Who is COPACSO? ^[1]

COPACSO was formed in 2005 as coalition of pastoralist civil society organizations working across the cattle corridor, right from the South- Western part of Uganda, through the Central, to the North Eastern tip of the country.

COPACSO was formed to provide a platform for civil society organizations to engage with policy formulation and advocacy for the recognition of pastoralism as a way of life and the right of pastoralists to benefit from national and local resources.

COPACSO is constituted by over 20 NGOs/CSOs (Both local and International) working on pastoralism and agro-pastoralism in Uganda. Her action priorities include; Policy analysis and Research, Information sharing and Communication, Advocacy and Networking, and Organisational Development.

COPACSO Vision/Goal: To achieve national policy and local practices, that enhance capabilities and improve the welfare of pastoralists in Uganda.

COPACSO Mission: To enable members share experiences and capabilities in order to strengthen Pastoral advocacy

COPACSO Strategic Values and Principles:

• Honesty
• Democratic Governance
• Accountability and Transparency
• Gender Equality
• Supporting participation of pastoralists to represent themselves
• Non-discrimination based on gender, ethnicity and cultural practices
• Nurturing the spirit of voluntarism
• Recognition and upholding of Pastoralism as a way of life
• Recognition of the rights of pastoralists
• Nurturing respect for different view points
• Giving voice to the marginalized and vulnerable pastoral communities

Current Actions a)    Engaging with and Influencing the Rangelands Management Policy

> Pastoralists and Agro-Pastoralist Communities in Uganda

b)    Creating a Vibrant and Informed policy process on pastoralist and pastoralist issues in which representatives from pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas play a central role

c)    Developing COPACSO into a strong and sustainable coalition able to champion pastoralist and agro-pastoralist concerns

For further information, please feel encouraged to contact:

Martin Orem

Coordinator COPACSO

+256772361287, morem@ulaug.org, copacso@ulaug.org ^[2]

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