By James Alomu

As Uganda intensifies efforts to combat the escalating effects of climate change, the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, has partnered with the Iteso Cultural Union to promote environmental conservation initiatives across the Teso sub-region.

Led by Brigadier General David Gonyi, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Wing, a delegation from the UPDF held a consultative meeting at the Iteso Cultural Union offices to discuss collaborative approaches to environmental preservation. The meeting was convened following a directive from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, encouraging the UPDF to work hand in hand with cultural institutions in the fight against environmental degradation.

Brig. Gen. Gonyi, accompanied by senior environmental experts from the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasized the UPDF’s commitment to supporting reforestation and tree-planting campaigns, especially in regions severely affected by climate change. He stressed that protecting the environment is not only a national concern but a moral obligation, stating, “You cannot be proud of titles like General or Bishop when the environment is in crisis.”

During the meeting, His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, the Emorimor (Paramount Chief) of the Iteso Cultural Union, welcomed the UPDF's involvement. He highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on Teso, pointing to increased food insecurity and deforestation as key challenges.

“People are cutting down trees to burn charcoal and make bricks due to poverty and hunger. This used to be done in factories,he said

The Emorimor commended the collaboration, noting that cultural institutions have long played a critical role in community sensitization and can effectively complement government-led initiatives.

Andrew Ocole, the Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, attributed the worsening climate conditions in Teso to the widespread encroachment on wetlands and poor waste management. He noted that prolonged droughts have forced many locals to exploit fragile ecosystems in search of livelihood, accelerating environmental degradation.

Ocole revealed that the cultural institution had already enacted by-laws, distributed to clan leaders and forwarded to the Chief Magistrate's Court and police, to penalize individuals involved in reckless deforestation. However, he believes that with UPDF involvement, enforcement will be successful.

 Have an Advert or an Article you want us to publish? Email: tesovibez19@gmail.com or Whatsapp 0772326362