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Mak Environmental Economists hold Policy Dialogue with Bugiri District Leadership

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Environmental economists from the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) were on 28th  and 29th October 2020 in Bugiri district, Eastern Uganda to dialogue with the local government officials on Lake Victoria’s rising water levels and pollution.

The team led by the Director EfD-Mak Centre Assoc. Prof. Edward Bbaale met with Bugiri district local government officials including the administrative and technical arms at the district headquarters.

Officials met included the Chief Administrative officer (CAO), Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Clerk to Council, Chairperson Local Council V, District speaker, District Police Commander and officers from the Environmental Police Protection Unit. The technical team was largely composed of the District Natural Resources officer, Forestry and Water officers as well as District planners and engineers. The meeting was also attended by representatives from Civil Society organizations (CSOs) and the Private sector.

Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is a critical trans-boundary natural resource, underpinning the economy and livelihoods of the population, acting as a waste repository and providing food, energy, irrigation, drinking water, tourism and transportation to the surrounding communities and, is the primary modulator of the region’s climate.

Despite its importance, the LVB has undergone intense environmental degradation for decades, resulting in significant ecological and economic challenges. During the period of late January 2020, the effects of Lake Victoria bursting its banks started to be felt with several landing sites and settlements damaged by floods leaving almost half a million people homeless and property worth billions of shillings destroyed in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The EfD-Mak Centre is mandated to carry out training, research and policy engagement in the realm of environment and natural resources and advise government on the best way the environment can be managed using evidence generated from research.

The university was in Bugiri because of its location and unique features. Bugiri district is located in Busoga Sub-region with a total land area of 1,045.9 km2 (403.8 sqmi). The district is located in a flat and rolling topographical zone with 90% of its landmass constituting the drainage basins of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. As a result, there are many swamps that crisscross the district as well as landing sites. The land surface is characterized by gentle undulating hills with few higher residual features. The district has a total of 1562m2 covered by water Wakawaka landing site covering 26,178 m2, Namatu (62,505m2), Rwengemaziriga (30,024m2) and Rwengekarent (26,645m2). The catchment areas have been grossly degraded, forest cover cut and swamps reclaimed.

The objectives of the policy dialogue was to discuss with district officials the status, challenges and to come up with strategies on how to have a nuance existence between the environment and human development.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bugiri district Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. Ezaruku Kazimiro welcomed Mak dons to the district saying, the dialogue had come at a time when the district was experiencing very serious effects of climate change and environmental degradation manifesting with floods that were still continuing. Kazimiro called upon participants to put up some mitigation measures to address these challenges to enhance sustainability in the district and country at large.

The CAO described the policy dialogue as important and, one thatis in line with the National Development Plan III (2020-2025) whose implementation has just started. He said, the NDPIII considers environmental management and climate change very seriously which to some extent must also guide the dialogue.

Mak dons Dr. Nickolas Kilimani, Mr. Peter Babyenda and Prof. Edward Bbaale interacting during a break

Mr. Kazimiro said, the NDP III goal under natural resources and climate change sector is to stop and reverse the degradation of water resources, environment, natural resources as well as the effects of climate change on economic growth and people’s livelihoods.

“The key issues or challenges affecting the environment which this country wants to address in this period under NDP III are poor management of water, environment and natural resources coupled with worsening effects of climate change due to high exposure to hazards and disasters, low disaster risk planning, rampant degradation of environment and natural resources, limited access and uptake of meteorological information and poor coordination and institutional capacity”, The CAO said.

The CAO said, there is poor coordination among different institutions, sectors and local government, absence of incentives for good environment practices adding that, there are some key targets which must be achieved under NDP III five years from now.

This according to Mr. Kazimiro include, increasing percentage of land area covered by forests from 9.1% to 15% countrywide, to increase the percentage of the land area covered by wetlands from the current 10.9% to 11.5% within five years among others.

Speaking on behalf of the Resident District Commissioner, Ronald Mukasa expressed the dilemma between environmental conservation and development.

 “We have so many activities that are ongoing within our environment. We have timber cutting, we have sand mining in the waters, we have charcoal burning, we have construction ongoing but how really do we protect our environment when development is also going on hand in hand?

We have to sensitize our community and population on how to manage nature while preserving the environment. Our call is to plant more trees as we cut some down and this is the only way we shall maintain the environment and even preserve nature”. He said reiterating the call by the government and the president condemning acts leading to environmental degradation.

