Agriculture & Environment
International Symposium on Covid-19 Effects & Responses in Informal Settlements & Commercial Zones of Kampala
Globally, economies and societal sectors have been negatively affected by COVID-19 pandemic and its associated containment measures. In Uganda, lockdowns were put in place especially in Kampala as a way of containing spreader events. Makerere University represented by the Urban Action Lab in the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), in collaboration with the University of Manchester Global Development Institute and ACTTOGETHER-Uganda undertook a study titled: “Covid-19 Effects, Experiences and Responses in Informal Settlements and Commercial Zones of Kampala-Uganda”. The results of the study were presented by the team members during the International Symposium on Covid-19 Effects, Experiences and Responses in Informal Settlements and Commercial Zones of Kampala-Uganda held on 15th March 2022 at the College of Computing and Information Sciences’ Conference Room. The project was guided by three (3) main objectives including: (1) Understanding how the COVID-19 measures have amplified health, economic, occupational, and social risks, (2) Understanding the impact of lockdown measures with the increasing cases of COVID-19 infections, and (3) Exploring the experiences and consequences of the enforcement of measures in public places, the governance of these measures, the partnerships, and power-related tensions. The study analyzed collaborative coalitions that emerged as a response to handling the COVID-19 crisis in Kampala city.
Issues Arising from the Symposium
1. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the underlying urban planning and development inadequacies, mainly in the informal sector. It escalated challenges to food systems, WASH services, energy, transport, livelihood, and businesses enterprises, and heightened health risks and exposure to COVID-19. This was because the majority of the labourforce had to work from home which Increased psychological stress as a result of prolonged shutdowns, partial lockdowns, curfew, and restrictions to specific business establishments. According to Mr. Sseviiri Hakim from ACTTOGETHER, the pandemic negatively impacted Kampala informal settlements – the State measures were inadequate and collective action worked but still lacked.
2. Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ researchers led by Dr. Paul Mukwaya discovered that it was impossible and financially unmanageable to implement comprehensive rescue packages in urban areas during the pandemic. Lockdowns and physical distancing were highly impractical for densely populated settlements and informal enterprises.
3. Kampala City is characterized by a rapidly growing population, with low-income settlements, mixed land uses and limited planning. The industrial sector is estimated at 80% with 60% GDP and the informal sector businesses at 90% with trade at 72%, manufacturing at 23% and services at only 6%. The rate of urbanization in Kampala has outpaced infrastructure investment and expansion capacity with under-serviced Informal settlements characterized by stretched education and healthcare systems. Private sector clinics and drug shops majorly dominate the health domain with the majority of low-income residents’ accessing health services from clinics and drug shops. The level of health services reflected negatively to the COVID-19 response and containment with few public hospitals and health centres providing health services to mostly the low-income earners.
4. Government has done something as far as curbing the spread of COVID-19 is concerned. However there is need for self-assessment among people in order to stop criticizing the government on what it has done and what it has not done. There is need for Government to establish National food stores for food storage during the pandemic. There is also need for government to revisit allocations in the Parish Development Model (PDM) by programming instead of imposing since parishes are fewer compared to the people.
5. In regard to efforts geared towards financial recovery from Covid-19 effects, Mr. Mwanje Nicholas, Kinawataka Zone, urged citizens to opt for financial inclusion especially by saving with Saccos. He encouraged social service pillars aimed at getting data from communities to take care of special interest groups through mindset change and physiological approach.
6. COVID-19 and its measures have globally affected economies. Mr. Ssevviri Hakim noted that the health, economic and social risks were amplified by COVID-19. “There is need to support community-led Initiatives through enhancing the capacity of existing structures. Communities need to work together as well as learn to acknowledge the contribution of others in the fight against the pandemic.
7. According to Mr. Lubega Idiris, vendors were allowed to sleep in markets during the pandemic but the markets barely had the necessary structures. Mr. Lubega urged Government to facilitate the pro-activeness of local level coalitions through provision of accurate information, resources in form of finance and equipment, building synergies for transformational actions and collaborations
8. Mr. Kasaija Peter, a PhD student in the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences encouraged the team to put in place an engagement system were researchers can engage with different stakeholders in order to ensure continuous growth of communities even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approach and Methods
The project team applied Participatory research approach with mixed methods- (Academia, ACTogether, NSDFU, local administrative structure); Focus group discussions (FGDs), (30 FGDs- informal business enterprises, settlement residents, local leaders, COVID-19 taskforce or team members, transport operators, and social service providers) and Key informant interviews (KIIs)- CSOs, KCCA technocrats and politicians, Document reviews, and Videography.
