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Mak-CAES research projects to boost food security through climate smart innovations

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Food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The slow progress towards food security is partly attributed to demographic pressure, soil quality deterioration, and climate change that have adversely affected agricultural productivity.    

To address the challenge, Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is implementing two 5-year (2021-2026) capacity building projects aimed at improving food security and livelihoods using climate smart agricultural technologies. The projects namely: “Climate-smart Innovations in Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa: Improved food security, livelihoods, and soil carbon” (ClimSmart), and “Climate Smart Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa” (NORHED II) are supported by the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). Partner institutions in Norway include the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) and Menon Economics while in the South, partners include Gulu University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment; Rural Enterprise Development Solutions (REDS); Hawassa University’s Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources; University of Zambia’s School of Agricultural Sciences; and University of Juba’s School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies.

Right-Left - Dr Jackline Bonabana-Wabbi, PI ClimSmart and Co-PI NORHED II CSA; Prof. Frank Kansiime, project member; Dr Patrick
Right-Left: Dr Jackline Bonabana Wabbi, PI ClimSmart and Co-PI NORHED II CSA, Prof. Frank Kansiime, project member, Dr Patrick Musinguzi, Lecturer Department of Agricultural Production and Dr. Basamba Ali Twaha Ateenyi (Project Member)

The overall objective of the ClimSmart project is to contribute to increased food security, on-farm profitability, and entrepreneurship in communities of smallholder farms in Uganda, thus improving livelihoods through training and implementation of novel climate-smart practices in Agriculture. The overall objective of the NORHED II project is to generate and share new knowledge and to contribute to capacity building with respect to food security and on-farm profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative and sustainable climate-smart technologies.

Prof. Vegard Martinsen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences presenting an overview of the NORHED II projects
Prof. Vegard Martinsen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences presenting an overview of the NORHED II projects

The project sites in Uganda are in Alebtong and Mubende districts representing two distinct agro-ecological zones. Broad activities under the projects´ objectives include setting up, running, and monitoring controlled field experiments and pot experiments; setting up randomized control trials and conducting surveys; training farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture technologies; collecting and analyzing data for all experiments; and knowledge generation and knowledge transfer.

Prof. Kyamanywa presenting the NORHED II Project activity plan
Prof. Kyamanywa presenting the NORHED II Project activity plan

Expected outputs under the NORHED II project

Expected outputs under the NORHED II project include; 8 MSc students and 5 PhD students in the South; One PhD funded by NMBU -MINA; two post-doctoral scholarships; strengtheningresearchcapacity at the participating institutions; andabout 30 peer reviewed joint scientific publications. Further capacity building is expected through organization of three summer schools involving all partners, students from the five universities, as well as NGO’s and government representatives. Each summer school will involve one student from NMBU and two students from each of the partner institutions in the South leading to a total of 48 students trained in novel Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies. Other outcomes will include scientific exchange stimulated by scholarships for two students or staff at each of the partner institutions in the South for short-term mobility from South-North; Curricula development; developed CSA innovations packaged into policy briefs, and extension manuals; 1000 farmers trained in pigeon pea production in Uganda and Zambia and 500 smallholders trained in biochar production in both Zambia and Uganda, using pigeon pea biomass as feedstock. In addition, methods and results for CSA and impact assessments will be integrated into academic curricula on sustainable agriculture in the partner universities.

Prof. Jan Mulder from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences sharing views on the NORHED II Project
Prof. Jan Mulder from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences sharing views on the NORHED II Project

Expected outcomes

Overall, the project is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and income of smallholder farmers through sustainable intensification in the target countries as well as a better qualified workforce in Sub Saharan Africa. It is also expected to strengthen the quality and relevance of education and research programmes of the participating organizations, increase capacity and competence of university staff and students, and improve stakeholder engagements.