The representative of the LC5 Chairperson Mr. Mutamba Musa thanked Makerere University for considering Bugiri for the dialogue. He said forests in Bugiri were getting depleted, water levels rising and many activities taking place in the wetlands.

He told participants that the task ahead of every stakeholder was to ensure that the catchment areas that feed the bigger water bodies are protected. Mr. Mutamba attributed the degradation of the environment and natural resources to inefficiencies in environmental committees and the increasing population pressure.

“I would also love to encourage fellow leaders to also ensure that the environmental committees are made active. It is true we have these committees but they are inactive, so we should ensure that they do what is expected of them.

 I also think that as Ugandans we are over producing and as you are aware, the supply of land is inelastic so, people have started encroaching on forests and wetlands for survival. So we should ensure that at least we produce manageable numbers of children to safe guard our environment”. Mr. Mutamba said.

The District Police Commander Mr. Ssebuyungo Geofrey noted that although Uganda has adequate policies on environmental protection and institutions including the Environmental Police Protection Unit, there is lack of support to the enforcement and sometimes environmental protection is taken up by politics.

Bugiri District Police Commander Ssebuyungo Geofrey makes his remarks

“We need the independence of the enforcement team when it comes to environmental policies. It is also time that we develop a policy on road reserves, so that we plant trees by liaising with Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) because this is free land”. The DPC proposed.

Ssebuyungo also noted that environmental protection must be perceived and conceptualized in terms of development encompassing many things like empowering people to fight poverty.

He said, besides helping ordinary people to use the environment to make money, there is need to think of a policy for all Bibanja owners to plant trees along their boundaries and encouraging all people to have tree projects that can earn them big sums of money in future.

The Clerk to Council Mr. Nandhbu Joshua said Bugiri is one of the worst affected districts with the changing environment especially the rising or changing levels of Lake Victoria.

“We have a landing site called Wakawaka, it has displaced a multitude of homes, people are now moving around but as government we embarked ourselves on constitutionalism. The Minister of Environment wrote to clerk directing that all people who are around the affected area vacate”. He said adding that people who were instructed to leave the landing site were stuck and have nowhere to go.

In her Keynote address, the Senior Environmental officer Bugiri district Ms. Kauma Benadet who is also the Ag. Natural Resources officer reported that the district is faced with anumber of  challenges regarding environmental management including  the rising water levels, sedimentation due  to encroachment of the buffer zone, increasing water pollution and declining fish stocks.

The environmental officer reported that in March 2020, a number of people were displaced by the rising water levels on L. Victoria and they have not been resettled to date, leading to the decline of many economic activities.

“The increasing pollution of water is due to lack of sanitary facilities. We have over one thousand people along the shore, most of these are living close to within 200m of the lake and this has led to a lot of pollution. We only have one pit latrine that was provided by the district which cannot serve this whole community and so, the only alternative is the water source, Lake Victoria”. She stated.

Ms. Kauma said the district was grappling with issues of sedimentation as a result of waste disposal because the catchment, the wetlands have been silted and most of this silt ends up in the lake. She added that most of the people around the shore line have migrated from the village because they don’t have land, so they end up even cultivating the small area on the buffer zone hence increasing the silt in the lake.

The Environmental officer attributed all the environmental issues in the district to the increasing poverty levels and the declining economic activities.

“Most of the people who destroy our environment are below the poverty line and the only thing they can resort to for a living are the natural resources. That’s why you see most of our forests are disappearing because of charcoal burning and the demand of fuel wood. We see the way swamps are disappearing because people have to cultivate rice to earn money to take their children to school, to get the necessary medical services”, Ms. Kauma stated.

She however said, the district was partnering with development partners like the World Vision and Red Cross Society that have provided resources to mitigate the challenges.

Senior Environmental Officer, Ms. Kauma Benadet presenting on the status of the environment in Bugiri

Ms. Kauma also expressed gratitude to the government for increasing the budget for natural resources management in the district.

“We now have a running budget of 35 million shillings of which about 10 million shillings is for enforcement. So, on issues leading to pollution of the lake, sedimentation and the like, we are going to ensure that we enforce because we have regional officers in the management of environment. We shall always be calling them on board so that we can force the implementation of the 200m buffer zone.” Ms. Kauma stated.

