ABOUT CEGGI

Centre for Ecological Governance and Gender Initiatives (CEGGI) is an indigenous NGO based
in Uganda, driven by a deep commitment to catalyzing transformative change in environmental
conservation, social justice, and gender equality. We have emerged from the shared
determination of indigenous people in Uganda to combat injustice and environmental
suppression among rural communities.

At CEGGI, we passionately advocate for community ecological governance, recognizing its
crucial role in fostering sustainable development. We firmly believe in the inclusion of diverse
perspectives, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard and valued. Our roots are
grounded in the heartfelt efforts of indigenous communities who have witnessed the plight of the
underprivileged and the urgent need to protect our environment from destructive anthropogenic
activities, particularly within the extractives industry and industrial farming.

Our primary focus is on empowering Ugandan indigenous communities affected by
environmental degradation. We work hand-in-hand with these communities, assisting them in
conserving their environment and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. Our
initiatives aim to create a well-improved and conserved ecosystem that supports biodiversity and
sustains livelihoods.

CEGGI places a high priority on securing land rights for grass roots communities, promoting
seed sovereignty, ensuring food and water security, and rejuvenating key biodiversity territories.
By adhering to these core principles, we strive to empower marginalized groups, amplify their
voices, and work towards building an equitable and sustainable future for all.

Through our unwavering dedication to ecological governance, gender equality, and social justice,
CEGGI envisions a society where communities coexist harmoniously with their environment,
fostering sustainable livelihoods and celebrating cultural diversity. With our innovative
approaches and collaborative efforts, we are committed to blazing a trail towards a resilient and
thriving future.

OUR VISION:

“CEGGI envisions a future where communities live in harmony with nature, embracing
diverse cultures and fostering sustainable livelihoods.”

Through community ecological governance, the responsible management of natural resources
ensures a thriving environment for all. Upholding environmental justice and social equity,
CEGGI empowers grassroots communities and dismantles systemic barriers. Gender equality
drives transformative change, fostering a society where everyone can thrive.

With conserved biodiversity and resilient livelihoods, communities are equipped to address

environmental challenges while preserving their cultural heritage. Collaboration and innovation amplify
CEGGI’s impact, advancing sustainable development. CEGGI is passionately dedicated to this
vision, prioritizing ecological governance, gender equality, and social justice for a resilient and
thriving future.

MISSION:

CEGGI’s mission is “to empower grassroots communities in Uganda through a community
ecological governance, gender equality, and social justice approach”

We strive to catalyze transformative change in environmental conservation by assisting
indigenous communities in conserving their environment, building resilience to climate change,
securing land rights, promoting seed sovereignty, ensuring food and water security, and
rejuvenating key biodiversity territories.

ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

Environmental Conservation: CEGGI assists indigenous communities in conserving their environment by promoting sustainable practices, protecting key biodiversity territories, and fostering ecological stewardship. The organization recognizes the vital importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems for the well-being of communities and the planet. Under this objective CEGGI also aims to enhance the resilience of grassroots communities in the face of climate change, equipping them with necessary knowledge to adapt changing climate conditions, mitigate risks and shocks. CEGGI also strives to secure access to clean, safe and reliable water for communities.
Promoting Seed Sovereignty and Food Security: CEGGI supports communities in reclaiming and maintaining control over their seed systems. This involves securing community land rights, safeguarding traditional and locally adapted seeds, as well as ensuring communities’ rights to save, exchange, and use these seeds. CEGGI also works towards ensuring food security by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, diversifying food sources, and enhancing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
Fostering Gender Equality and Advancing Social Justice: CEGGI is committed to promoting gender equality and social justice among marginalized communities by empowering women and other marginalized genders, ensuring their active participation in decision-making, addressing gender-based barriers, and advocating for inclusivity and equitable access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.

OUR THEMATIC FOCUS AREAS

Environmental Conservation: Through our Community Ecological Governance Program, CEGGI works closely with indigenous communities affected by environmental degradation. We promote ecosystem conservation, combat deforestation, and restore degraded landscapes, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity through reviving traditional/indigenous practices and strengthening of customary governance systems that respect the Rights of Nature. We also promote water governance initiatives.
Gender Equality and Social Justice: We champion gender equality, fighting against gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment. Through inclusive programs, we enhance social justice, supporting marginalized groups and amplifying their voices.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security CEGGI focuses on promoting agro-ecology practices, seed sovereignty, and sustainable farming methods. We collaborate with subsistence farmers, rejuvenating traditional wisdom while adopting sustainable practices for enhanced food security.
Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies Addressing the challenges faced by communities, especially women and girls, we implement clean energy projects. By providing access to renewable energy sources, we improve health, reduce environmental degradation, and mitigate climate change impacts.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

CEGGI collaborates with local community members, cultural leaders, government entities, and
civil society organizations. We work hand-in-hand with district local governments, as well as
trusted partners like Food Rights Alliance (FRA), Natural Resources Conservation Network
(NRCN), to create a lasting impact. CEGGI is also member to International Pollutants
Elimination Network (IPEN)

MEASURING IMPACT

We measure our success by the reduction in cases of gender-based violence, improved health of
women and girls, decreased deforestation rates, enhanced food security and sovereignty, and the
restoration of degraded landscapes. These outcomes signify our commitment to ecological
balance and the well-being of communities.