Dr. Alfred Obia (2nd R), Coordinator of the projects at Gulu University; together with representatives from Rural Enterprise Development Solutions and PhD students at the meeting

CAES Researchers, Norwegian Professors discuss project implementation plan

Prof Gerard Cornelissen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences delivering a lecture on the process of making biochar from contaminated organic waste
Prof. Gerard Cornelissen from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) delivering a lecture  on-the process of making biochar from contaminated organic waste

In a bid to streamline and strengthen the NORHED II project activities, Prof. Vegard Martinsen and Prof. Jan Mulder from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences visited Uganda on 2nd-11th March 2022 to engage their counterparts on a number of issues. On 4th March 2022, the two Professors met the project team in Uganda to deliberate on the implementation plan. The meeting held at the School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES was attended by, among others, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa (PI of NORHED II CSA), Dr Jackline Bonabana-Wabbi (PI ClimSmart and Co-PI NORHED II CSA), Dr Basamba Ali Twaha Ateenyi (project member), representatives of partner institutions including; Dr. Alfred Obia, Coordinator of the projects at Gulu University and Mr. Edward Gitta from Rural Enterprise Development Solutions, as well as PhD students supported by the project. Other members on the project are; The Principal of CAES, Dr Gorettie N. Nabanoga from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies; Prof. Frank Kansiime from the Department Environmental Management; Prof. Majaliwa Mwanjalolo from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences; Dr Yazidhi Bamutaze from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics & Climatic Sciences; and Dr. Patrick Musinguzi from the Department of Agricultural Production.

Planned research activities under the NORHED II project

Under the project, the research team intends to address issues related to crop production, soil water management, soil fertility management, and the socio-economic aspects in regard to climate smart technologies in agriculture. Under soil fertility management, the researchers plan to among other things, assess biomass production and soil carbon sequestration in rain-fed cropping systems under different climate change scenarios. They also plan to study the dominating food production systems to unravel bottlenecks in terms of yield and quality, and to identify and optimize inexpensive (on farm) sources of mineral nutrition such as farmyard manure and household compost.

Under Soil Water Management, the research team will determine the effects of traditional tillage systems, soil bunds and other CSA strategies on rainwater harvesting, runoff, soil erosion and nutrient loss at different scales. They will also examine the effects of CSA practices on soil physical properties, soil water availability and crop yield. The researchers will also quantify different aspects of the water balance under different CSA management practices to ensure sustainable use of surface and subsurface water and minimize erosion risks.

Examining the socio-economic aspects in relation to Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies, the researchers will determine the contribution of CSA technologies to yield, net farm incomes, food security and poverty reduction. They will assess social acceptance and socio-economics of CSA technologies; determine farmers’ willingness to accept CSA technologies; establish stakeholder perceptions of CSA technologies using the SWOT-AHP approach to ascertain their relative strength and weaknesses; determine business opportunities associated with developed CSA technologies; and investigate the most appropriate uptake pathways for scaling CSA technologies and limiting attrition rates once adopted.

CAES staff and students as well as project partners during the guest lectures
CAES staff and students as well as project partners during the guest lectures

Guest lectures

During the week-long visit, the Norwegian professors toured the project sites in Alebtong and Mubende districts and delivered guest lectures to the University community.

During the guest lectures delivered on 11th March 2022, Dr Alfred Obia from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University discussed the potential of biochar as a soil enhancer in crop production, shedding light on the effects of biochar on soil physical and chemical properties, and its contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change. Biochar refers to carbonized biomass obtained from sustainable sources and sequestered in soils to sustainably enhance their productivity.

Biochar making process
Biochar making process

Prof Gerard Cornelissen, a technical expert at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and a professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, explained the process of making biochar from contaminated organic waste to clean-up water and soil, whereas Prof. Vegard Martinsen a researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Principal Investigator of the ClimSmart and NORHED II projects shared insights into conservation agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa.

In his presentation titled “Testing the pigeon pea – biochar – maize value chain”, Jan Mulder, a Professor of Soil Science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences explained how the pigeon pea and its biochar greatly enhance soil fertility through increased soil organic matter, improved water retention, improved retention nutrient cations, improved soil structure (aggregates), decreased erodibility, increased nitrogen availability and increased phosphorus availability. 

The project team at the meeting at CAES
The project team at the meeting at CAES

Hasifa Kabejja

Agriculture & Environment

CPUg Project Equips Waste Management Personnel with Essential Skills

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Participants pose for a group photo on the opening day of the training, 30th March 2026. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

 *****The two-day training, hosted by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, was conducted under the auspices of the APPEAR Collaborative Research Project, ‘Clean and Prosperous Uganda – Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management for Improved Livelihoods (CPUg).

The challenge of waste management in Uganda

 Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) are essential for building healthy, resilient communities. However, in many parts of Uganda, these systems remain underdeveloped, leaving communities exposed to a wide range of complex challenges.

