Agriculture & Environment
Kabale District Local Government Officials Sensitized on Conservation of Forests & Biodiversity
By Jane Anyango
Over 50 officials from Kabale District Local Government have been sensitized on the need to protect the environment for sustainable livelihoods and the future generations.
The policy dialogue under the theme, “Forestry and Biodiversity: Addressing the challenges of Forest Degradation and enhancing Environment Management in Uganda”, was organized by the EfD-Mak Centre Uganda on 3rd November, 2021 at White Horse Hotel in Kabale District.
The meeting attracted participants ranging from Government Ministries and Agencies, NGOs, the private sector, politicians, Environmental police, civil society organizations and members of the Academia from Kabale and Makerere University.
The function was officially opened by the Kabale District Chairman (LCV) Nelson Nshangabasheija and also attended by the Vice Chairperson Miria Ankankwasa, the Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk to Council Gordon Manzi. The function was also graced by the District Forestry Officer Benjamin Ariyo and the Crime Intelligence Officer for Environmental Police Protection Unit Sam Kyomukama.
The Deputy Director EfD-Mak Center Prof. Johnny Mugisha in his submission said that they have been conducting policy dialogues across the country and Kabale is one of the areas requiring awakening in as far as policy management and implementation of environmental issues is concerned.
“Kabale is unique from most of other parts of the country because of its landscape. It is characterized by high population mostly residing on steep slopes which must feed. There has been a compromise between environmental conservation and agricultural production to an extent that because food takes priority number one for a household, most of the environment has been encroached on including the fragile ecosystems.
The steep slopes result into landslides and flooding in the bottom valleys and therefore, we found it prudent to come to Kabale and interact with different stakeholders including policy makers, district leaders, those practicing conservation of the environment like tree planters, such that we remind them on the benefits of the environment, its conservation and what we gain when we conserve it”, Prof. Mugisha explained.
Climbing beans, brewing waragi and mushrooming soft drinks impacting on the environment
Kabale used to grow the bush beans (short beans) until they became unproductive, research replaced them with high yielding climbing beans. These require a small area to yield highly and because they climb, they need to be staked.
Staking them needs some sticks which come from trees. Every household grows climbing beans but not every household has trees to get sticks from. So careless households who don’t have tree sources go and encroach on other peoples trees and they carelessly cut the branches.
Prof. Mugisha said the forest stand in Kabale district is highly threatened.
“There used to be significant forest cover. The estimation we have from National Forest Authority is that in the1990s, we had about 4.9 hectares of forest cover but after 25 years, by 2015, the forest cover had reduced to about 2.2 hectares indicating a 50% loss of the forest cover. If that trend is not checked, we are likely to have zero forest in some few years to come. The reason everybody must come on board is so that we do the planting, conservation and careful harvesting of the existing trees”, The Deputy Director said.
In his opening remarks, the district chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija thanked Makerere University for initiating the program to discuss how the district can protect the natural resources.
“The challenge here is brewing crude waragi and soft drink factories working near lakes and rivers. Our climate used to be very good but now, with these factories, they are damaging our natural resources. As political heads in the district, we are trying to see how we can work together to protect the natural resources”, Nshangabasheija said.
Nshangabasheija emphasized that the district was planning to relocate the factories from the lake and river side and near wetlands to alternative areas. To regain the beauty of trees and lakes, and to reduce soil erosion, the district he said, is considering coming up with a bye-law compelling the population to plant three or more trees for one tree cut.
The Regional Crime Intelligence Officer for Environmental Police Protection Unit in Kigezi region Sam Kyomukama said among the six districts which make Kigezi region, Kabale is the worst hit in terms environmental degradation. Others are Rubanda, Rukiga, Kanungu, Rukungiri and Kisoro.
“About 90% of the wetlands in Kabale have been depleted and as we talk now, there is no intact wetland in the district. All wetlands were cultivated and are under Irish potatoes. Rivers have been encroached on and people are dumping in soil and, wherever you go to the site for enforcement, they have big people who threaten us. The encroachers are protected by politicians like Members of Parliament and Councilors making it difficult to execute our work”, Kyomukama said.
He said just as was the case in Kabale, forests in other districts were being threatened by deforestation to provide charcoal for cooking as a major fuel source .
