Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES BioInnovate Project Registers Significant Achievements
Smallholder farmers in Uganda and Kenya produce a variety of fruits, traditional and exotic vegetables, spices, and herbs that have unique nutritional, nutraceutical and functional properties. However, the value derived from these crops is limited due to postharvest losses, seasonal production, limited value addition and market access problems. Developing and applying affordable food preservation technologies could reduce postharvest losses by up to 68%. Additionally, food preservation by drying not only prolongs shelf life, but it also minimizes storage, transportation and packaging costs.
About the project
In 2017, Makerere University through the Department Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) received funding under the BioInnovate Africa Programme Phase II to implement a project titled;“Adaptation and Promotion of Refractance Window Drying Technology (RWDT) for Production of High Quality Bio-products”. The RWDT uses heat to dry fruits and vegetables, while maintaining the nutritive qualities. With RWDT, liquid foods, purees or slices are dried on one side of a thin plastic film, whose other side is in close contact with hot water at temperatures below boiling point. The plastic film, usually in the form of a conveyer, is susceptible to infrared radiation, therefore allowing thermal energy to be transferred from the water to the food. Transmission of infrared radiation stops when the food is dry, and the product scraped off the conveyor. The temperature of the product remains relatively low during drying, resulting in better quality retention due to reduced moisture content and inhibited microbial growth. The heated water is recycled, further improving thermal efficiency of the system.
Project duration and objectives
The three-year project worth 750,000 USD had been scheduled to end in December 2020 but was extended to June 2021 due to the outbreak of COVID19 and the subsequent restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the pandemic. The development objective of the project was to create new business opportunities in food value addition and agro-processing equipment fabrication. The project specifically aimed to develop a heat drying technology that is affordable yet yields high quality products, even from heat sensitive materials. It also aimed to; support local fabricators to make quality Refractance Window Drying equipment suitable for use by local agro-processors; improve the quality of products, mainly fruits, vegetables and herbs on the Ugandan& Kenyan markets; minimize post-harvest losses; increase the use of locally produced food ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables and herbs; and to enhance collaboration among farmers, agro-processors, researchers and support agencies.
Project activities
Working with various partners namely; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), TONNET Agro-engineering Company Limited, East Africa Nutraceuticals Ltd (EAN), Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd (FONUS) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda, Makerere University implemented several activities under the project. These included designing and fabrication of low cost dryers, techo-economic evaluation of the dryers, evaluation of the refractance window dried products, assessment of the capacity of agro-processors and fabricators; training of farmers, agro-processors, and fabricators; and training of graduate students.
Project closure workshop
On 22ndMarch 2022, the research team led by Prof. John Muyonga held the project closure meeting at which they disseminated the findings and outputs. The meeting held in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering Conference Hall was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal CAES, Dr Gorettie N. Nabanoga, the Programme Manager of Bio-Innovate Africa Programmes, Dr Julius Ecuru, and representatives of partner institutions.
Achievements registered under the project
Disseminating the research findings, Prof. Muyonga noted that the project had registered significant achievements.
Guided by Prof. Muyonga, the project members including; Dr Julia Kigozi (Lecturer – Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University) Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University), Mr Shaffic Ssenyimba and Mr Raymond Mutumba (both MSc Students at Makerere University), and the TONNET Agro-engineering Company Limited team designed and fabricated several low cost refractance window drying machines. Additionally, the project team optimised the refractance window drying conditions for different products including passion fruit juice, pineapples, mango puree, jackfruit puree and cowpea leaves. They also developed protocols and guidelines for use of refractance window dried fruits as ingredients in foods. Using the RWD technology, the research team has produced a number of marketable products including – dried fruit slices, dices and strips; fruit powders; bread and cake containing refractance window dried fruits; as well as fruit gummies. The team is in the process of evaluating results for refractance window and solar dried pineapple slices. The team is also evaluating results for drinks produced from mixing refractance window dried pineapple powder in water, the different yoghurts, cookies and porridge made with different proportions of refractance window dried jackfruits, and breakfast cereal containing different proportions of refractance dried pineapple.