Improper handling and disposal of fecal sludge and solid waste pose both immediate and long-term public health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. When human waste is not safely contained, treated, or disposed of, pathogens can contaminate water, food, and soil, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children and residents of informal settlements.

Prof. Jeninah Karungi Tumutegyereize, the PI of the project welcoming participants to the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Jeninah Karungi Tumutegyereize, the PI of the project welcoming participants to the workshop.

Environmentally, unmanaged waste degrades ecosystems, pollutes rivers and wetlands, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Open dumping clogs drainage systems, heightening urban flood risks and facilitating disease transmission. Non-biodegradable materials, including plastics, can persist for decades, blocking waterways, harming wildlife, and weakening communities’ resilience to climate change.

 The economic consequences are equally profound. Inefficient waste management undermines productivity by driving up healthcare costs, lowering property values, and limiting tourism and investment opportunities. Informal waste collection systems, often the only coping mechanism for many urban residents, fail to provide adequate protection for workers.

Participants from various segments of the waste management value chain during the training session. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants from various segments of the waste management value chain during the training session.

Given these intertwined health, environmental, and economic impacts, the burden of fecal sludge and solid waste in Uganda is not merely a municipal concern but a pressing national development issue. Urgent attention is required to invest in modern FSM and SWM infrastructure, promote behavioral change, and implement regulatory frameworks that ensure safe, sustainable, and inclusive waste management solutions. Without such interventions, the compounded risks to human well-being, ecosystems, and economic growth will continue to escalate.

Addressing the Challenge through the CPUg Project

The Clean and Prosperous Uganda – Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management for Improved Livelihoods (CPUg) Project, a collaborative initiative between the CAES, the Institute of Water Quality and Resource Management at Vienna University of Technology in Austria, the Department of Environmental and Livelihood Support Systems at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Uganda Red Cross Society, seeks to tackle Uganda’s most pressing challenges in waste management.

Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula represented the Principal of the CAES. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula represented the Principal of the CAES.

The project set out to explore circularity concepts, test a variety of techniques for utilizing dried fecal sludge, analyze plastic recovery from existing composting plants, and evaluate the social and economic viability of improved FSM and SWM and their influencing factors on regional communities. Supported under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR), the project aims to examine how best to optimize and integrate FSM and SWM in rural settings in Wakiso District, refugee settlements in Arua District, and Uganda in general.

In addition to the technical aspects, the socio-economic viability of improved fecal sludge and solid waste management is being evaluated in terms of affordability, perceptions, and the willingness to accept and utilize these products. The project aims to contribute towards reshaping Uganda’s landscape through integrated solutions, scientific rigor, and inclusive community engagement. It stands as a model for integrated development.

Participants follow proceedings. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants follow proceedings.

It is coordinated by Prof. Jeninah Karungi Tumutegyereize from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at CAES, Makerere University.

Two-Day Training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, held a comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management.

Mr. Grace Kyagaba from the Uganda Red Cross Society shared insights on various aspects of Fecal Sludge Management. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Grace Kyagaba from the Uganda Red Cross Society shared insights on various aspects of Fecal Sludge Management.

The training, conducted on 30th-31st March 2026, at Makerere University was officially opened by the Principal of CAES, represented by Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Head of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture. Participants included representatives from academia, the private sector, municipal authorities, service providers, and farmers.

Mr. Medard Kakuru, a PhD student at the CAES presented his work on the Circular Economy Approach to Sanitation. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Medard Kakuru, a PhD student at the CAES presented his work on the Circular Economy Approach to Sanitation.

The training programme aimed to equip personnel across the waste management value chain with the knowledge and skills to transform fecal sludge and solid waste into valuable, sustainable agricultural and economic resources. It covered topics such as occupational safety, waste management infrastructure, processing and post-treatment methods, composting, carbonization, material flow analysis, service gaps, and economic considerations in Greater Kampala. Participants were also trained in specialized software tools designed to enhance efficiency and manage waste-to-resource processes, promoting both environmental sustainability and economic viability.

Particular emphasis was placed on shifting perceptions of fecal sludge-based products among end users, mainly subsistence and commercial farmers.

Mr. Richard David Le, and Ms. Sara Neuburg, PhD students at Vienna University of Technology in Austria delivered presentations on integrated fecal sludge management and material flow analysis. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Richard David Le, and Ms. Sara Neuburg, PhD students at Vienna University of Technology in Austria delivered presentations on integrated fecal sludge management and material flow analysis.