Kyomukama also reported that all rivers in Kabale have been encroached on by agricultural activities up to the banks resulting to power blackouts whenever it rains as power has to be switched off to remove the silt from Maziba dam.
Kyomukama decried inadequate support to the unit which hinders effective movement to all districts saying, he currently moves on a motorcycle to carry out enforcement in the six districts.
“In addition there are mushrooming factories of soft drinks including these ones called Babababa, Numi, Entare and they don’t have control. Another problem we have is waragi brewing done in wetlands where they divert rivers to work as coolants.
This is dangerous because they are using molasses and whenever molasses drops on grass, within three days, the grass is dry. These chemicals enter the rivers, rusting Maziba dam and killing mud fish and frogs in the rivers.
We are in touch with the Kabale District Police Commander and any time, we will storm, arrest and arraign culprits in courts of law.” The police officer warned.
Kabale District Forestry Officer Benjamin Ariyo said, the district does not have a gazetted reserve by government due to the recent partition of Rubanda and Rukiga districts where most of the forest reserves of the Mafuga area that covers over 1,500 hectares was taken by Rubanda district.
Kabale District he said, only relies on private planters and given the nature of the land tenure system of Kigezi region, most of them are small holders apart from a group called Uganda Agroforestry Network having over 150 hectares in Makanga area and all covered with pinuspatular trees that are due for harvest.
As far as biodiversity is concerned, the forest officer said, the district has species richness in wetland complexes of Bunyonyi as well as North and South Kiruma, with over 312 species of birds like the grey crested crane that is being conserved by nature Uganda in collaboration with the Crane Foundation.
Ariyo explained that Kabale district has a record of over 149 plant richness species both indigenous and exotic, woody and non woody, stating that due to population explosion,infrastructural development and weak policies regarding to wetland use, the biodiversity and forestry recovery in the area has been greatly affected.
The forestry officer reiterated the challenge of getting a winning solution between wetland users and politicians, saying that most of them encourage people to remain in wetlands yet people were experiencing variations in climate conditions of the area.
“Initially during the month of June to August, you would enter Kabale and feel a different breeze but now we are uncertain, we don’t know when the rains are coming,when the sun is to shine, there are lots of changes in rain seasons, the dry spell goes up to April yet April and September used to be rainy seasons”, He said.
Ariyo underscored the need to restore forestry and vegetation cover within the district noting that due to population explosion, people are using resources unsustainably.
“For instance, there is a tree called black wattle, a hard wood tree that takes up to 35 years to mature, yet good for charcoal and firewood but due to its propagation means, it is hard to get it and its seedlings because it is being threatened.
There are mammals that are getting extinct especially the swampy rats. Those ones are already on the red list of the endangered species but it is all attributed to uncontrolled human activities within the district related to unsustainable resource use,” Ariyo stated.
The forest officer reported that although climbing beans are the only performing bean varieties within the district, they are the biggest problem to forest conservation.
He explained that for someone to produce beans, they need climbing sticks and they tend to use young eucalyptus sprouts, indigenous shrubs and small trees. These take a short time like three months yet collected sticks cannot work for three seasons because of being exposed to termites.
“You find that they are cutting down trees for two seasons per year leading to quick vegetation loss. If different varieties of beans can be developed by agriculturalists, we shall be able to conserve our trees. Agriculture does not only take away the trees, it also uses a lot of fertilizers and sprays chemicals which kill bees as pollinators. Someone who has been harvesting 100 avocados from his tree, is now harvesting 20-30 because of poor pollinators.”
Jane Anyango is a Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University
Refurbished gate to boost the institute’s aesthetics, security, accessibility, and sustainability
Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has completed the refurbishment of the main gate at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The renovation was carried out by students from both CAES and the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), under the supervision of their academic mentors.
According to the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the revamped gate now truly reflects the spirit of Makerere University and will significantly enhance the institute’s visual appeal, security, accessibility, and sustainability. The refurbished gate was officially commissioned by the Vice Chancellor, represented by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, alongside CAES staff, students, and partners.
About MUARIK
Established in 1953, MUARIK serves as a hub for numerous research projects and facilities within CAES. It houses centres such as the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MakCSID), the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), the Centre of Excellence in Waste Management, and the Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD).