The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale explained that the bursting of the lake banks is just an effect of the degradation of environment more especially the catchment areas.

“The forests have been cleared, the swamps have been cleared and as a result, erosion of all the debris with all the materials, metals, sediments end up directly in  the lake.

The lake is very shallow with an average depth of 40m and the highest being 80m and once degradation goes on for many years as of now, time comes when the lake is over whelmed and as I speak now the lake is over whelmed. It is saturated no wonder it has burst its banks leading to all sorts of issues”. Prof. Bbaale said.

The Director said  Lake Victoria is a trans boundary natural resource not only in Uganda but touches other East African countries where part of the solution lies in a consensus and  joint efforts where governments must work towards a common goal.

As for Uganda, the professor observed that there is no need for new regulations because the government is already committed to institutions.

“Government has established a number of institutions and frameworks that are intended to protect the natural resources and environment.  From parliament for example, we have a Parliamentary Committee in charge of natural resources and environment. We have the Ministry of Water and Environment, we have NEMA, and others and the government has worked together with civil society to protect the environment.

What we need to do is to implement and remove the weaknesses in the implementation of regulations that are here. The weak enforcements should be worked on or revised as a mechanism of achieving favorable environmental and natural resource outcomes”, He explained

Prof. Bbaale said as university researchers, they have a role to play because the population needs alternatives and these alternatives must come from new knowledge generated from research for instance on green energy or clean energy that can be used other than cutting forests or making charcoal.

The Centre Director expressed the university’s commitment to conducting research in the new alternatives as far as energy and agriculture are concerned noting that Agriculture is one of the culprits leading to degradation.

“The type of agriculture being practiced is not smart agriculture. This is the type of agriculture where even the productivity is so low, output per person is so low to the extent that if someone wants to harvest a lot, he needs a very big chunk of land.

But now, there should be research in the new agronomical practices that can ensure the highest yields even on a very small piece of land. You don’t need to clear a forest to have great alternative from your agriculture. You just need to undertake smart agriculture, you just need to work on agricultural productivity as a mechanism of protecting the environment”, He said.

Report compiled by: Jane Anyango, Principal Communication Officer, CAES

Mark Wamai

Agriculture & Environment

RUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices

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The Project team led by Prof. Frank Mugagga together with the farmers at Emily Royal Mixed Farm, the training site. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.

Overview

Following stakeholder engagements in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality to introduce Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, it became evident that farmers in both regions face a range of challenges that significantly impact agricultural productivity. Among the most pressing issues are frequent floods, landslides, waterlogging, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which threaten food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Ms. Emily Namalwa welcoming the project team and the trainees to her farm, Emily Royal Mixed Farm that was used as the training site. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Ms. Emily Namalwa welcoming the project team and the trainees to her farm, Emily Royal Mixed Farm that was used as the training site.

In response, the RUFS Project team has designed a series of targeted interventions aimed at addressing these climate-related challenges. Central to these efforts is the provision of specialized training to enhance farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental stressors. Through these trainings, smallholder farmers in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills in climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainability and resilience. Smart Agronomic Practices, as promoted in the training, focus on techniques that improve yield while conserving natural resources. This includes composting, pest control using natural extracts, crop rotation, intercropping, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource efficiency, the RUFS project aims to protect urban communities from the effects of climate change, price volatility, and food insecurity.

Prof. Frank Mugagga, the Project Coordinator addressing the team on the purpose of the training. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Prof. Frank Mugagga, the Project Coordinator addressing the team on the purpose of the training.

Training on smart agronomic practices in Mbale City

As part of this initiative, over 20 smallholder farmers in Mbale City recently received extensive training on Smart Agronomic Practices. The training, conducted from 6th to 7th October 2025 at Emily Royal Mixed Farm in Industrial City Division, Mbale City, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen urban food systems by empowering farmers with sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective farming techniques tailored to the realities of a changing climate.

Prof. Frank Mugagga briefing the team about the objectives of the training. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Prof. Frank Mugagga briefing the team about the objectives of the training.

Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the RUFS project aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, particularly in informal and peri-urban communities where agriculture remains both a livelihood and a cornerstone for food security. Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Mbale and Kasese, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.

Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, project member briefing the team about the planned training on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, project member briefing the team about the planned training on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides.

