An environmental run of faith in Lamwo district
Northern Uganda-As thousands of people trekked to Namugogo Uganda Martys’ Shrine for the martyrs day celebrations, those in Kitgum and Lamwo districts trekked to the reception centre of Palabek Ogili refugee settlement to take part in the ‘green’ marathon among other preliminary events of the World Environment Day celebrations.
Organized by the District Local government in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the marathon attracted hundreds of people from the refugee host community, refugees and humanitarian staff from three districts-Lamwo, Kitgum and Pader.
Dressed in green t-shirts with this year’s national theme ‘Connecting people to nature’ the crowd of men, women and children led by the LC5 chairperson, John Ogwok set off from the reception centre chanting this year’s national environment celebrations' theme among other environment related statements. The marathoners covered 5 kilometres from the reception centre around Zone 1 of Palabek settlement. “Keep it green” “Change begins with you” “Stop deforestation” are some of key statements marathoners chanted as they run the 5 kilometre long journey to their final destination. While some chanted environment related statements, others run around flashing posters publicizing the final World Environment Day celebrations that will be held at the Palabek Ogili sub county headquarters on 5/6/2017.
“The turn up is heartening, it’s amazing to see hundreds of people, young and old commit to this run,” says Henry Mukiibi LWF’s environment focal person in Lamwo, Kitgum, Pader and Agago districts. He continues to say that the lack of sports gear by some like shoes has not stopped them from joining the green run to create awareness for environment protection. “Our people are now cautious and passionate about the environment that they are willing to do all they can in the cause of its conservation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mukiibi explained that the preliminary event was organized not only to raise awareness about environment and its conservation but to also connect the rights bearers (people) to the duty bearers (the District Local Government officials) in terms of the environment. “This event is also a way of creating awareness about the upcoming World Environment Day mega celebrations and an avenue to bring together people of diverse cultural backgrounds to have fun and celebrate environment,” he added.
Rewards for the 30 marathon finalists
The 30 finalists, 10 of whom are women were celebrated at the end of the marathon by all the participants and will be rewarded at the final celebrations with top-notch prizes. “I still hear the chanting and cheering from people when I arrived as one of the best. It felt really nice and as though I was a celebrity of the day,” says Alice Auma one of the 10 female finalists. She continues to say that she can’t wait to receive her prize and also be celebrated more at the final event on 5/6/2017. “We have juicy prizes for our finalists, but we chose to keep them a mystery until the final celebrations,” Mukiibi adds.
Auma says that its more than gratifying to be rewarded for taking part in the environment conservation campaigns explaining that all humans are part of the environment and conserving it is supposed to be a responsibility for all. “We are playing our part by engaging in all the environment conservation endeavours brought to our districts. By joining the green marathon, we are creating awareness about environment in our communities and the upcoming final Environment Day Celebrations,” says Irene Lamunu, another woman finalists.
Tree planting and environment sensitization awareness
While the green marathon was the high point of the day’s events, tree planting was another major activity as participants led by local district leaders were given trees to plant at the reception centre. Mukiibi says that tree planting is a major activity that can help in alienating climate change and its effects. “Trees impound carbon from the atmosphere and supply oxygen to all living creatures, stabilise the soil and prevent erosion and are also habitats for wildlife,” he adds.
Sabilla Lamwaka a 17-year-old who was one of those who planted the trees says that she wants her community get more rains than dry spells.
“Trees help in rain formation which we need for agriculture,” Says Lamwaka whose family depends on farming for both food and income.
The event participants were also sensitised about the environment by cultural leaders, the district acting natural resource Officer, Anthony Aleku and Mukiibi, LWF environment focal person.
Many thanks to the European Union and UNHCR for funding the World Environment Day celebrations in Lamwo district.
Find information about the World Environment Day and the Prime final celebrations in Lawmo district on this link;
https://uganda.lutheranworld.org/content/world-environment-day-celebrati...
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