COVID-19 Trends and Implementation Taskforce
The first COVID-19 case was identified on 21st March 2020 in Uganda. COVID-19 cases went on increasing from 52 cases in April 2020 to 123,742 cases by October 2021 and 98% of these were through local transmissions and only 2% of the cases were imported, with 3,161 deaths registered in the country. The country had two prolonged total lockdowns, with selective lockdowns in the education sector for over 16 months. 24.5% of the population in the central business district was highly vulnerable (shopping malls, transactional offices and transport hubs), with 47.3% moderately vulnerable and 38.2% having the lowest level of vulnerability.
The city and division taskforce against COVID-19 were coordinated by KCCA, with support from the ministry of Health, private sector and several development partners including AMREF and URCS. These enforced the presidential directive, set up divisional rapid response surveillance teams, dedicated 90% of the city’s centres to covid-19 emergencies, provided hand washing and hygiene facilities, built capacity of VHT’s, did community sensitization etc. VHT’s provided first aid, raised awareness and direct links to emergency response services through toll free communication channels. Tracked, reported and facilitated the evacuation of suspected cases.
COVID-19 Response and Social protection
Government rolled out a food distribution programme in early April 2020 were families were given 6 Kgs of maize flour and 3 Kgs of beans per household. However, 75% to 95% of the residents in their respective settlements received food relief from government. The Food distribution mechanism had Irregularities including: supply of substandard and less nutritious foods to vulnerable populations; High and middle-income households given food relief in contrast to the targeted low-income household; Alienation of opposition supporting households; No accountability to all food kinds donated to the NTF. Government also distributed facemasks to help curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However the facemasks were of poor quality and of small sizes. Regarding the promise of economic recovery packages through UDB, there were no clarifications on how the informal sector could access such funds. Government also launched a cash transfer initiative during the second wave of the pandemic i.e., (UGX. 100,000 or USD 27.7) but less than 50 households received cash in a parish.
COVID-19 Socio-Economic and Health Impacts
The pandemic amplified urban inequalities and chronic poverty due to job loss and wage reduction. Livelihoods changed due to increased food and energy prices and closure of Informal businesses. The pandemic also increased the exposure of food selling vendors to the risk of arrest and confiscation of their goods on city streets. There was widespread food insecurity which forced families to reschedule feeding patterns, the quality of food eaten, dietary intake and number of times eaten in a day.
During the first and second phases of lockdown, there was restriction in public transport. The lockdowns and suspension of public transport services disrupted access to healthcare. The bans on public transport led to the spike in the cost of access to healthcare. This was worsened by the incapability of Uganda’s health services to adequately respond to the crisis with many public hospitals lacking enough equipment.
Landlords were reluctant to provide toilet-emptying services and female headed households and youths were unable to pay for water and sanitation facilities which increased the rate of open defecation by residents. During the pandemic, there was improved hygienic conditions due to increased adherence to hand washing and hand sanitization.
Recommendations for addressing future related Pandemics
- There is need to harness the local intelligence of communities to address the long-term challenges faced by slum dwellers.
- There is also need to coordinate communication, planning, decision-making, and operations across a wide range of stakeholders in cities for future response.
- Government should engage: Civic groups, CSOs, local leaders, cultural and religious institutions in case of crisis because they are key in mobilizing and gaining trust in the community and are much trusted by residents than government messaging and policies.
- Coordination mechanisms for targeted responses should be put in place and flexibly changed based on prevailing contexts and a full communication cycle should be embraced and implemented.
- Strong partnerships are key to unlock the potential benefits of collaboration between these complementary people-centered approaches.
- Identifying and supporting community-led solutions for bringing the outbreak under control facilitates people’s active participation in the response.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Moves to Revitalize Food Technology & Business Incubation Centre to Drive Innovation & Entrepreneurship
By Ssembogga Derrick
Makerere University marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 10th July 2025, with the launch of the revitalization programme for the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). This initiative is poised to position the FTBIC as a national hub for food innovation, student enterprise development, and agro-industrial transformation.
Hosted under the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) at the College of the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the revitalization of the FTBIC is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry. “We aim to achieve this by supporting food-based start-ups, enhancing graduate entrepreneurship, and promoting the commercialization of research,” Dr Julia Kigozi, Dean, SFTNB explained. The project receives critical funding from the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), which consistently supports innovation and research-based development at the university.