OUR CORE MANDATE

CEGGI’s mandate is to promote and advance ecological governance, social justice, and
sustainable development for the well-being of communities and the preservation of the
environment. CEGGI is dedicated to empowering grassroots communities and fostering a deep
respect for nature through the following values:

OUR VALUES:

CEGGI upholds the following values in its work and operations:

Environmental Stewardship: CEGGI values the conservation and protection of the
environment. The organization recognizes the importance of sustainable biodiversity
conservation, and the preservation of ecosystems for the well-being of communities and
future generations CEGGI deeply acknowledges the interconnectedness of all living beings
and recognize the intricate web of relationships within ecosystems. CEGGI understands that
even small changes in one part of the ecosystem can have far-reaching effects on other
elements, highlighting the importance of maintaining the balance and integrity of natural
systems.

Equity and Social Justice: CEGGI promotes equity, social justice, and the rights of
marginalized communities. The organization works towards dismantling systemic barriers,
addressing inequalities, and advocating for policies and practices that ensure fair access to
resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes by all people.
Cultural Diversity and Heritage: CEGGI respects and celebrates cultural diversity. The
organization recognizes the intrinsic value of cultural heritage and works closely with indigenous communities to preserve, revitalize, and integrate traditional knowledge, customs, and practices into sustainable conservation and development initiatives.
Collaboration and Partnerships: CEGGI believes in the power of collaboration and partnerships to achieve its mission. The organization actively seeks and engages in collaborations with indigenous communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to maximize its impact and promote collective action.
Ethical Integrity & Teamwork: CEGGI upholds ethical and responsible practices in all
aspects of its work. The organization promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity,
ensuring that its actions align with its mission and values.

WHERE WE WORK

Nestled in the vibrant landscapes of Western Uganda, our dedicated team has the privilege of
directly engaging with rural communities especially small scale farmers. This proximity allows
us to deeply understand their challenges, aspirations, and the transformative potential that lies
within.

We serve the indigenous communities in the Albertine Region (Buliisa, Greater Hoima,
Kamwenge, Kasese, Buhweju and Rubirizi districts). These communities have been greatly
impacted by the effects of oil and gas development and other forms of extractives.

We work closely with the youths, women, children, elders and clans with special attention given
to mitigating deforestation, protecting and conserving biodiversity, indigenous knowledge
transfer, improving their health, fighting gender-based violence and mitigating food insecurity
through promoting agro ecology practices, protecting sacred natural sites and promoting
renewable energy.

OUR FOOTPRINT/IMPACT:

Our work has transformed the lives of families in the areas we work. We have supported 60
women in Rubirizi and Buhweju districts in South Western Uganda, as well as 80 households in
the Albertine region, to become resilient to climate change impacts.

Through on-farm training sessions, we have promoted agroecology farming systems in Hoima,
Buhweju, and Buliisa. Additionally, we facilitated initial meetings of elders in Kamwenge
district to plan for the establishment of community forests. Once achieved, this will be
contributing to enhanced ecosystem health. In Buliisa and Hoima districts, we provided training
to small-scale farmers on improving soil fertility using organic pesticides.

Through three media briefings, we raised awareness about the importance of balanced diets and
nutrition and the role of building resilience among women in informal sector. See the link:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/97278 We also conducted 2 joint press conferences
with other CSOs on dangers of using harmful chemicals e.g. glyphosate in Uganda’s food
system.

Our active participation in international webinars and conferences has allowed us to share
experiences and learn from others in the field of chemical management.

We conducted community dialogues in Rubirizi, Buhweju, and Hoima, focusing on improving
food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing community resilience.
We empowered and trained 20 people in the Kabaale rural women’s group in Hoima district to
harness clean energy by producing briquettes.

Lastly, we produced a documentary exposing gender-based violence among the Kijaayo and
Rwamutonga IDPs in Greater Hoima, who were illegally evicted from their land to pave way for
oil-related infrastructure. See the link https://ceggi.org/effect-of-land-grabbing-in-kijaayo-
rwamutonga We also partnered with different media houses to follow up and publish more
articles. As a result, more than 800 people have returned to their land, but about 250 people still
remain trampled in the camp.

SUMMARY:

In brief, our footprint showcases the impact of our work on various aspects of society, the
environment, and the economy. Here are the highlights of our achievements:
Environmental impact:

Implemented three on-farm training sessions in agro ecology farming systems, benefiting 60
farmers in Hoima, Buhweju, and Buliisa districts.
Contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the use of harmful chemicals
through trainings and media engagements.
Facilitated 2 initial meetings of elders in Kamwenge district to plan for the establishment of
community forests, promoting ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation.
Provided 2 trainings on organic pesticides to small-scale farmers in Hoima district,
promoting soil fertility and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

Social Impact:

Supported 60 women in Rubirizi and Buhweju districts, as well as 80 households in the oil region of Hoima, to become resilient to climate change impacts, enhancing their livelihoods and well-being.
Raised awareness about balanced diets and nutrition through media briefings, empowering women in the informal sector to build resilience and improve their health during Covid-19 pandemic.
Conducted community dialogues in Rubirizi, Buhweju, and Hoima, addressing food security, sustainable farming practices, and community resilience, fostering social cohesion and empowerment.

Economic Impact:

Empowered and trained 20 members of the Kabaale rural women’s group in Hoima district to produce briquettes, promoting clean energy and providing income-generating opportunities.
Produced a documentary exposing gender-based violence among the Kijaayo and Rwamutonga IDPs in Greater Hoima, raising awareness and advocating for the rights of affected communities. https://ceggi.org/effect-of-land-grabbing-in-kijaayo-rwamutonga
Through our active participation in international webinars and conferences, we have shared our experiences and learned from others in the field of chemical management, contributing to global knowledge exchange and advancing best practices.

Contact Us on:

P.O. Box 143677 – Kampala, Uganda
Lubowa Entebbe Road
Tel: +256 786 860 993 or +256786395034
Email: ceggi.initiatives@gmail.com
Website: www.ceggi.org
Facebook: Ceggi Initiative