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Call for Applications_CECIC

The Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC) is a Ugandan non-governmental organization committed to advancing climate justice, renewable energy access, natural resource management, and democratic governance. Founded with the vision of empowering communities and strengthening citizen engagement, CECIC places people particularly women, youth, and marginalized groupsnat the center of its work. By promoting active participation in decision-making processes, the organization ensures that the voices of those most affected by environmental and governance challenges are heard, valued, and acted upon.

CECIC operates across Uganda and the Great Lakes Region, collaborating with civil society organizations, academia, grassroots movements, and innovation hubs to create inclusive, evidence-driven solutions. Through rigorous research and policy engagement, the organization generates knowledge that informs policy reforms, guides decision-making, and enhances accountability in governance. CECIC’s work recognizes that effective environmental management and democratic governance are intertwined, and that citizen participation is essential for achieving sustainable, equitable outcomes.

At the heart of CECIC’s approach is community empowerment. The organization works to ensure that citizens are not only informed but also equipped to influence policy and governance processes. This involves building capacity for critical thinking, research, advocacy, and civic engagement. Through initiatives such as policy briefings, public dialogues, training workshops, and community consultations, CECIC fosters a culture of active citizenship that strengthens transparency, accountability, and inclusion. These efforts create spaces where citizens, particularly youth and marginalized groups, can meaningfully engage with government institutions, shape policy priorities, and monitor the implementation of laws and regulations affecting their lives.

One of CECIC’s flagship programs is the Youth Participation and Democratic Accountability in Uganda Project, which focuses on nurturing the next generation of leaders in research, advocacy, and governance. A key initiative under this program is the CECIC Research & Advocacy Fellowship (CERAF). CERAF is designed to empower young Ugandans with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship required to conduct rigorous research, critically evaluate public policies, and advocate for democratic accountability. Fellows participate in a comprehensive 12-month program that combines hands-on training, mentorship, and public engagement, equipping them to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Through CERAF and other programs, CECIC emphasizes the importance of evidence-based advocacy and policy analysis. Fellows and participants are encouraged to examine governance structures, track the implementation of policies, and provide recommendations that strengthen democratic processes and climate governance. By nurturing young leaders with strong research and advocacy skills, CECIC is building a cadre of informed, empowered citizens who can hold institutions accountable, influence public discourse, and advance climate and development priorities in Uganda.

CECIC’s work is firmly rooted in the principle of collaboration. Recognizing that complex environmental and governance challenges require collective action, the organization engages a wide range of partners. This includes civil society organizations that bring grassroots knowledge, academic institutions that provide research expertise, and innovation hubs that offer creative solutions to emerging challenges. These collaborations allow CECIC to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring that its programs are both inclusive and impactful. By working across sectors, CECIC fosters networks of citizens, experts, and policymakers who are united in advancing transparent, accountable, and people-centered governance.

The organization also prioritizes climate justice and environmental stewardship. CECIC understands that the effects of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities and that sustainable environmental management is essential for long-term development. Its initiatives focus on empowering communities to protect natural resources, adopt renewable energy solutions, and actively participate in climate-related policy processes. By linking environmental sustainability with citizen empowerment, CECIC addresses both the immediate and systemic challenges facing Uganda and the broader Great Lakes Region.

CECIC’s vision is to create a society where citizens are informed, empowered, and capable of shaping policies that affect their lives. Its mission extends beyond research and advocacy; it is about building a culture of accountability, transparency, and participation. Through strategic programs, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, CECIC ensures that citizens can meaningfully engage in governance, influence decision-making, and hold leaders accountable, while simultaneously promoting sustainable environmental management and climate justice.

In summary, the Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC) is more than an NGO it is a citizen-driven platform for change. By combining research, advocacy, civic engagement, and capacity building, CECIC empowers communities to participate actively in governance, protect the environment, and champion climate justice. Its programs, including the CERAF Fellowship, reflect a commitment to nurturing the next generation of informed, capable leaders who will advance democratic accountability and sustainable development in Uganda and across the Great Lakes Region.

Through its work, CECIC demonstrates that when citizens are empowered, when their voices are amplified, and when evidence informs action, societies can achieve inclusive governance, environmental sustainability, and social justice—ensuring a better future for all.