criteria for choosing their representatives.

Mr. Osman Sayekwo the Eastern region youth Coordinator | KACSOA Photo.

The high cost of nomination fees was another issue that drew attention. Mrs. Roselyn Chemos lamented that these fees have barred many young and capable individuals from running for office, simply because they cannot afford the costs.

Mrs. Roselyn Chemos a Civic Mentor | KACSOA Photo

In addition, Mrs. Sylvia Kapkweyek highlighted the exploitation of unemployed youth during elections and stressed the need for a retirement package for politicians. She argued that the absence of such provisions is a significant reason why many politicians are reluctant to relinquish power.

Mrs Sylvia Kapkweyek the KACSOA Board Treasurer making her remarks during the Dialogue.

Mr. Musiwa Patrick called on principled individuals to step forward and challenge the perception that politics is a dirty game. He urged a focus on strengthening institutions as the foundation for a robust democracy.

Mr. Musiwa Patrick making his remarks during the Dialogue.

Echoing earlier sentiments, Mr. Cedrick Wanjala reiterated the need to raise the academic qualifications required for leadership positions. He provided an example of a sub-county LCIII chairperson supervising a parish chief with a graduate degree, underscoring the importance of well-educated leaders in governance.

Mr. Cedric Wanjala a KACSOA Civic Mentor making his submission.

From the security sector, Deputy RPC for Sipi region, Mr. Ochieng Moses Sule, affirmed that their role is to support the Electoral Commission upon request, with the security of Ugandans as their top priority. He addressed concerns that the police intimidate citizens, while also noting that there are instances where citizens intimidate law enforcement officers.

Mr. Ochieng Moses Sule the Deputy RPC Sipi Region| KACSOA Photo

In closing, Mr. Namoma Ivan James, the Deputy RDC of Bukwo District, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the issues affecting Ugandans, aiming to make Uganda a better place for everyone. He thanked KACSOA and its funders for organizing the engagement, marking it as a step forward in the pursuit of free and fair elections in Uganda.

Mr. Namoma Ivan James, the Deputy RDC of Bukwo District
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KACSOA Engages Sebei MPs to Validate Constitutional and Political Reforms.

Over the last few month while implementing the Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement in Elections (SCENE) Project ,we’ve reached out to different communities accross the region to collect their views on Constitutional reforms though ‘Ekyoto’ (Fireplace conversations) and ‘Topowa’ Forums on Constitutional,Political and Electoral reforms.

KACSOA today presented the reforms to the Honourable members of parliament representing Sebei sub-region that included;Hon. Chemuati Phyllis (Woman MP,Kapchorwa),Hon. Alinga Solomon Chelangat(M.P,T’oo County),Hon. Kisos Abdi Fadil Chemaswet (M.P,Soi Constituency) and Hon. William Chemonges (M.P,Kween County).

The purpose of this engagement was to create a platform for these representatives to freely express their valuable views, concerns, and insights on the proposed reforms.By involving them in this process, we hoped to foster a stronger bond between the lawmakers and the proposed reforms, encouraging their sincere commitment and dedication towards its success.

Some of the Proporsed Reforms

Political Term Limits, Electoral Commission Independence, Minimum Education Qualifications, Joint Political Rallies during Campaigns,Remuneration for Councilors,Running Mates for LCV Chairperson.

Hon. Kisos Chemaswet,M.P Soi Constituency.

Honorable Kisos Chemaswet, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Soy County, has put forward a significant proposal. He suggests the establishment of regional governments along with their respective regional parliaments. The aim of this proposal is to create a larger resource pool that can be allocated at the regional level. By doing so, it is believed that this approach could help alleviate tension and conflicts at the national level.

“The reforms have come at the right time,Our Constitution is not cast on stone and is bound to change and as citizens of Uganda,we have the right to shape it for the good of our People”-Hon. Alinga Solomon Chelangat,M.P T’oo County.

Hon. Alinga Solomon Chelangat,M.P T’oo constituency

Hon. Alinga expressed his disagreement with the proposal of aspiring members of parliament participating in joint political rallies. He voiced concerns that such joint rallies could potentially lead to chaos and disorder.

His apprehension likely stems from the fact that when multiple candidates or parties gather at the same event, there is an increased risk of heated confrontations, conflicting ideologies, and even violence among their supporters. Joint rallies might become contentious battlegrounds where opposing political factions clash, undermining the peaceful and orderly conduct of political campaigns.

Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, the Member of Parliament representing Kapchorwa women, commended the efforts of the Civil Society organization KACSOA. She encouraged them to persist in their mission of educating the community about their roles and responsibilities as citizens. This, she believes, will have a significant positive impact on the relationship between leaders and their constituents.

Hon. Phyllis Chemutai,WMP,Kapchorwa District

Additionally, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai took action by validating a number of proposed reforms, showing her support for measures aimed at improving governance and the political landscape. Her actions and words reflect a commitment to strengthening the connection and understanding between leaders and the people they represent, ultimately fostering better governance and civic engagement.

Hon. William Chemonges urged fellow honorable members to actively support and engage in the proposed reforms. He also emphasized the importance of adequately facilitating the Chairperson of the Local Council (LCV) and honorable councilors. His reasoning behind this recommendation is rooted in the belief that these local government officials play a crucial role in overseeing local budgets.

By providing adequate resources and support to the LCV chairperson and councilors, it becomes easier for them to effectively monitor and manage the local government budget. This oversight is essential because it serves as a check and balance within the system, helping to ensure that public funds are used transparently and efficiently for the benefit of the community.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment from the honorable members to lend their support to the proposed reforms, all in the interest of improving the lives of the citizens. This means that the participants, including the members of parliament, expressed their willingness and dedication to back these reform initiatives.

Their pledge signifies a collective agreement to work towards implementing the suggested changes in laws, policies, or governance structures, recognizing that these reforms are aimed at benefiting and serving the best interests of the people they represent. In essence, the dialogue concluded on a positive note, with the understanding that the lawmakers would take concrete actions to bring about positive changes and improvements in various aspects of governance, law, or policy for the well-being of the citizenry.

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KACSOA LAUNCHES THE Alive UGANDA REPORT

The Report culminates from an assessment that was carried out in Bukwo District, Sebei Sub-region on live skills and values among adolescents aged between 13-17 years.

A lady reads the report during its launch

Created in 2005, Bukwo District bordered by Amudat District to the north, Kenya to the east and south, and Kween District to the west and northwest. The town of Bukwo is approximately 83 kilometres (52 mi), by road, northeast of Mbale the nearest large city. In the slopes of Mt. Elgon

The Assesment of life skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) was done in Twenty (20) EAs in Bukwo District and some of its findings are;14.1% of the Adolescents are struggling to recorgnize a problem or its nature and therefore unable to identify possible solutions,1.8% are able to recorgnize existence of a problem from multiple perspectives,understanding that there might be multiple solutions. 15.9% of the Adoloscents are aware of the links between Respect for property and Respect for people and will act in a respectful way toward others and in defence of others and self.

Cheptegei Marisa,Chairperson LCV Bukwo District.

“We are glad that Bukwo Was chosen as an assessment area and the Report will help us improve in many areas”

A total of 11,074 adolescents aged 13-17 years, from 7,815 households across 400 enumeration
areas in 20 districts participated in the assessment.
The assessment was conducted by 734 volunteers, 66 teacher trainees, 20 district coordinators,
and 40 village coordinators, with support from the local leaders, and ALiVE team.

The was done with support from Uwezo and Luigi Giussani Foundation, an indigenous for impact organisation that has for the last 17 years  been responding to educational challenges in Uganda through research and capacity building at all levels of education.

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THE REGIONAL GRAND CITIZENS DEBATE

The Regional Grand Citizens’ Debate provided an opportunity to the citizens to discuss some of the ideas in the public domain in relation to the necessary electoral reforms. It also acted as a launch event for nationwide campaigns for reforms at the regional level. The debate featured keynote speaker who was an expert in freedom fighting, constitution and political economy. A group of panelists identified purposefully from a cream of key stakeholders (EC, political party representatives and experienced opinion makers and shapers) from the region. All the interactions were moderated and citizens present had opportunities to share and also raise questions to respective panelists. A political expert who participated in the drafting of the 1995 constitution gave a keynote address highlighting the justification behind each and every article citing the political turmoil the country had gone through since independence 1962. He also urged that the constitution of Uganda is the best policy and framework in Africa but people charged with implementing it are not doing the right things explaining why we had several amendments in the name of pleasing certain individuals at the expense of the majority Ugandans. Building trust and confidence amongst the Ugandans was the key components in the formulating of the constitution because the previous leaders had abused the systems and there was nothing strong to hold the leaders especially leaders accountability. The discussions and presentations by different stakeholders culminated into the identification of the following issues and proposed recommendations for consideration by the respective electoral related bodies in the country for the growth of democracy, governance and promoting, credible free and fair election.

Rtd Head Teacher John Yeko Araba makes his contribution during the debate