Emerging Issues from the Training

  1. Weak fecal sludge management systems: Existing systems, particularly in refugee settlements, are inadequate.
  2. Public health risks: Improper sludge handling continues to threaten health – only 44% of fecal sludge is safely managed.
  3. Limited technical capacity: Practitioners need more training in safe handling and reuse technologies.
  4. Low adoption of resource recovery: Sludge-to-product innovations are underutilized.
  5. Environmental pollution: Untreated sludge contaminates soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
  6. Poor integration with agriculture: Opportunities for nutrient recycling are not fully exploited.
  7. Inadequate equipment: PPE, emptying tools, and treatment facilities are scarce.
  8. Low composting standards in Uganda: Composting often follows non-scientific methods.
  9. Behavioral and hygiene gaps: Handwashing and proper waste disposal practices remain weak.
  10. Underdeveloped waste-based value chains: Compost, briquettes, and fertilizers are not economically leveraged.
  11. High reliance on on-site sanitation: Sewer network coverage is below 10% in Greater Kampala.
  12. Insufficient emptying and collection services: Services are limited and costly.
  13. Limited private sector engagement: Public investment and private participation are inadequate.
  14. Treatment capacity and cost recovery challenges: Facilities are strained and revenue mechanisms weak.
  15. Low willingness or ability to pay: Users are reluctant or unable to afford improved services.
  16. Negative perceptions of fecal sludge products: Public attitudes hinder adoption.
  17. Regulatory and equity barriers: Awareness is limited, regulations are burdensome, and access is unequal.
Mr. Richard David Le delivered a presentation on Integrated Fecal Sludge Management. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Richard David Le delivered a presentation on Integrated Fecal Sludge Management.

Way Forward

Effective waste management is essential for public health, yet remains a significant challenge in Uganda, with few households able to empty their on-site sanitation facilities due to high costs. Experts emphasize the need for increased investment and prioritization of operator safety. Rigorous safety protocols and training are critical to safeguarding workers and ensuring sustainable operations.

Part of the audience at the training. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience at the training.

Remarks by the CAES Leadership

On behalf of the Principal of CAES, Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula underscored Uganda’s immense potential to benefit from effective fecal sludge and solid waste management. “In an agriculture-dependent country, converting waste into organic fertilizer and other resources can significantly enhance productivity and generate substantial economic benefits. At the CAES, we are proud to collaborate and support initiatives like CPUg through innovative research and capacity-building programmes that directly address Uganda’s environmental challenges. I extend my sincere gratitude to the researchers and partners for their unwavering commitment to advancing research and environmental management. Makerere University highly values these collaborations, and together, we form a powerful coalition driving positive change in Uganda’s development.”

A waste management operator sharing valuable insights during the training session. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management, 30th-31st March 2026, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A waste management operator sharing valuable insights during the training session.

The CPUg project has contributed to capacity-building by training five PhD students, three from Makerere University and two from Vienna University of Technology, as well as three MSc students from Makerere University. The results are expected to improve knowledge in waste management and strengthen stakeholder capacity across the waste management value chain.

Pictorial of the training:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B9nUVHhQEsFncLJR3rlHN0Dd2-f7BStR?usp=sharing

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

RUFS Project Team Enhances Capacity of Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Financial Management & Communication

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The Project team led by Prof. Frank Mugagga with some of the farmers at the training venue. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.

Achieving lasting and sustainable success in agriculture goes far beyond planting and harvesting. It requires a diverse skill set, including financial literacy to manage budgets and make sound investment decisions, as well as effective record-keeping to track performance, inform operations, and identify opportunities for improvement. Equally important is strategic communication, which enables farmers to market their products, build brand visibility, and enhance profitability.

A strong understanding of group dynamics is also essential in helping farmers foster collaboration within cooperatives, community initiatives, and peer networks. By integrating these competencies, agricultural entrepreneurs can maximize productivity, optimize resource use, and build resilient enterprises capable of adapting to evolving environmental, economic, and social conditions.

The project team briefing the Mbale City CAO about the planned activities. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
The project team briefing the Mbale City CAO about the planned activities.

Despite the vital role urban farmers play in ensuring food security, many still lack the technical knowledge and skills needed to optimize productivity. This gap limits output and undermines the profitability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of their farming enterprises.

