With support from the Fund for Global Human Rights, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda conducted a stakeholders’ meeting in Bundibugyo on 16th May 2023 during which the Batwa highlighted leadership structures in which they need to be included. The stakeholders who took part in the meeting included representatives from the Obudingiya Bwa Bwamba cultural institution, Bugombwa Catholic Church, Bundibugyo district local government and Semuliki National Park. The Batwa highlighted the following areas as critical for them to be involved.
The Church and the school at Bugombwa Catholic Mission- The Batwa are not represented on the School Management Committee. It was, therefore, recommended that besides inviting the Batwa to participate in the schools’ parent meetings, they should also be represented on the School Management Committee.
UWA – Currently, the leader of the Batwa, Nzito Geoffrey is a member of the Resource use/allocation committee of the Semuliki National Park. The Batwa however, requested for a special consideration during the 20% Revenue Sharing Scheme of the Park.
Bundibugyo district local government – The Batwa are spread across Ntandi, Burondo, Ntotoro and Karambi sub-counties (Greater Kasitu). Secondly, most of the Batwa are still registered voters/residents of Ntandi village. This makes their inclusion in the planning processes challenging given their negligible numbers. It was, however, suggested that with affirmative action, and given that the Batwa are still few to constitute an LC1, they should have a representative during the planning processes which start at the Parish level.
District Events – Currently, the Batwa have not been participating in district events/celebrations yet they have unique songs and dances. They need to have a trainer. They also need to be provided with transport if they are to perform at events in Bundibugyo town
Besides the stakeholders’ meeting, the Foundation also facilitated a meeting on the 17th of May at UWA headquarters during which the Batwa community raised their cultural rights with the duty-bearers mainly the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission. The main concerns raised by the Batwa community included limited representation or inclusion in the district leadership structures, their vanishing cultural identity and language, non-recognition of their Batwa cultural institution and the lack of visits by the members of EOC and UHRC to the Batwa community in Bundibugyo. In their response, the officials from EOC and UHRC committed to addressing the Batwa concerns through their national action plans, research and inspection and budget framework development.