Other achievements registered under the project included; obtaining a Certificate of Grant of Utility Model from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau patenting the Electric and Biomass Powered Refractance Window Drying Apparatus invented by the research team; training of farmers in the use of Refractance Window Drying Technology and the use of RWD products as ingredients, training of 16 fabricators, training of 6 graduate students (2 PhD & 4 M.Sc.), refurbishment of facilities at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK); and publication of 12 articles in internationally recognized journals.
Articles published included;
(1) Adoption of the Refractance Window Drying Technology in the Drying of Fruits and Vegetables in Uganda –Journal of Advances in Food Science & Technology, 1-10;
(2)Design and Evaluation of a Refractance Window Lab-scale Dryer–Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology;
(3) Techno-Economic Analysis of a Refractance Window Dryer Prototype Developed by Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute -Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology;
(4) Drying Behaviour and Optimization of Drying Conditions of Pineapple Puree and Slices using Refractance Window Drying Technology –Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1-10;
(5) Optimization of Refractance Window Drying Conditions for Passion Fruit Puree;
(6) Optimization of Drying Conditions for Jackfruit Pulp using Refractance Window Drying technology –Food Science & Nutrition;
(7) Performance Analysis of An Arduino Based Calibration and Temperature Control System for a Refractance Window Dryer;
(8) Arduino based control of the Food and Water Conveyance Systems of a Refractance Window Dryer;
(9) Techno Economic Analysis of Refractance Window Drying of Fruits: A Case of Small-Medium Scale Agro Processors in Uganda;
(10) Physicochemical Properties, Sensory Acceptance and Storage Stability of Yogurt Flavoured with Refractance Window Dried Passion Fruit Powder –Asian Food Science Journal, 38-49; and
(11) Exploring the Potential of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam), (2021) –Asian Food Science Journal. Page 97-117.
According to Prof. Muyonga, plans are underway to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and a private firm to oversee the utilisation of Refractance Window Drying equipment at MUARIK for commercial production of value added foods. “There are also plans to facilitate three agro-machinery companies – 2 in Uganda and 1 in Kenyato produce Refractance Window Dryers under the guidance of Makerere University and Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI). We also hope to engage development agencies to support farmer groups to procure Refractance Window Dryers,” he noted while explaining the research team’s commercialization arrangements.
Explaining the design process of the Refractance Window Dryer, Dr Julia Kigozi said the technology is mechanically simple, cheaper to purchase, energy efficient with high drying speed and low operational costs, and ensures retention of product quality. Dr Kigozi revealed that steps were being taken to promote the use of RWD technologies through Jazi Agro-processing Solutions Limited. Jazi Agro-processing Solutions Limited is a private company that specializes in food processing and doubles as a consultancy in regards to agro-processing solutions with a goal of promoting the agro-processing sector in Uganda. The company carries out training and mentoring on fundamentals necessary for the operation of agro-processing industries.
During the meeting, Mr. Raymond Mutumba shared the outreach and dissemination programmes conducted by Food and Nutrition Solution Ltd (FONUS) with regard to the Refractance Window Drying Technology.Based at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Makerere University, FONUS provides consultancy services in the fields of food value addition, community nutrition, food handling and hygiene, post-harvest handling of foodstuffs, facilitation of farmer group learning processes and project evaluations.The main purpose of FONUS’ engagement with the project was to promote uptake of the RWD technologies among end users. This was done through a series of engagements with farmer groups, small and medium agro-processors, and processors that utilise the RWD products and ingredients in foods.
Community engagements undertaken by FONUS included a situational analysis on the potential utilization of the Refractory Window Drier Technology in food value addition, training agro-processors in the use of hybrid RWD, and training of medium and large scale agro-processors in the use of RWDT in the drying of fruits and vegetables. In addition, FONUS conducted trainings on the use of RWDT products and ingredients and flavours in foods, and assessed the marketability of RWDT products.
According to Mr. Mutumba, the community engagements revealed that the RWDT presented a viable solution for preservation of fruits and vegetables in Uganda. The engagements also revealed that the incubatees were more willing to adopt the technology compared to already established processors. It was also discovered that more research needs to be done in RWDT energy efficiency if the RWDT products are to have competitive process on the market. The team called for government support to increase uptake of the technology, noting that individuals and small processor groups may not easily afford it.