Addressing the Skills Gap Through Phase II of the RUFS Project

Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project aims to address these challenges. Through hands-on training programmes in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality, the initiative seeks to equip urban farmers with practical knowledge, modern techniques, and adaptive strategies to improve productivity.

Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, a mixed farmer in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City hosted the training. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, a mixed farmer in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City hosted the training.

Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the project focuses on strengthening urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts. By promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, the initiative empowers farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies.

Training Sessions in Mbale City

To enhance their skills, the RUFS Project team held training sessions for smallholder farmers in Mbale City on 26th-27th March 2026. Hosted at the home of Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, a mixed farmer in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City, the training provided a community-centered setting that encouraged active participation and peer learning.

The RUFS Project Coordinator at Makerere University, Prof. Frank Mugagga addressing the farmers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
The RUFS Project Coordinator at Makerere University, Prof. Frank Mugagga addressing the farmers.

A total of 25 farmers attended the training, which aimed to strengthen financial literacy and enhance overall farm management practices. The sessions covered essential topics such as effective bookkeeping, farmer group dynamics, systematic documentation of farm activities, and the strategic use of media to share knowledge and promote agricultural products and services.

Farmers actively engaged in the discussions, openly sharing their experiences and the challenges they encounter. Many confessed that they did not maintain proper financial records, citing limited knowledge of record-keeping practices, the busy schedules, and, in some cases, low motivation to adopt structured documentation systems.

Training in Financial Management

In a comprehensive training session focused on bookkeeping, Mr. Mbowa Henry from AidEnvironment, also a member of the RUFS Project, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining accurate, consistent, and systematically organized financial records. He noted that proper record-keeping not only improves financial management but also strengthens farm management and promotes long-term economic sustainability of farming enterprises.

Mr. Mbowa Henry from AidEnvironment, also a member of the project, trained the farmers in bookkeeping. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Mbowa Henry from AidEnvironment, also a member of the project, trained the farmers in bookkeeping.

He introduced the farmers to the core components of an effective record-keeping system, including cashbooks, receipt books, expenditure registers, and bank records, tools essential for monitoring income, tracking expenses, and evaluating overall performance.

He encouraged the participants to actively apply the knowledge acquired, stressing that consistent adoption of these practices would empower them to optimize their farm operations, enhance productivity, and secure sustainable financial growth for their agricultural ventures.

Mr Mbowa training the farmers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr Mbowa training the farmers.

Managing Farmer Group Dynamics

In addition to financial skills, the RUFS Project team, led by Mr. Mbowa and Ms. Ritah Pavin Nakanjako, provided guidance on farmer group dynamics. Discussions centered on common challenges affecting collective farming and strategies to address them. Key challenges identified included the lack of shared goals, conflicting individual interests, weak saving culture, leadership gaps, unregistered or family-centered groups, low participation in group activities, uncoordinated initiatives, politicking, and limited financial management skills, all of which hinder the success of farmer groups. The trainers emphasized the importance of unity, clear objectives, and structured collaboration in strengthening group performance.

Climate Change Risks

Another significant topic of discussion was climate change and its devastating effects, as well as the social and hydrological histories, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agriculture. The Elgon region, which spans Eastern Uganda’s highlands and the foothills of Mount Elgon, is particularly vulnerable to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and landslides due to its steep terrain, heavy seasonal rains, and densely settled, erosion-prone slopes. Over the decades, such disasters, most notably in 1997-2004, 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2023, have resulted in displacement, destroyed livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, increased food insecurity, and heightened health risks.

Mr. Juma Wephukulu educated the farmers on the importance of proper documentation. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Juma Wephukulu educated the farmers on the importance of proper documentation.

During the training, farmers shared firsthand accounts of the devastating impacts of recurrent floods in the region. Facilitated by Mr. David Luswata, a Masters student supported by the project, and Ms. Patricia Kiggundu, a member of the project, the sessions offered a collaborative platform for participants to explore long-term, sustainable solutions aimed at reducing both the risks and economic losses associated with climate variability. As part of his Masters research on flood risk management among smallholder farmers in Mbale City, Mr. David Luswata engaged the farmers on the impact of floods on crops, livestock, property and livelihoods.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

The training also emphasized the critical role of documentation in effective farm management and knowledge sharing. Mr. Juma Wephukulu, a member of the RUFS Project and Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, offered detailed guidance on essential practices for recording day-to-day agricultural activities. Drawing from his own experience, Mr. Wephukulu authored a book chronicling his farming journey. Supported by RUFS, the publication serves as an educational guide and an inspirational resource, equipping other farmers with practical insights, strategies, and motivation to enhance productivity and resilience.