Unveiling a New Strategic Vision
The event, held under the theme “Revitalizing FTBIC to Unlock Innovation and Entrepreneurship Potential among Makerere University Graduates”, marked the official launch of the Centre’s revitalization programme to key stakeholders. It featured the presentation of FTBIC’s new strategic vision and direction, highlighting the commitment of the institution and its partners to fostering graduate entrepreneurship and innovation in food systems. The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Centre’s crucial role in supporting industry, research, and national development.
Participation of stakeholders
The launch attracted a vibrant and diverse audience of over 50 participants. Among the attendees were student representatives; partners from other incubation centers both within and outside Makerere University, including MIIC, UNIPOD, and DGI; as well as representatives from national innovation stakeholders such as Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and StartHub Africa.
Most notably, the event was honored by the presence of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The Vice Chancellor commended the revitalization efforts, acknowledging the Centre’s immense potential to incubate hundreds of food-based start-ups and create employment opportunities for thousands of graduates. “The Centre is now well-positioned to become a flagship platform for innovation, employment creation, and agro-industrial development in Uganda and beyond. Makerere University remains committed to supporting such initiatives that align with national priorities and global development goals.”
The event featured the unveiling of the operational framework for the revitalized Centre, highlighting its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical graduate training. Stakeholders in attendance expressed enthusiasm and pledged support for future collaboration, research, and product development initiatives aligned with national development priorities. The event also provided a platform to deepen partnerships with private sector actors and development organizations, reinforcing confidence in the Centre’s potential to serve as a national model for university-led incubation.
Agriculture & Environment
SophiA Project Upgrades Medical Infrastructure at Buvuma Health Centre IV, Trains Technicians for Maintenance Works
Overview of the Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project
Despite ongoing urbanization across Africa, the majority of the population still resides in rural and remote areas, where infrastructure development remains limited. These regions face significant challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, education, clean water, and reliable electricity, contributing to higher rates of illness and poverty compared to urban centres. According to reports, Sub-Saharan Africa has approximately 120,000 public health facilities (22,000 hospitals and 98,000 health posts), of which around 26% lack any electricity access, and only 28% have reliable power supply.
Access to good healthcare is critical for sustainable development. However, many rural medical centres operate under harsh conditions – using polluted water, lacking cooling for medicines, and facing poor sanitation – largely due to unreliable electricity and water supply. Although half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lacks electricity, the region has abundant renewable energy potential that can be effectively harnessed through off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
To address the above-mentioned challenges facing the African Continent, Makerere University in partnership with 13 organizations across Europe and Africa developed a project titled, “Sustainable Off-grid solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA)”. The five-year project that began on 1st October 2021 is funded by the European Union (Project: 101036836 – SophiA – H2020-LC-GD-2-3-2020). At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
Piloted in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, and Uganda, SophiA aims to provide sustainable off-grid energy solutions to rural and remote health facilities, fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access to energy and healthcare. Using various technologies, such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, electrical and thermal storage, water treatment and natural refrigerants with low global warming potential, SophiA has developed and manufactured locally innovative, modular, affordable and efficient solar powered systems for providing:
- Safe and clean drinking water, free of bacteria and viruses, and deionised water for medical purposes;
- Hot water and steam production for thermal requirements of the hospitals;
- Cooling of medicines and food at +5°C;
- Low temperature storage of blood plasma and vaccines at -30°C;
- Ultra-low temperature storage of sensitive medication (e.g. some Covid-19 or Ebola vaccines) at -70°C.
In addition, PV MedPort, a simple and 100% solar-powered solution has been developed and tested as a mobile health care station in small remote areas in 4 different geographical conditions in Africa. The SophiA system has been manufactured in Africa and will provide, for the first-time, innovative solutions based on climate-friendly natural refrigerants to cover cooling demand for three different temperature ranges (-70°C, -30°C and +5°C). The system has been tested and demonstrated at four rural hospitals in remote regions throughout the African continent covering the major geographical regions and different climatic conditions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.
SophiA Project initiatives in Uganda
In Uganda, all Health Centre IV hospitals with surgical theatres have been connected to the national grid except Buvuma Health Centre IV, which serves over 120,000 people scattered across 52 islands. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Health selected Buvuma Health Centre IV for the SophiA project to demonstrate sustainable off-grid solutions.