Training in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides

During the two-day training, farmers were introduced to practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials. Emily Royal Mixed Farm, the training venue, and home of one of the project beneficiaries, Ms. Emily Namalwa, served as a practical learning hub where theory met practice.  Led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project, and backed by the Mbale City technical team, the hands-on sessions demystified the process of creating environmentally friendly agricultural inputs such as compost and bio-pesticides.

Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed.

Step by step, the enthusiastic farmers were trained to formulate effective organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials such as cow dung, animal and human urine, ash, onions, pawpaw leaves, pepper, tobacco, luwoko (Phytolacca dodecandra), and muluuku (Tephrosia vogelii). These natural alternatives provide a sustainable response to the rising cost and environmental impact of synthetic inputs. They not only enhance soil health and increase crop productivity, but also reduce chemical residues in food, promoting safer and more resilient farming practices.

Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa prepares the team for a training the the production of organic fertilizers using cow dung. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa prepares the team for a training the the production of organic fertilizers using cow dung.

While conducting the hands-on sessions, Mr. Mbowa emphasized that these solutions are not only effective but scalable. “These are techniques that require no expensive inputs. Farmers can adopt them right away using the resources they already have at their disposal,” he said.

The farmers collect cow dung to be used in the production of organic fertilizers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers collect cow dung to be used in the production of organic fertilizers.

As part of the training, Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Drawing from his experience, Mr. Whepukulu highlighted the significance of proper soil preparation, emphasizing soil health and nutrient management as foundational to successful seedling development. He also stressed the importance of selecting high-quality seeds suited to local conditions and demonstrated effective maintenance techniques such as regular watering, timely weeding, and shading to protect young seedlings from excessive sun or rain.

Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa taking the farmers through the process of producing fertilizers using cow dung. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa taking the farmers through the process of producing fertilizers using cow dung.

According to Prof. Mugagga, the trainings that will be conducted over the next 18 months are a response to the urgent need for cities to reimagine their food systems amid rapid urbanization. “Urban agriculture is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge that makes their practices not only productive but also sustainable and adaptive to climate stress,” Prof. Mugagga stated.

The farmers practicing to make fertilizers using different plant materials. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers practicing to make fertilizers using different plant materials.

Farmers’ views on the Training

  1. Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emily Royal Mixed Farm, expressed appreciation for the training. Her farm, located within Mbale City, produces a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), eggplants, matooke (plantains), and passion fruit, alongside poultry farming.
    • Reflecting on the impact of the training, Ms. Namalwa said: “This has been eye-opening. I have learned that many of the resources we need to feed and protect our crops are readily available in our surroundings. What we once considered as waste can actually be transformed into valuable inputs for farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability.”
    • She further narrated how the RUFS training reshaped her perspective on land use for farming: “Before this, I focused solely on cultivating coffee on a one-acre piece of land located far from my home. I never imagined that I could turn the small 100 by 100 plot around my house into a productive farm. Thanks to the training on urban agriculture, I now understand how to make the most of even limited space for food production.”
    • Citing the benefits, Ms. Namalwa expressed gratitude for the continued support RUFS extends to smallholder farmers. “RUFS has given us the knowledge and tools to make urban farming not just possible, but profitable. I am truly grateful for their efforts in empowering farmers like me in Mbale City.”
  2. According to Mr. Mudoma Cassim, Chairman of the Nabuyonga Horticulture Farmers’ Association in Industrial City Division, Busamaga, Mbale, the training provided by the RUFS project was both timely and impactful. “For a long time, our farmers have heavily depended on inorganic fertilizers purchased from commercial outlets. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are not only expensive but also contribute to the degradation of soil health over time, leading to reduced productivity in the long run. The training we received on the production and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides has opened our eyes to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By learning how to produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally, we can significantly reduce the cost of inputs while improving soil fertility and overall yields.”
    • “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the RUFS project team and their funders for this valuable initiative. It is my earnest appeal that such trainings continue, not only on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides but also on other important aspects of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, I humbly request that the project considers supporting farmer groups like ours with irrigation equipment, such as spray pumps. This would greatly enhance our capacity to maintain consistent production even during dry spells, ensuring food security and stable incomes for our members.”
  3. Mr. Ssenkoto Julius, a dedicated farmer from Industrial City, Masaba in Mbale District, is equally grateful for the support provided by the RUFS Project. He specifically commended the hands-on training he received on producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials, a skill he believes is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. “I primarily grow tomatoes, but I also cultivate sukuma wiki (collard greens),” he stated. “The knowledge imparted during the training was incredibly valuable. I have already begun applying the organic methods on my farm, and I am keen to observe the difference in performance between these natural products and the conventional ones purchased from agro-shops.” Mr. Ssenkoto also appealed to the RUFS Project to consider extending similar training opportunities in animal husbandry. “Many of us are mixed farmers,” he explained. “Equipping us with skills in livestock management would greatly enhance our productivity and improve our livelihoods.”
  4. Ms. Nekesa Josephine, a horticulture farmer from Northern City in Nkoma, Mbale District, appreciated the RUFS Project team for the training, highlighting its potential to transform farming practices in the region. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The training has opened my eyes to more sustainable and cost-effective methods of farming. I have already started experimenting with the production of organic fertilizer using cow dung, a practice I had not considered seriously before. If it proves successful, it will greatly reduce our dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers bought from agro-vet shops, which many of us struggle to afford. This kind of knowledge is not only practical but empowering, especially for smallholder farmers like myself. I sincerely hope that these trainings can be scaled up and extended to cover livestock management. Training in animal husbandry would go a long way in helping us improve both crop and animal productivity, ultimately boosting our incomes and food security.
The farmers practicing to make fertilizers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers practicing to make fertilizers.

