Roots & Rights Initiative turns blue

The Blue Community Network can designate and welcome a new partner in Uganda: the Roots & Rights Initiative (former XR Justice Movement Uganda) joins in.

«We organize communities, train young people, and take non-violent action against extractivism, fossil expansion, and economic systems that exploit people and land.» That’s the core statement of Roots and Rights Initiative (R&RI). Youth led, community rooted, action driven is the claim of the Kampala based organisation, as «Communities across Uganda and Africa face land loss, economic pressure, and broken promises linked to extractivism projects.»

R&RI recognize water as a fundamental human right and an essential component of environmental justice, human dignity, public health, and community resilience: «We seek to join the Blue Community Network because its principles align closely with our work supporting communities affected by climate change, extractive industries, environmental degradation, and social injustice.»

In its commitment to become a Blue Community, R&RI states:

«By becoming a Blue Community, we aim to strengthen our advocacy for equitable access to clean and safe water, amplify community voices in water governance, and contribute to global efforts defending water as a public good rather than a commodity. We hope to learn from other Blue Communities, exchange experiences, build partnerships, and contribute perspectives from frontline communities in Uganda that face water challenges linked to oil extraction, land grabbing, pollution, and climate impacts.»

In the past, R&RI has worked with communities affected by environmental degradation and extractive projects, highlighting the impacts of pollution and climate change on access to clean water. It organized community dialogues, awareness campaigns, and advocacy activities focused on environmental rights and social justice.

«Roots & Rights Initiative will actively promote recognition of water and sanitation as fundamental human rights through:

• Community awareness and education programs.
• Advocacy for policies that protect universal access to safe water and sanitation.
• Documentation of water-related human rights challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
• Public campaigns highlighting the links between water, climate justice, health, and human rights.
• Supporting communities to engage with decision-makers regarding water access and protection.»

R&RI advocated for community-centered approaches to natural resource governance and has supported efforts that prioritize public interest over private exploitation of essential resources. And R&RI plans to strengthen these activities:

«We will promote publicly accountable and equitable water services through:

• Public education on the importance of water as a public good.
• Advocacy against policies that undermine equitable access to water.
• Supporting community participation in water governance and decision-making processes.
• Promoting transparency and accountability in water service delivery.
• Collaborating with civil society organizations working on water governance and public service protection.»

In its environmental campaigns, R&RI emphasizes pollution prevention, protection of ecosystems, and community access to healthy environments, including clean water sources. This includes the work to reduce reliance on bottled water.

Mpiima Ibrahim, Team Lead with the Roots & Rights Initiative, declares:

«Climate change increasingly threatens water security. We support community-led climate adaptation efforts, watershed protection, and ecosystem restoration initiatives that safeguard water resources. Our vision is a future where clean water is protected as a human right, managed as a public good, and safeguarded for present and future generations through community-led action and environmental justice.»