Civil society organizations in Uganda have launched a nationwide campaign focused on advocating for inclusive implementation on the globally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Chimp Corps report.
The campaign dubbed ‘Tondeka Emabega’ (implying leave nobody behind) will entail numerous dialogues in remote areas across Uganda whose needs are often sidelined.
‘Tondeka emabega’ also seeks to voice the concerns of special interest groups such as the children, youth, immigrants, women, the elderly and the physically incapacitated among others.
Addressing a press briefing Tuesday morning, the Executive Director Uganda National NGO Forum, Richard Ssewakiryanga said civil society organizations will track and report all achievements of SDGs.
“Dialogues will build a momentum for all citizens across Uganda to participate in the implementation of the SDGs. We want to advocate that the economy works for every Ugandan so that we can reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.
The campaign calls to action human rights activists, leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders especially politicians to be accountable towards their commitments and ensuring that there is equal distribution of resources as well as service delivery.
Further expounding on the campaign intentions, Ssewakiryanga said; “The campaign is not just activities but we shall record the voices of these sidelined groups and ensure their views reach the leaders. We shall document ways in which they have been left behind and what they are doing to catch up with the rest plus the support they require.”
Patrick Mwesigye, a youth activist, spoke about the plight of the youth in Uganda highlighting high levels of unemployment and lack of access to finance as part of the critical challenges.
Proponents of the campaign make plea to the global community to ensure sufficient financial flows including foreign funding and to tackle unfair tax systems.
They also want illicit money laundering from African states put to check.
Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by UN member states in 2015 with a set of 169 targets that will guide the global development agenda within the next 15 years.
They include; quality education, good health, gender equality, clean water, decent work and elimination of poverty and hunger among others.