During the training programme, participants were tasked to document the current status of their farms and agricultural activities. Coordinated by Mr. Peter Kasaija, a member of the RUFS Project, the exercise was intended to support monitoring and assessment of the impact of the RUFS Project initiatives.

The farmers learning how to mix different materials to make fertilizers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers learning how to mix different materials to make fertilizers.

The team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.

Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers.

More photos from the training

Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers.

Prof. Mugagga appreciating the farmers for their commitment to the project activities. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Prof. Mugagga appreciating the farmers for their commitment to the project activities.

Mr. Peter Kasaija briefs the farmers on the need to document their farming activities to enable the project team to monitor progress. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Peter Kasaija briefs the farmers on the need to document their farming activities to enable the project team to monitor progress.

A farmer sharing his views on the training. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
A farmer sharing his views on the training.

Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of ash in the production of pesticides. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of ash in the production of pesticides.

The farmers braved the heavy downpour to acquire skills in the production of pesticides. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers braved the heavy downpour to acquire skills in the production of pesticides.

The farmers being trained on the production pesticides using different plant materials. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers being trained on the production pesticides using different plant materials.

The farmers being trained on the use of animal urine in the production of pesticides. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials 6th to 7th October 2025, Emily Royal Mixed Farm, Industrial City Division, Mbale City.
The farmers being trained on the use of animal urine in the production of pesticides.

Pictorial on the training:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17NeSVJvLn6wJjtzodL25XtN5arnXXNdz?usp=sharing

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak Launches SophiA Project Facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV

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The SophiA Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV was officially commissioned by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.

Introduction

The Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) is providing sustainable off-grid energy supplies and water free of bacteria and viruses for rural and remote health facilities in Africa, thereby accelerating the sustainable development, growth and economic transformation, and ensuring improved access to energy and health services for all.

Using various technologies, such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, electrical and thermal storage, water treatment, and natural refrigerants with low global warming potential, SophiA has developed and manufactured locally innovative, modular, affordable, and efficient solar powered systems for providing:

  1. Safe and clean drinking water, free of bacteria and viruses, and deionised water for medical purposes.
  2. Hot water and steam production for thermal requirements of the hospitals.
  3. Cooling of medicines and food at +5°C.
  4. Low temperature storage of blood plasma and vaccines at -30°C.
  5. Ultra-low temperature storage of sensitive medication (e.g. some Covid-19 or Ebola vaccines) at -70°C
The SophiA system installed at Buvuma Health Center IV. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
The SophiA system installed at Buvuma Health Center IV.

In addition, PV MedPort, a simple and 100% solar-powered solution has been developed and tested as a mobile health care station in small remote areas in 4 different geographical conditions in Africa.

SophiA systems have been manufactured in Africa and will provide, for the first-time, innovative solutions based on climate-friendly natural refrigerants to cover cooling demand for three different temperature ranges (-70°C, -30°C and +5°C). The systems have been tested and demonstrated at four rural hospitals in remote regions throughout the African continent covering the major geographical regions and different climatic conditions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.