The SophiA System at Buvuma Health Centre IV provides the following services:
- Off-grid electricity supply
- Safe, clean drinking water for patients, staff, and the community
- Hot water and steam systems crucial for maternal care
- Solar-powered cooking and meal preparation
- Cooling systems for surgery and intensive care units
- Refrigeration for medicines at +5°C, blood plasma storage at -30°C, and ultra-low temperature storage (-70°C) for sensitive vaccines such as those for COVID-19 and Ebola
Training of Trainers Workshop
As the SophiA project approaches completion in September 2025, it is vital to establish a skilled pool of technicians capable of handling maintenance and minor repairs of the system components, including solar panels, water treatment units, generators, batteries, and cooking kits.
From June 23 to 27, 2025, Makerere University hosted a comprehensive Training of Trainers workshop. The training programme encompassed a diverse range of topics delivered by subject matter experts from institutions, including Makerere University (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering – CAES, and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology – CEDAT), Hochschule University of Applied Sciences, and Busitema University. Participants were carefully selected from diverse professional backgrounds, including recent engineering graduates from CAES and CEDAT, Makerere University, University technical staff, personnel from Kyambogo University, officials from Buvuma District Works and Health Departments, and electricians from Kampala City. The training sessions were conducted at Makerere University and Buvuma Health Centre IV Hospital.
Training Modules Included:
- Sustainable energy systems and their practical applications
- Energy generation and storage technologies
- Solar water heating: design, operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of solar water heaters, crop dryers, and concentrating solar heaters
- Solar PV technologies in Uganda: cell technology, system design, operations, maintenance, and hands-on practicals for standalone and grid-connected systems
- Public health implications of water quality
- Water treatment and quality management, including protocols, parameters, and case study on the MCDI treatment system
- Water quality testing methodologies
- Introduction to sustainable refrigeration and cooling technologies
- Environmental impact and safety considerations for refrigerants
- Refrigeration cycles and component overview
- Life cycle assessment of SophiA technologies
- Thermal energy storage within the SophiA system
- Steam as a productive energy source
The Training Sessions
Day One: Introduction to foundational concepts in solar energy technologies
The first day of the SophiA Train the Trainers Workshop focused on building foundational knowledge in sustainable and solar energy systems. Led by Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize and Dr. Francis Mujjuni, participants explored a range of technologies and applications critical to clean energy deployment.
Key topics included:
Sustainable Energy Systems: Introduction to renewable energy systems including bioenergy, hydro, wind, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage.
Solar Radiation & Geometry: Understanding solar constants, irradiance, and the impact of atmospheric conditions on solar performance.
Solar Thermal Technologies: Detailed look at solar water heating systems (FPCs and ETCs), maintenance, sizing, and solar dryers for agricultural and industrial use.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Working principles, types of PV cells, performance factors, and diagnostics. Practical testing techniques and metrics like Voc, Isc, MPP, and PR were discussed.
Simulation & Application: Olivia Nakiwanuka demonstrated a PVsyst-based simulation of a 2.55 kWp standalone system for a conference hall, showing a high solar fraction (97.88%) and low LCOE (USD 0.03/kWh).
The sessions emphasized practical skills, performance analysis, and real-world application, equipping participants to train others and support solar adoption, especially in rural and off-grid settings.
Day Two: Water Treatment Technologies
The second day focused on water treatment technologies relevant to low-resource healthcare settings. Facilitated by Sneha De and Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc from Hochschule Karlsruhe University, sessions covered technical, environmental, and operational challenges, with contributions from Dr. Joshua Wanyama on water quality management and Dr. Prossie Nakawuka on practical water testing.
Key challenges addressed included unreliable water supply and contamination in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for decentralized water treatment, especially in rural areas.
Sneha De reviewed biological and physical/chemical water treatment methods, highlighting technologies such as activated sludge, filtration, membrane bioreactors, and advanced disinfection techniques. The SophiA modular water treatment system, integrating ultrafiltration and membrane capacitive deionisation (MCDI), was introduced as a scalable solution for producing safe drinking and deionised water for medical use.
Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc trained participants on the MCDI technology, an energy-efficient method for salt and fluoride removal suitable for low-salinity water.
Dr. Joshua Wanyama discussed the water quality management protocols, outlining key physical, chemical, and biological water parameters and monitoring strategies, including modern IoT-based tools, to ensure water safety and public health.
The day concluded with a hands-on lab session by Dr. Prossie Nakawuka, where participants practiced water quality testing using turbidimeters, incubators, and filtration techniques.