Additionally, MUARIK hosts KOICA-funded projects, including a modern layers production unit and a climate-controlled greenhouse for vegetable production. These units operate independently but collectively contribute to MUARIK’s dynamic research environment.
MUARIK also houses research units for the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) such as the Biotechnology and Tissue Culture Laboratories, experimental fields, Horticulture and Livestock Units, and the black soldier fly project. It accommodates training and research facilities for the Schools of Food Technology, Nutrition, Bioengineering, and the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences. It also hosts hostels for both local and international students who stay at the Institute to gain practical experience in production and research under typical farming conditions.
Enterprises and Research at MUARIK
Enterprises at MUARIK include approximately 100 acres of pastures, a dairy farm, feed mill, silage production, poultry unit, piggery unit, banana and coffee plantations, maize and soybean crops, horticulture, goat farming, and the recently revived rabbit unit featuring four breeds: New Zealand White, Chinchilla, California White, and Flemish Giant.
Current research initiatives focus on edible insects and worms as alternative livestock feeds, agroforestry, horticulture, and value addition in food processing. MUARIK maintains a strong partnership with the Uganda Flowers Exporters Association (UFEA), collaborating on the commercial testing of new flower species to diversify Uganda’s flower exports beyond traditional rose bouquets. Collaborative efforts also include identifying native natural enemies to control Chrysanthemum pests, working with UFEA, Wageningen University, breeders, and the National Agricultural Research Organization.
As part of Uganda’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS), MUARIK prioritizes research in biotechnology, tissue culture, plant breeding, improved farming methods, agro-processing, value addition, and marketing.
Tour to Assess the Capacity and Condition of Facilities at MUARIK
As part of the commissioning ceremony, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, led visitors on a comprehensive tour of the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The purpose of the tour was to provide first-hand insight into the institute’s current infrastructure, operational capacity, and ongoing challenges.
During the visit, Prof. Nabanoga highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the institute. While the tour showcased MUARIK’s potential as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, it also brought to light a number of critical issues affecting its functionality. Chief among these is the persistent challenge of land encroachment, which continues to threaten the integrity and sustainability of the institute’s operations.
In her remarks, Prof. Nabanoga commended Dr. Cyrus Ongom, the outgoing Director of MUARIK, for his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the institution’s land. She acknowledged his resolute efforts in the face of persistent threats and numerous challenges, emphasizing the vital role he played in preserving MUARIK’s integrity. “This year, we aim to further reposition MUARIK as a leading centre for agricultural innovation and production in the region,”said Prof. Nabanoga. “Our focus will be on strengthening research, fostering partnerships with stakeholders, and enhancing the capacity of our infrastructure to support sustainable and impactful agricultural practices.”
The Principal expressed gratitude to all who have supported the transformation journey of CAES. “As we celebrate our achievements today, we take this moment to recognize and honour everyone who has been part of our transformation journey,” the Principal said. “We are especially grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for his unwavering support, which has been instrumental in driving the College forward.”
Delivering his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the CAES for its remarkable achievements in training and research.
“From my assessment, CAES has consistently excelled across its core mandates – training, research, production, and community outreach. The College has played a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector through innovative research, high-quality academic programmes, and meaningful community engagement. These efforts have made a significant contribution to Uganda’s national development goals and the transformation of its agricultural landscape. Given its demonstrated success and strategic relevance, CAES is highly deserving of enhanced investment and funding to further expand its impact,” he stated.
CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony
The CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of dedicated teaching, administrative, and support staff. During this special event, several members of staff were acknowledged and honoured for their exceptional performance, commitment, and contributions to the College’s success.
Commenting on the significance of the awards, Prof. Buyinza praised the initiative, emphasizing that such recognition serves as a powerful motivator. He highlighted how acknowledging excellence not only boosts morale but also inspires continued dedication and fosters a culture of high performance.
Click on the link below to access the list of staff recognized for exceptional performance.
More pictures from the event
It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.
Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.
Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.
I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES
Follow the link below to access the full report;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNsX8Cohq7whbC9zkd3j4DpBRa7kygDP/view
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