The Principal Investigator, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu showing the Shceffler shields concentrators for outside cooking facility. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu showing the Shceffler shields concentrators for outside cooking facility.

Launch of the SophiA Project Facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV

The SophiA Project facility installed at Buvuma Health Centre IV was officially commissioned on 30th September 2025, by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES, Dr Julia Kigozi.

The event was attended by over 100 guests including local government officials, healthcare professionals, university staff and students, traders, and community members. The occasion showcased the transformative technologies introduced under the SophiA Project, aimed at enhancing energy access and health service delivery in off-grid communities.

The PV medport at Lukale Health Center III. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
The PV medport at Lukale Health Center III.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the Project Coordinator in Uganda, outlined the advanced systems installed at Buvuma Health Centre IV. These include:

  1. Electricity Generation: A 36 kWp photovoltaic (PV) solar system supported by a 13 kVA standby generator ensures continuous power supply.
  2. Water Systems: Provision of safe drinking water through ultra-filtration and de-ionized water using membrane capacitive de-ionization technology.
  3. Thermal Energy: Hot water and steam generation for cooking, bathing, and sterilization, using thermo-energy storage.
  4. Solar Cooking: Outdoor cooking with Scheffler reflectors capable of reaching temperatures up to 200°C.
  5. Refrigeration: Environmentally friendly cooling units maintain medicine at +5°C, blood plasma at -30°C, and vaccines, including for COVID-19 and Ebola, at required temperatures using natural refrigerants like propane (R290).
  6. Maternity Support: Installation of Xsol water heaters to provide warm water in the maternity wing.
The VC's representative, Dr Julia Kigozi, and the PI of the SophiA Project, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu touring the kitchen. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
The VC’s representative, Dr Julia Kigozi, and the PI of the SophiA Project, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu touring the kitchen.

Additionally, a 2 kWp PV MedPort was installed at Lukale Health Centre III, offering reliable electricity for disease screening and youth outreach services. Both installations feature containerized units integrated with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and operational safety. Key safety features include external ventilated compartments for flammable refrigerants and systems to discharge surplus solar power to the ground.

The excess energy generated by the PV system not only powers the health centre at night but also supports critical services such as the neonatal unit, further extending the project’s impact.

Makerere University students using Scheffler dish concentrators to make popcorn. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
Makerere University students using Scheffler dish concentrators to make popcorn.

The launch also featured a tour of the facility, with an interactive question and answer session focusing on system safety (such as propane compartment ventilation) and scalability.

Now fully operational, the systems provide over 18 hours of reliable electricity daily, surpassing national averages, and enables vaccine storage critical for outbreak response. Buvuma Health Centre IV is set to serve as a learning laboratory for Makerere University students and other institutions.

The SophiA Management Team inaugurated during the launch. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
The SophiA Management Team inaugurated during the launch.

The project was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and 12 consortium partners, with support from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Local stakeholders, including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and Buvuma District Local Government (DLG), also contributed significantly.

Remarks by the Vice Chancellor

In his remarks delivered by Dr. Julia Kigozi, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the late Prof. Noble Bannadda for his pivotal role in crafting the project. He thanked Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the Principal Investigator, for successfully implementing the project at both Buvuma Health Centre IV and Mua Mission Hospital in Dezda, Malawi.  He also thanked other SophiA Project team members at Makerere University namely: Dr. Denis Muhangi (CHUSS), Dr. Sarah Bimbona (COBAMS), and Mr. Alvin Asingya (CAES), and institutional partners.

Installation of the solar system at Buvuma Health Centre IV. Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV official commissioning by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa represented by Dr. Julia Kigozi on 30th September 2025.
Installation of the solar system at Buvuma Health Centre IV.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the European Union for funding the SophiA Project alongside several other initiatives at Makerere University.

Compiled by Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu – PI, SophiA Project/member of staff in the Department of Agricultural & Bio-systems Engineering at CAES, Makerere University.

More about the project at – https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/07/sophia-project-upgrades-health-infrastructure-at-buvuma-health-centre-iv-trains-technicians-for-maintenance-works/

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Call for Grants to Develop Policy Briefs and Working Papers on Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students
(Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/)
    o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link
  • Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
  • RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.

IMPORTANT DATES

Call Opens: September 5, 2025

  • Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
  • Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
  • Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025

Mak Editor

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