By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Kampala, Uganda
The Government of Uganda through the National SDG Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Uganda National NGO Forum, the SDG Champions, the United Nations in Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, and various partners, with support from the Royal Danish Embassy, is proud to announce the upcoming Kampala People’s SDG Festival. The festival, themed “Harnessing Citizens’ Potential: Fostering Ownership, Expression, Enjoyment, and Innovation for SDGs,” is scheduled for Thursday, 10th, and Friday, 11th of August 2023 at KCCA Grounds, Lugogo.
The festival aims to create awareness and promote the localization of the SDGs in Uganda. It specifically aims to provide a people-centered interactive platform for conversations about the active participation of ordinary citizens in the realization of the SDGs, bring together key partners and individuals to exchange knowledge, increase mutual understanding and generate solutions to enhance local action toward the realization of SDGs, showcase the latest innovations, ideas, tools, and approaches to SDG implementation, and inspire stakeholders to drive action for sustainable development. With only seven years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this festival serves as a crucial platform to address the challenges and gaps in Uganda’s progress towards the SDGs.
Participants will include Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, United Nations in Uganda, Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector, religious and cultural institutions, academia youth organizations, women interest groups, social entrepreneurs, innovators, students, filmmakers and entertainers, civil media and development partners, among others. It will be open to the general public to mobilize everyone for collective efforts that are essential for realizing the SDGs.
The festival activities will include the SDGs Walk that will be led by the Rt Hon. Robina Nabanjja, prime minister of the republic of Uganda, exhibitions, edutainment, and the Citizens’ Baraza. Interactive sessions and activities to cater for diverse interests and audiences will be held covering a range of topics on SDGs implementation and acceleration in Uganda.
Plenary sessions led by experts and stakeholders will focus on critical themes, such as Climate Change Action, Gender Equality, Poverty and Inequality, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions among others. Performances, interactive workshops, networking spaces, and service camps offering free medical and legal services will also be included.
The festival’s success will be ensured through collaboration with key organizations, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda Police Force, Civil Society Organizations, SDGs Champions, Universities, UN Agencies, Private Sector Foundation, and Media, among others, with the generous support of the Royal Danish Embassy.
Dr. Albert Byamugisha the head of SDG secretariat said the Kampala People’s SDG Festival provides an unprecedented opportunity to join hands and collectively work towards a sustainable and equitable future for all Ugandans. The event is free to join, and the organizers invite everyone, all citizens, stakeholders, and development partners, to actively participate in this inspiring event and contribute to accelerating the realization of the SDGs in Uganda.