Mr. Wephukulu offering tips on effective writing skills. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Wephukulu offering tips on effective writing skills.

Communication and Media Engagement

Another distinctive feature of the training was its focus on communication and media engagement. Farmers were encouraged to leverage media platforms to amplify their voices and share their experiences with wider audiences. Mr. Wataba Shaban, a talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, led a simulated radio talk-show session, demonstrating effective techniques for communicating agricultural issues and providing participants with practical skills for public engagement.

Mr. Wataba Shaban, talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, guided the farmers on strategies for engaging with the media. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Wataba Shaban, talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, guided the farmers on strategies for engaging with the media.

Community Perspectives

Many of the factors driving climate change are the result of human activity, frequently stemming from unsustainable agricultural practices and improper construction methods. Representing the farming community, Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya called for more educational programmes and capacity-building initiatives to deepen understanding of the causes of climate change and strategies for mitigating its impact. He expressed gratitude to the funders and the project team for the interventions.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Munowa Hassan, LC1 Chairman of Nankusi Cell in Northern City Division, Mbale City appreciated Makerere University for its numerous initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing food security. He called for the expansion of such projects.

Mr. Wataba Shaban, a talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, led a simulated radio talk-show session. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Wataba Shaban, a talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, led a simulated radio talk-show session.

Action Planning

To translate knowledge into action, participants collectively developed a concrete action plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired impact.

A similar training will be conducted in Kasese Municipality.

Pictorial of the training:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLgem3m5Lnnq5b0Nm4giPKcBnZPsZrEF?usp=sharing

More about the RUFS trainings: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/10/rufs-project-team-trains-smallholder-farmers-in-mbale-city-in-smart-agronomic-practices/

More photos

Ms. Ritah Pavin Nakanjako led the session of farmer group dynamics. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Ms. Ritah Pavin Nakanjako led the session of farmer group dynamics.

Mr. Mbowa Henry and Ms. Nakanjako Ritah engaged participants on farmer group dynamics, sharing effective strategies to strengthen collaboration and boost productivity. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Mbowa Henry and Ms. Nakanjako Ritah engaged participants on farmer group dynamics, sharing effective strategies to strengthen collaboration and boost productivity.

The farm of Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, one of the farmers supported by the project. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
The farm of Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, one of the farmers supported by the project.

Prof. Mugagga emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping and documentation, and urged the farmers to protect their ideas against plagiarism. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Prof. Mugagga emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping and documentation, and urged the farmers to protect their ideas against plagiarism.

Ms. Patricia Kiggundu, alongside Mr. David Luswata, a Master’s student supported by the project, led the session on climate change-related losses. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Ms. Patricia Kiggundu, alongside Mr. David Luswata, a Master’s student supported by the project, led the session on climate change-related losses.

Mr. David Luswata engaged the farmers on the impact of floods on crops, livestock, property and livelihoods. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. David Luswata engaged the farmers on the impact of floods on crops, livestock, property and livelihoods.

Ms. Patricia Kiggundu and Mr. David Luswata engaging the farmers on climate change risks and the social and hydrological histories. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Ms. Patricia Kiggundu and Mr. David Luswata engaging the farmers on climate change risks and the social and hydrological histories.

Ms. Eunice Muyama led the session on action planning. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Ms. Eunice Muyama led the session on action planning.

Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion addressing the farmers. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion addressing the farmers.

Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
The project team with the host, Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya at his home in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City.

Hajji Kamulegeya briefing the project team on his agricultural enterprises. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Hajji Kamulegeya briefing the project team on his agricultural enterprises.

Mr. Munowa Hassan, LC1 Chairman of Nankusi Cell in Northern City Division, Mbale City. Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project to strengthen urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that empower farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies by Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme. Mbale City Training 26th-27th March 2026.
Mr. Munowa Hassan, LC1 Chairman of Nankusi Cell in Northern City Division, Mbale City.

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Empowering Marginalized Youth for Climate Justice: A Participatory Action Research Project

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Participants in the Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project co-creation workshop on 13th March 2026. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project is a groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. The mission of the project is to foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice.

