ICS & Consortium Partners CEFORD & WESCISNET Launch A Multi-Billion 4-Year SEAT Project in Terego
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Terego District marked a significant milestone in community development and governance with the launch of the Strengthening Civic Participation and Effective Accountability and Transparency in the Public Sector (SEAT) Project.
The event, held at Leju Town Council, Terego District headquarters, unveiled the four-year, multi-billion initiative aimed at fostering transparency, promoting accountability, and empowering local communities.
The project is generously funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda.
Official SEAT Project Conformation on Official Royal Danish Embassy
The launch was led by Integrated Child Service Consult (ICS), a non-profit, women-led organization with a strong commitment to child protection, women’s empowerment, and community development. Founded in 2018, ICS has continuously worked towards creating an enabling environment where children, women, and youth are supported to meet their social and economic needs.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Emily Drijaru, the Executive Director of ICS, underscored the organization’s vision for positive change and its impact across West Nile.
“ICS is built on the core values of inclusion, integrity, accountability, and human dignity. Our mission is to create a sustainable world where every child and woman has access to the resources they need to thrive,” said Mrs. Drijaru.
Mrs. Emily Drijaru - ED ICS Speaking
She continued by highlighting ICS's longstanding efforts in supporting marginalized communities in the West Nile region, mentioning their innovative programs for children, youth, and women.
For example, ICS’s behavioral change initiatives reached over 400 juveniles at the Arua Regional Remand Home, while their psychosocial support programs have touched the lives of thousands of foster families across refugee settlements like Rhino Camp and Imvepi.
The SEAT Project was presented as a dynamic approach to improving governance at the grassroots level, ensuring that local communities in Terego District, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
Mrs. Ndezo Pricilla, the Project Officer at ICS, explained the project’s objectives and how they align with Uganda's Vision 2040, the National Development Plan IV, and the Parish Development Model.
“Through the SEAT Project, we are empowering citizens to actively participate in planning and budgeting, ensuring accountability in the use of public resources, and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups,” Pricilla explained.
“This initiative will increase civic participation, improve governance structures, and foster a more inclusive, conflict-sensitive approach to development.”
The project aims to reach 6,000 marginalized individuals over the next four years, with a focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Key outcomes include increasing local government capacity to deliver services effectively and fostering sustainable development through partnerships between civil society organizations and local authorities.
Mrs. Ndezo Pricilla - Giving an Overview of the SEAT Project
Community Empowerment For Rural Development (CEFORD) and West Nile Civil Society Network (WESCISNET), two other core partners of the SEAT Project, also played crucial roles in the event. Their partnership with ICS adds significant weight to the project’s potential for success.
CEFORD, an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and strengthening local governance, will focus on enhancing transparency and effective service delivery as well as the Lead partner with implmentation area of Obongi, Moyo and Arua.
Meanwhile, WESCISNET, a network of civil society organizations, will be instrumental in building advocacy and organizing grassroots-level action across the Madi Okollo District.
Speaking about the importance of collaboration, Mr. Munduni Rose, Deputy RDC, Terego, said:
“This partnership is crucial for the advancement of democracy and accountability in Terego. We all need to work together, and our combined efforts will enable the marginalized to raise their voices, participate in decision-making, and hold the local government accountable.”
Mr. Munduni Rose, Deputy RDC, Terego, Speaking
Representatives from the Terego District Local Government also attended the event and expressed their support for the SEAT Project.
Mrs. Ayikoru Sunday, the Deputy Chairperson of the Terego District Comuunity Service, echoed the importance of local leadership and citizen involvement in governance.
“This project marks a turning point for Terego,” she said. “Through capacity-building, local communities will now have the tools they need to influence decisions that affect their daily lives. We urge all leaders and citizens to embrace this project and ensure its success.”
Mrs. Ayikoru, Dep. Sec Social Services Committee - TDLG
The SEAT Project is set to make a lasting impact on the development trajectory of Terego District, with ICS and its partners committed to building a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance structure. The initiative is seen as a model for rural development, fostering both local empowerment and effective leadership.
The event also featured a vibrant Q&A session, where community members raised important concerns regarding child protection, governance, and the scope of the project. Several key issues were discussed:
Mr. Mawa Bernard, representing the Senior Assistant Secretary, expressed his appreciation for ICS’s presentation and acknowledged the involvement of the four marginalized sub-counties in the project.
“I thank ICS for the wonderful presentation. We are grateful for this initiative, which will touch lives across the four sub-counties in Terego,” he stated.
The District Police Child & Family Representative, Mr. Drmani Dickson, voiced concerns about the challenges in child protection, particularly in the absence of adequate facilities for children in conflict with the law.
“We are facing many difficulties in our police cells. Currently, we don’t have separate cells for children. Sometimes, when missing children are brought to us, it becomes challenging to ensure their safety and well-being,” the officer explained.
Mr. Drmani Dickson - The District Police Child & Family Unit
He called for further support from ICS to address the challenges and requested that vulnerable children be linked to other support services where they can receive better care.
A District Women’s Council Representative from Katrini expressed concern over the challenges faced by women, especially regarding drug abuse, domestic violence, and the burden placed on women to handle household chores while men neglect their responsibilities.
“Women are bearing the entire burden of household work, and it affects the girl child’s education and future. We need resources to support women councils to tackle these issues,” she said.
Lastly, the Parish Priest Aadu Catholic Church shared religious views, urging the community to avoid vices such as drug abuse and to work hard towards social and economic transformation.
Rev. Fr. Festus Afedra, Parish Prist - Aadu
Mrs. Drijaru, in her final words at the event, stressed the long-term commitment of ICS and its partners to Terego’s development:
“We are not just here to implement a project; we are here to stay. Over the next four years, we will work with you, the community, to create lasting change that goes beyond just the completion of activities. This is a journey towards sustainable development for everyone in Terego.
”As the SEAT Project takes its first steps, all eyes are on Terego, where this initiative promises to bring about transformational change for the district’s citizens, particularly its most marginalized groups.
Through collaboration, transparency, and civic engagement, the project’s success could serve as a blueprint for rural development across Uganda.
The event was brought to a close by the Superintendent of Police, Mr. Akena Kennedy, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Terego. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of road safety and community collaboration for the coming year:
Superintendent of Police, Mr. Akena Kennedy - DPC TDLG
“As we move into the new year, let us remember to be responsible road users. Our district has witnessed many accidents, and I urge everyone to prioritize safety. I also encourage the community to work together in addressing domestic violence, child abuse, and corruption, which are critical issues affecting our development.”
Mr. Akena concluded with a call for continued cooperation:
“We must remain accountable, not only in governance but in all sectors, including NGOs. Together, we can build a more transparent and just community.”
The SEAT Project is set to make a lasting impact on the development trajectory of Terego District, with ICS and its partners committed to building a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance structure.
The initiative is seen as a model for rural development, fostering both local empowerment and effective leadership.
As the SEAT Project unfolds, local leaders, citizens, and community organizations are urged to actively engage with the initiative.
ICS and its partners are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.
For regular updates and more information, follow ICS’s social media channels and stay tuned for developments in the coming months.
“Together, we can create a future where all citizens are empowered, heard, and respected,” said Pricilla, reaffirming the project's focus on community-driven change.
Click To Watch the Project Inception Video
Story By: Aldo, dailywestnile.info