Overall, Day Two combined theoretical insights, technology demonstrations, and practical skills, preparing participants to implement sustainable water treatment and quality management systems in healthcare environments.
Day Three: Refrigeration and Cold Storage
The third day of the SophiA workshop focused on sustainable refrigeration and cold storage technologies tailored for healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts discussed energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions vital for vaccine storage, medicines, and diagnostics, especially in off-grid and rural settings.
Key highlights included the introduction of solar-powered and biomass-based refrigeration systems, thermal energy storage methods, and the use of natural refrigerants like propane, ammonia, and CO₂ as environmentally safer alternatives. Presentations emphasized the critical role of refrigeration in healthcare and the urgent need to replace harmful chemicals with sustainable technologies.
Sessions covered real-world applications such as the SophiA cooling containers in Burkina Faso, safety protocols for flammable refrigerants, and the environmental and economic benefits of solar refrigeration systems assessed through life cycle analysis.
The day ended with an interactive quiz and discussion, reinforcing learning and encouraging participants to apply sustainable cooling practices in their communities.
Day Four: World Refrigeration Day & Field Visit to Buvuma Island
The fourth day of the SophiA Train the Trainers workshop was dedicated to the celebration of the World Refrigeration Day and a field excursion to Buvuma Island, providing participants with a unique opportunity to witness the SophiA system in action. The day was coordinated by Dr. Sarah Bimbona and Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, who led the delegation to Buvuma Health Centre IV, the pilot site for the SophiA installation in Uganda.
The visit served as both a practical extension of the previous day’s technical sessions and a community engagement event. Participants were able to observe the installed SophiA system, which integrates solar-powered refrigeration, water treatment and steam generation technologies designed for off-grid healthcare settings. During the visit, Dr. Kiggundu provided a detailed briefing to local stakeholders, including representatives from the Buvuma District Local Government, delegates from the Buganda Kingdom, and members of the local community. He explained how the SophiA system will enhance healthcare delivery on the island through reliable cold storage for vaccines and medicines, access to clean drinking water, and steam generated for cooking and use in the maternity wards.
As part of the long-term sustainability plan for the SophiA system, the launch of SophiA Water was announced, an entrepreneurial initiative designed to generate revenue locally for the operation and maintenance of the system.
The field trip ended with a certificate awarding ceremony in appreciation of the participants’ dedication and active engagement throughout the training programme.
Agriculture & Environment
APRC Trains Graduate Students & Stakeholders in the Use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas
The Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s agricultural future through evidence-based policymaking. With a mission to ensure that agricultural policies are grounded in empirical research and data, APRC is actively investing in capacity-building initiatives that empower researchers, policymakers, and development actors.
In a significant stride toward building climate resilience in African agriculture, APRC recently organized a two-day intensive training workshop focused on the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) – a state-of-the-art, web-based decision-support platform that facilitates the integration of climate data into agricultural planning and policy.
The workshop, held on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June 2025 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, targeted two key groups: graduate students on the first day, and university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on the second. This structure ensured tailored learning experiences for both emerging and seasoned professionals, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation.
The African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) is designed to provide dynamic, data-rich visualizations that support informed decision-making in agriculture and food systems across the continent. Through interactive maps and analytical tools, users can explore projected climate impacts, evaluate risks, and identify localized, climate-smart adaptation strategies.
Throughout the sessions, participants received hands-on training in a broad range of AAAA functionalities, including:
- Leveraging the Atlas for research and policy communication: Enhancing the ability of scientists and policy actors to translate complex climate data into actionable insights;
- Assessing projected climate impacts and associated agricultural risks: Essential for forward-looking planning and risk mitigation;
- Identifying climate-smart investment options, with a particular focus on the livestock sector, which is especially vulnerable to climate shocks;
- Analysing gendered vulnerabilities: Examining how climate change disproportionately affects women in agricultural communities;
- Understanding the implications of heat stress on agricultural productivity: Supporting targeted interventions to protect producers and their livelihoods;
- Estimating the economic returns of adaptation strategies: Aiding in prioritizing investments and allocating limited resources effectively.
Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the APRC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the training in advancing Africa’s adaptation agenda. “As climate change continues to threaten food security and disrupt livelihoods across the continent, tools like the AAAA, and the skills to use them effectively are essential. They empower decision-makers to craft policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and rooted in science,” he noted.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Florence Rwiza, Lecturer in the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics at CAES.
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