Through community dialogues, outreach work, radio shows and drama performances, Saferworld continued advocating for inclusive development, equal access to resources and land rights protection for marginalised people in northern Uganda. Ten community action groups were set up to take community-owned initiatives forward. We also started a project to encourage conflict-sensitive land-based investments across five districts in northern Uganda and Karamoja. The aim is to promote a process of collaborative conflict analysis and decision-making – on conflict prevention and resolution, land rights and mining – between and among private investors, communities and authorities. As a result of community groups’ advocacy, the Adjumani district government has formulated by-laws to defend the rights of marginalised groups, protect the environment and prevent illegal land sales.
Following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in Uganda, Saferworld chaired a national youth symposium on SDG16 to discuss the role of young people in peace and conflict. We also coordinated a national civil society working group on SDG16+, to amplify the voices of civil society groups in high-level decision-making in relation to peace, justice and strong institutions. Additionally, we have continued to convene the National Land and Investments Working Group – a platform that steers the National Land Engagement Strategy’s agenda on investments and tenancy rights.
