Introduction:
Eastern Uganda has long been grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, land degradation, and the resulting social injustices and poverty that afflict its communities. To address these pressing issues, the Eastern Archdiocesan Development Network (EADEN), in collaboration with Caritas Kotido, organized a groundbreaking event on the 15th of June 2018 in Kotido district: the Regional Dialogue on Climate Change and Land. This event aimed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Local Government Officials, Politicians, Cultural Leaders, Civil Society, Private Sector Actors, and the general public, all under the theme of “Our Environment, Our Land, Our Heritage for Socio-economic Development.”

The Urgent Need for Action:
Eastern Uganda is no stranger to the challenges posed by climate change and land degradation. These issues have far-reaching consequences that impact not only the environment but also the livelihoods and well-being of its people. The effects of climate change are felt through prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and increased temperatures, which directly affect agricultural productivity. Land degradation exacerbates these problems, leading to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and ultimately pushing vulnerable communities further into poverty.

EADEN’s Commitment:
EADEN, an NGO dedicated to coordinating development interventions and programs for the Caritas Commissions of the Catholic Church in Eastern Uganda, has taken a proactive stance in addressing these challenges. Recognizing the need for collaborative efforts to combat climate change and land degradation, EADEN joined forces with Caritas Kotido to organize the Regional Dialogue.

The Regional Dialogue: A Platform for Change:
The Regional Dialogue on Climate Change and Land provided a vital platform for key stakeholders to come together, share insights, and strategize on sustainable solutions. The event facilitated discussions on various aspects, including:

Climate Change Awareness: Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and the need for urgent action.
Sustainable Land Management: Exploring practices and policies for effective land use and conservation.
Socio-economic Development: Identifying opportunities to harness the environment and land for economic growth while ensuring social justice.
Collaborative Initiatives: Encouraging partnerships between government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, and local communities to address climate and land-related challenges.

Notable Participants:
The Regional Dialogue saw active participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders:

Local Government Officials: Representatives from various districts in Eastern Uganda who play a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation.
Politicians: Elected leaders committed to addressing environmental issues in their constituencies.
Cultural Leaders: Guardians of traditional knowledge and practices related to land and the environment.
Civil Society: NGOs and community-based organizations advocating for sustainable development.
Private Sector Actors: Businesses interested in environmentally friendly practices and corporate social responsibility.
The Public: The heart of the community, whose voices and concerns matter most.
Outcomes and Future Action:
The Regional Dialogue on Climate Change and Land generated valuable insights and commitments from participants. It served as a catalyst for future action and collaboration among stakeholders. Key outcomes include:

Development of Action Plans: Participants committed to developing and implementing action plans for addressing climate change and land degradation in their respective areas of influence.
Advocacy Efforts: A unified voice for advocating climate and land-related policies at regional and national levels.
Knowledge Sharing: Platforms for sharing best practices and research findings to enhance sustainable land management.
Strengthened Partnerships: Enhanced collaboration between sectors to drive positive change.

Conclusion:
EADEN’s Regional Dialogue on Climate Change and Land in Kotido district was a resounding success, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change and land degradation in Eastern Uganda. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, this event laid the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development that respects the environment and heritage of the region. EADEN remains committed to coordinating development interventions and programs that will lead to positive change in Eastern Uganda and beyond, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.