Minister Kasaija commissioning LIFE-AR projects

In a bid to enhance access to clean water and promote adaptive resilience in communities, the Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, has commissioned the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) projects in Kibaale District.

The projects, which include the construction of 13 boreholes in three sub-counties, were officially launched in Kacu Parish, Kyakazihire Sub-County. During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Kasaija emphasized the importance of community ownership in ensuring the sustainability and proper usage of the facilities. "Water is life," he stressed, commending the implementers of the LIFE-AR program for their efforts in constructing water sources in the district.

The Minister also took the opportunity to address concerns about land titles in Maisuka, reassuring residents that the government was working to resolve the issue and that no absentee landlord would evict them.

Magret Mwebesa, Commissioner in the Climate Change department in the Ministry of Water and Environment, lauded Kibaale District for its transparency, dedication, and resilience in implementing the LIFE-AR program. She highlighted that the program had made significant strides in building community resilience, reducing the distance between homes and water sources, and mitigating associated risks. However, Mwebesa noted that the program had received only 1.7 million pounds out of a budgeted 10 million pounds, urging the Minister to support climate financing in Uganda.

Fred Andema, Project Steering Committee representative, echoed this sentiment, requesting the Minister's support for integrating climate financing into Uganda's development plans to help the country achieve its Vision 2040 aspirations. Andema emphasized that 70% of the funds are transferred to communities in lower local governments for implementation, stressing the need for domestication of LIFE-AR funding to ensure its sustainability in Uganda.

The District Speaker, Peter Lugumba, representing the District Chairperson, pledged total support to the LIFE-AR program initiative in the district, hailing Minister Kasaija for his tireless efforts in developing Kibaale.

The commissioning ceremony followed the 7th National LIFE-AR Steering Committee meeting, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges of the LIFE-AR program in Uganda.

As the district welcomes these new water sources, residents are hopeful that the projects will bring about positive change and improve their livelihoods.

By Muganzi Vincent

Communications Officer-Kibaale

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