Addressing participants, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe appreciated SIDA for the enormous support extended towards research and training programmes at Makerere University. “The University has reached the 1,000 mark of staff with PhDs, and almost half of these have been trained under SIDA,” he noted. In addition to other research programmes, SIDA supports the BioInnovate Africa Programme. The Vice Chancellor applauded the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at CAES for the commendable initiative aimed at improving the quality and increasing shelf life of agricultural products in Uganda. “The products produced out of this initiative can be major exports for Uganda. We need to move towards commercializing our products. We however need to improve our marketing skills,” he explained while cautioning the research team on the importance of marketing the products. He also advised researchers to make use of the Intellectual Property Management Office at the University to patent their products.
Commenting on the significance of agriculture in the development of the economy, the Vice Chancellor said the CAES has a great role to play in improving the sector. Appreciating the research output at CAES, he called on the College to take lead in the establishment of a central business incubation unit to promote research and innovation at Makerere.
In line with 2020-2030 Strategic Plan that aims to transform Makerere into a research-led University, the Vice Chancellor said it was time to do things differently. “At the moment, Makerere is a research-intensive not research-led University. We have excelled in research publications. We need to move towards churning out companies if we are to make positive impact on our economy. You can remain top on research while churning out companies,” he explained, sharing an example of the University of Istanbul that churns out 300 companies per year worth about three billion USD, and is greatly contributing to the development of the country’s economy. The Vice Chancellor echoed the need for Makerere University to make contribution towards the Parish Development Model. “We will be judged harshly if we do not do anything to liberate our people,” he said.
In her remarks, the Principal of CAES, Dr Gorettie N. Nabanoga appreciated SIDA and BioInnovate Africa for the support extended towards the research project. She applauded the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering for always writing successful projects. “Despite the small number of staff at the School, they feature prominently in resource mobilization,” she said. She commended the project implementation team for the significant outputs and strong partnerships. “The project has all that is required to be considered successful and is key to obtaining practical solutions for the agricultural sector,” she explained, noting that CAES is academically productive due to the tireless efforts of staff in different units. Commending the quality of the research outputs, Dr Nabanoga said the project would significantly address the current market needs.
Like the Principal, the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Dr Abel Atukwase appreciated BioInnovate Africa for the support extended to the project. He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering supports towards programmes at CAES and the University in general. He congratulated the project team upon the worthwhile initiative.
The Head, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University, Dr. Ivan Muzira Mukisa, acknowledged the efforts of Prof. Muyonga in promoting research and innovation at the College and University in general. “The success we continue to register is largely due to the commitment of staff. Prof. Muyonga has been a key pillar in research, teaching and mentorship of students,” he said. Highlighting the different research initiatives, including the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre as well as FONUS, Dr Mukisa said the School had greatly provided opportunities for the processors to improve their skills.
Delivering a presentation on government-academia-private sector partnership in technology development and promotion, the Representative of the Commissioner of Small and Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr Steven Mbogo Kirya thanked the sponsors of the project, as well as the partnering academic institutions for the efforts towards advancing agricultural technologies. He called for continued training of the youth and women in the utilization of new technology to boost the quality of agricultural products in the country.
The Programme Manager, BioInnovate Africa, Dr Julius Ecuru acknowledged the great work done by the research team, saying the project demonstrated that it is possible for academia, industry and government to work together to move ideas to the market. He commended Makerere University for winning 8 out of the 20 projects supported under BioInnovate Africa Programme Phase II. He pledged continued support for scientists in the region.
The workshop was moderated by Dr Gaston Ampe from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, CAES.
About BioInnovate Africa
BioInnovate Africa is a regional innovation-driven initiative stimulating a bio-economy in eastern Africa. The initiative is supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and implemented by International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). The initiative supports multidisciplinary teams of scientists, researchers, and innovators to co-develop and pilot innovative and economically viable bio-based ideas, interventions, and technologies. BioInnovate Africa offers grants for innovative bio-based research ideas and technologies with prospects for business and the market. While funding bio-based innovation projects remains the core activity of BioInnovate Africa, the initiative’s strategy now includes developing a knowledge-based bioeconomy in eastern Africa. This is built on the premise that collaboration at the national and regional level, and between researchers and private sector partners, is the surest way to translate scientific outputs into usable, and commercially scalable products and technologies.Current BioInnovate Africa partner countries are: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
Please see Downloads below for presentations from the BioInnovate Closure Workshop
Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.