Professor Frank Mugagga, Co-Principal Investigator and Uganda Country Lead, Y4CJ project. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Frank Mugagga, Co-Principal Investigator and Uganda Country Lead, Y4CJ project.

Building Partnerships for Climate Action

Through a collaborative approach, the project partners with the youth, key stakeholders, and academics to co-create knowledge and strategies that empower marginalized youth to take ownership of climate action. The partnerships are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to social and environmental justice.

Participants in a Group Photo. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants in a Group Photo.

Countries of Focus

The project centers on empowering marginalized youth across diverse regions, specifically focusing on: Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, Uganda (representing the global South); and Canada, and United Kingdom (representing the global North). By engaging youth from both the global South and North, the project will foster an inclusive and intersectional approach to climate activism, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by marginalized youth in different socio-economic and cultural contexts.

Participants engaged in one of the co-creation activities. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants engaged in one of the co-creation activities.

Purpose and Project Objectives

The main purpose of the project is to establish partnerships with youth, key stakeholders and academics to understand and create better conditions for marginalized youth’s meaningful and sustained involvement in climate action, through climate activism. This includes ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of their activism without compromising their own well-being in the process.

Professor Frank Mugagga addresses participants. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Frank Mugagga addresses participants.

The Youth4CJ project has two specific objectives:

  1. To develop sustainable partnerships between academic and non-academic partners to generate capacity and understanding of the factors that facilitate or constrain marginalized youths’ sustained involvement in climate activism.
  2. To partner with youth as collaborators and co-researchers using participatory methods to identify, understand, and address local climate challenges faced by marginalized youth.
A Participant sharing her insights during a discussion. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A Participant sharing her insights during a discussion.

Project Activities

The main activities of the project will include:

  • Participatory Workshops to identify youth challenges and barriers to climate action/activism through Group Level Assessment (GLA)
  • Action Project to address the barriers identified in a collaborative way through youth Participatory Action Research (yPAR)
  • Group Discussion to understand experiences and learning from action project
The Youth for Climate Justice GLA Workshop. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Youth for Climate Justice GLA Workshop.

Under the leadership of Professor Frank Mugagga, Co-Principal Investigator and Uganda Country Lead, the project convened a strategic, one-day workshop dedicated to empowering marginalized youth in climate justice. The event was held on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni. The workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing youth agency, advocacy, and social transformation in the fight against climate change.

Mr. Daniel Esayu (L), a Master’s Student in Climate Change and Development, Makerere University, also a Lead Facilitator for the the workshop. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Daniel Esayu (L), a Master’s Student in Climate Change and Development, Makerere University, also a Lead Facilitator for the the workshop.

Participants engage in a group activity. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants engage in a group activity.

Issues Arising from The Workshop

The workshop employed an GLA methodology, where youth responded to several pre-written prompts on issues relating to climate activism in the Ugandan context, to come up with common themes. The participants identified four key challenges (common emerging themes) shaping climate action and activism. These included; limited funding, knowledge gaps, weak or unclear policies, and systemic barriers. Across discussions, these issues were reinforced by concerns about inadequate government support, restrictive funding requirements, exclusion of certain group, and the mental health strain associated with sustained activism.

Participants deliberate during a group activity. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants deliberate during a group activity.

To address these challenges, participants proposed practical and collaborative solutions. These include improving access to funding by easing eligibility criteria, increasing government support, strengthening climate education and awareness at community level, and reforming policies to ensure clarity, relevance, and effective implementation. Emphasis was also placed on building strong partnerships among youth groups, government institutions, and local communities.

Participants deliberate during a group activity. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants deliberate during a group activity.

Lastly, the youth also highlighted a need for inclusivity, mentorship, and collective action to better equip and empower young people to lead impactful and sustainable climate initiatives.

Mr. Stephen Bright Sakwa (L), another Co-Facilitator guiding participants. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Stephen Bright Sakwa (L), another Co-Facilitator guiding participants.

Mr. Patrick Kayima, a PhD Fellow at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, guiding participants on GLA Methodology. Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Patrick Kayima, a PhD Fellow at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, guiding participants on GLA Methodology.

Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) project, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University groundbreaking initiative that amplifies the voices and agency of marginalized youth in the global South and North. Mission - foster sustainable and effective climate activism among young people from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing their well-being and social justice. Co-creation workshop, 13th March 2026, JFrigh Hotel Makerere – Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A participant engaging in a discussion.

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Mariam Kasemiire

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