30 Jul 2008: Stakeholders Meeting and Launch of ISS - EAPCCO Environmental Crime Project, Entebbe, 30-31 July 2008

Stakeholders Meeting and Launch of ISS-EAPCCO Environmental Crime Project
Entebbe, 30-31 July 2008

 

The ISS Nairobi Office officially launched its Environmental Crime Project at a colorful ceremony at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. The launch ceremony was graced by the Right Honorable Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, Lady Justice Laetitia E.M Mukasa Kikonyogo, His Excellency the Ambassador of Germany in Uganda, the Inspector General of Police in the Republic of Uganda, Major General Kale Kayihura and the head of the INTERPOL / EAPCCO Sub-regional Bureau for Eastern Africa, Major General Awad Dahia in the presence of over 50 delegates from the 8 countries in which the project will be implemented. Delegates included National Crime Bureau heads from the 8 countries in which the project will be implemented, departmental heads from different ministries responsible for the environment, representatives from UNEP, IUCN and other international and regional environmental organizations operating in the region.

 

While officially launching the project, the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda welcomed the ISS-EAPCCO joint project and pledged the support of the judiciary in the prosecution and sentencing of environmental criminals. The Inspector General of Police expressed great satisfaction and pride in witnessing the launch of the project because it was initiated and approved during his time as chair of EAPCCO. In his speech at the launch of the project, the German Ambassador expressed pleasure and satisfaction in the work of the ISS and noted that decision to fund ISS as the managing partner for the ISS-EAPCCO project was based on the recognition of its capacities and the reputation it has established as a leading think tank in Africa. He emphasized the importance of partnerships and local ownership for environmental protection.

 

ISS on its part was represented by Ms Doris Murimi, Deputy Director who expressed her gratitude to the guests for gracing the occasion with their presence. She noted that ISS was proud to partner with EAPCCO and that this was the second project under this partnership. She also thanked the German government for funding the project. She noted that the environment is an important public good that is unfortunately prone to contestation courtesy of the negative effects of globalization and the African continent has unfortunately suffered the brunt of this. The Director of the ISS Nairobi Office, Mr Peter Edopu expressed happiness at the launch of the project. He noted that the decision to launch the project in Kampala was not accidental but intentional. It was meant to recognize the important role played by Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and Uganda’s Inspector general of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura who were chair of the EAPCCO Council of Ministers and Chair of EAPCCO respectively at the time the project was developed and approved.

 

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