Overview
The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.
What the ADVALUE Project targets to address
Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.
Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.
Project objectives
- Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
- Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
- Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
- Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.
To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.
The ADVALUE interim conference
The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17th-19th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.
The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.
Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A
In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.
Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
Remarks from NCHE
In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”
Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga
During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.
Key Issues Arising from the Workshop
- Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
- Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
- Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
- Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
- Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
- Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
- Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
- Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
- Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
- Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
- Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
- Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
- Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
- Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
- Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.
Recommendations
- Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
- Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
- Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
- Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
- Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.
Photos from conference activities
More photos at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Urban Futures Project, Unveils Handbook on Urban Heat Management
“Toward health equity, inclusive governance, and climate adaptation in African Informal Settlements”
Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, on 6th March launched a new project titled: The Urban Futures Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange. The Urban Futures project is the first learning lab initiated to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange amongst the various stakeholders and inclusive decision-making process that addresses complex challenges faced by informal settlements in Kampala.
Project Partners: Makerere University, University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, Institute of Development Studies, Sierra Leon Research Centre, Training and Research Support Centre, Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Act Together Uganda, and Focus for Life Development Link.
Unveiling the Urban Heat Management Handbook
During the launch event at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Urban Heat Management Handbook was unveiled to help raise awareness and promote knowledge exchange on heat stress. The handbook covers critical topics such as understanding heat resilience, assessing heat risk, planning for heat resilience, responding to heat waves, and providing solutions for heat resilience.
The Urban Futures project will highlight the multifaceted risks faced by informal residents and workers, aiming to create South-South learning opportunities to address these inequitable threats. The study will focus on vulnerable populations in informal settlements and workers, seeking to identify equitable adaptation pathways to address climate risks that exacerbate health disparities.
Project Approach
The project will adopt a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, focusing on developing health adaptation strategies, building resilience, and fostering growth through knowledge co-generation, continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement. The research will be conducted in three large African cities on the frontlines of climate change: Kampala (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). Through interdisciplinary and participatory methods, the study will gather evidence on how climate-related risks impact the daily lives of residents and workers in these areas.
Key Remarks
In his opening remarks, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, described the learning lab as an essential space for dialogue among stakeholders in informal settlements. “The Urban Action Lab is our space to discuss urban development challenges together as a community, to find effective solutions,” he said.
Ms. Anita Kusiima, representing the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spoke about the challenges posed by attitudes toward enforcement. “KCCA has initiated strategies like greening, skilling, and livelihood programs. However, we struggle with enforcement. Until statistics like these are shared with communities, people don’t realize how much we are destroying our environment. It’s common to wake up and find over 40 trees have been cut down overnight. In places like Nakasero, many trees are cut during the night. As a country and a city, we face not only poor attitudes toward the law but also towards the quality of life we want to achieve,” she said. “Urban farming has seen success at the household level, greening has been effective, and school programs aimed at raising awareness have also been successful.”
Dr. Robbinson Kabanda, a Veterinary Doctor at KCCA, emphasized the learning lab’s potential in addressing issues such as budget cuts and the impacts of climate change on Kampala. “With budget cuts affecting many funded activities, this is a great opportunity for Kampala, where the majority live in informal settlements and are especially vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “These collaborative spaces foster innovation and experimentation in urban contexts, bringing together various stakeholders and practitioners to address complex urban challenges through shared learning.”
Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, from the Research Urban Action Lab, highlighted the power of the urban learning lab in addressing urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, improved decision-making, and public involvement.
Issues highlighted at the Launch
- There is a critical need for timely interventions to address heat stress and other challenges facing informal settlements.
- Informal settlements lack sufficient space for tree planting.
- Trees take time to mature, making them a long-term solution.
- Reducing electricity costs and improving water access are immediate priorities.
- Solar energy use is vital for reducing heat stress, particularly in households.
- Strong government policies on heat stress, such as promoting the use of mosquito nets, are essential.
- Wetland degradation and tree clearance are major contributors to heat stress.
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