Madi Okollo: Citizens in Garia Village Demand Action on Healthcare and Climate Justice at High-Stakes Civic Engagement Meeting

In a bid to strengthen civic engagement and amplify citizens' voices, ACODE/WENDA in partnership with People Empowering People, hosted a Civic Engagement Meeting (CEM) yesterday afternoon in Garia Village, Madi-Okollo. 

The meeting brought together local residents to discuss pressing issues regarding service delivery and climate justice.

The CEM is part of the broader "Strengthening Civic Engagement, Voice, Service Delivery and Climate Justice for Improved Accountability in Uganda" project, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy. 

^{In Pic, CEM In Session: Citizens Actively Participating}

The initiative is designed to enhance community participation in governance, improve accountability, and address issues that hinder the effective delivery of services and the pursuit of climate justice.

During the meeting, participants raised several concerns that have been affecting their daily lives and well-being. One of the primary issues discussed was limited access to healthcare services. 

Citizens from Yaci Parish highlighted the challenge of traveling long distances to receive medical attention. 

Residents must cover distances of up to 16 kilometers to reach Ayavu HCIII in Inde Town Council, and in some cases, up to 24 kilometers to access Ogoko HCII in Ogoko Sub-county. 

This lack of accessible healthcare facilities, compounded by a deteriorating road network within the parish and Ogoko Sub-county, was a significant source of frustration among the community members.

The poor condition of the roads has made it difficult for people, especially pregnant women and the elderly, to access healthcare in a timely manner. 

The citizens pointed out that the long travel times and the challenges posed by the rough terrain were contributing to delays in medical care, which could potentially lead to preventable deaths.

Another critical issue discussed was the restricted access to firewood and construction materials due to the limitations imposed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on the Ajai Wildlife Conservation Area. 

The citizens of Garia Village and surrounding areas expressed concerns over their limited ability to gather firewood and access construction materials, which are essential for their daily lives and livelihoods. 

The restrictions have exacerbated the struggle for survival, with many families relying on these resources for cooking and building homes.

The meeting provided a platform for citizens to share their experiences, raise awareness, and discuss potential solutions to these challenges. 

Participants called for improved access to essential services, particularly healthcare, as well as more sustainable solutions to address their dependence on natural resources for fuel and construction materials.

In response to the concerns raised, ACODE/WENDA and People Empowering People emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between citizens, local governments, and relevant authorities to address these issues effectively. 

The organizers stressed that the CEMs are part of a broader effort to ensure that local communities have the opportunity to influence decisions that directly impact their lives.

As the discussion on climate justice continues, citizens also called for greater recognition of the environmental challenges faced by rural communities, including the effects of deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. 

They urged for more inclusive policies that take into account the needs and concerns of the most vulnerable populations in the region.

The CEM in Garia Village is part of a series of meetings organized by ACODE/WENDA and People Empowering People across various regions of Uganda. The aim is to foster stronger civic participation, improve service delivery, and advocate for climate justice, ultimately ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and taken into consideration in the decision-making process.

As the project moves forward, organizers hope that the issues raised in Garia Village will prompt action from relevant stakeholders to improve access to healthcare, enhance infrastructure, and create more sustainable solutions for resource management and climate resilience.

The Strengthening Civic Engagement, Voice, Service Delivery, and Climate Justice for Improved Accountability in Uganda Project continues to build momentum in its efforts to amplify the voices of citizens and ensure that their concerns are addressed in the ongoing fight for better governance and climate justice.

^{Follow ACODE Uganda on X}

BY: Aldo ADOMATI, dailywestnile.info