By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – In a bid to promote peace and environmental conservation, Nakere Rural Women Peace Activist(NARWOA) has today Friday 18th, October 2024 convened a Capacity Assessment meeting on interest based Negotiation and mediation under the Climate Change Leaders Advancing Peace (CCLAP) project. The project, funded by Austrian Development Cooperation and Austrian Development Agency, aims to empower local leaders to address climate change-related conflicts and promote peace.
CCLAP is a comprehensive initiative addressing the intersection of climate change, conflict, and gender inequality. By building the capacity of local negotiators, the project seeks to foster resilient communities capable of addressing environmental challenges.
James Adupa, Project Manager, outlined the project’s objectives: environmental conservation, peacebuilding, and gender transformation. NARWOA implements the project in partnership with Mercy Corps and consortium partners Karamoja Peace and Development Agency(KAPDA) and Sustainable Approaches to Communities in North East(SAPCONE).
“The training aims to build interest-based negotiations and mediations, assess negotiators’ capacity, and create links for community peacebuilding,” Adupa said.
He added that he expects participants to acquire knowledge, apply it in their communities, and provide feedback on championing negotiations.
Adupa emphasized the importance of effective negotiation in resolving conflicts. “Negotiators will learn to identify interests, not positions, and develop creative solutions.”
NARWOA Executive Director Jessica Ruth Ataa reiterated negotiators’ critical role. “Negotiators are instrumental in resolving family conflicts and promoting peace.”
Representatives from North Division, Nakepelimoru, and Rengen sub-counties attended, demonstrating commitment to peace-building initiatives.
To facilitate progress tracking, participants received books as reporting tools.
As the CC LAP project continues to empower local leaders, communities are poised to address climate change-related challenges. By fostering peace and environmental conservation, NARWOA and its partners are paving the way for a more resilient future.
With capacity building initiatives like CC LAP, Uganda’s rural communities are taking strides towards peace, sustainability, and prosperity. As negotiators return to their communities, equipped with new skills, the promise of a brighter future becomes increasingly tangible.
