Community Led Development Uganda Chapter launched amidst commitment by CSO actors to sustain the momentum as a pathway to attaining SDGs
On the 13th October 2017, The Hunger Project Uganda, Spark Microgrants and the Heifer International Uganda as a steering committee launched the Community Led Development (CLD) Uganda Chapter at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
The launch that was officiated by Shakeel Padamsey, The East African Regional Director for Spark Microgrants was attended by 35 CSO partners and the media. The partners included Executive Directors of national level networks such as the Uganda Youth Network (UYONET), Executive Director of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), Representatives from USAID Uganda mission, members of CLD Global chapter with operations in Uganda among others.
In her keynote address and background on CLD in Uganda, THP-U Country Director, DR. Daisy Owomugasho underscored the significance of placing the grassroot community at centre of any development initiative if the country is to achieve sustainable development across the various sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Clean Water, Education, Nutrition Security, Sustainable Natural Resources and Family incomes.
Panel discussion on the theme “Community Led Development approach why it’s critical in the current SDGs dispensation” moderated by a leading national TV host was discussed by the 3 country Directors from THP-U, Heifer International & Spark Microgrants. Each CD shared their respective organization’s experiences in implementing community-driven & holistic development models/approaches and how they have delivered improved well-being and livelihoods in their various target communities.
A plenary of question and answer session was conducted where participates asked questions about the chapter, expressed fears emanating from other existing alliances but also by consensus members agreed that CLD Uganda chapter is their baby which should be clothed, feed well and nurtured to grow as a strategic platform for attaining SDGs.
Mrs Stella Odong Ayo, The Executive Director of UCRNN in her remarks mentioned:
“The 3 members of the steering committee have brought CLD Uganda Chapter on the delivery bed, now the baby is for all of us who have been invited here, we need each of us to find out what we bring to the baby other than thinking of what we take away from the baby.”
CSO Partners signing on the CLD Uganda chapter logo as a commitment to the alliance
Sixteen CSO partners filled CLD Uganda chapter membership forms and returned them to the secretariat as a commitment of subscribing to the aspirations and objectives of the chapter.
Next steps; a meeting to be convened to discuss further the objectives of the alliance and to generate an action plan with clearly articulated times and responsibilities to move the CLD agenda forward. The launch ended with a cocktail where CSO partners networked and shared experiences.