Agriculture & Environment
72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CAES
ABEN Charles
Participatory Land use governance and livelihoods in Awoja Watershed, Uganda
Mr. ABEN Charles examined the effects of participatory natural resource governance on livelihoods in Awoja watershed in Uganda. In particular, the study assessed the contribution of local people’s participation to policy implementation. Further, the effects of social, economic and political motivation on actor involvement in the participatory governance were examined. The results suggest that the effective participation was contingent on the motivation of different actors involved in watershed management. This study was funded by DANIDA and was supervised by Dr. Okiror, Prof. Jacob Agea and Dr. EsbernFriis Hansen.
ALEXANDER Noah Ruley Jane
Bioremediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils using Native plants and their Rhizobacteria in the Sudd regions of South Sudan
Ms. ALEXANDER Noah Ruley Jane’s study was to enhance bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-(PHC) Contaminated soils for increased agricultural productivity of the Sudd region of South Sudan. Specially, the study examined the native plant species abundant in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil and optimal rate of cattle manure for enhancing phytoremediation of PHC contaminated soil in the region. In the results, PHC contamination at concentration of 7002 mgkg-1 detected as cultivated land from drilling points, was higher that the critical value of 5000mgkg soil (Sudan) and 5600mgkg (International). In sum, use of plant species namely H. Rufa, T. diversifolia and G. barbadense with 2 tha -1 of cattle-manure greatly improves bioremediation of PHC contaminated soils in the Sudd region of South Sudan. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Dr Alice Amoding and Assoc. Prof John Baptist Tumuhairwe.
ALFONSE Leonard
The Role of Host Plants, Temperature and Natural Enemies in the Development, Survival and Reproduction of Edible Grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Mr. ALFONSE Leonard studied the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Servile) which is a very important source of food and income in East Africa. The insect is currently obtained from seasonally swarming wild populations which are erratic and declining. His study focused on factors limiting artificial mass rearing of R. differens; these factors include the confusion over the identity of the grasshopper, paucity of information on the natural diets, diseases, and the optimal temperature requirements. He identified edible grasshopper in Uganda as Ruspolia differens (Serville), which is a polyphagous with grasses preference to other plants. The study determined temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C as optimum for artificial rearing of R. differens. He further investigated that fungi and bacteria isolated from wild-collected grasshoppers were threats to artificial rearing of the insect. Glaurocara flava was the only identified parasitoid of R. differens. He also found that the inclusion of naturally occurring host plants into artificial diets can improve the survival and reproduction of R. differens. The results from this study can contribute to the development of efficient mass rearing protocols of R. differens. This study was funded by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supervised by Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa from Makerere University, and Dr. James P. Egonyu and Dr. Sevgan Subramanian from International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
KALANZI Fred
Socio-technological factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adaptation of agroforestry technologies in the eastern highlands of Uganda
Mr. KALANZI Fred studied smallholder farmers’ adaptation of agroforestry technologies in Uganda’s Eastern highlands to establish the rationale for smallholder farmers’ choices, use, and modification of agroforestry technologies. This followed a growing concern that despite the efforts to promote agroforestry technologies, smallholder farmers made contradictory choices and modified technologies in ways perceived by experts to compromise farm productivity and, consequently, food and income security. Results indicated that the technology’s perceived value in addressing the livelihood options of the smallholder farmers was the most critical sociotechnological factor influencing their choices of agroforestry technologies. The study also found that smallholder farmers made several modifications and generated their own practices with anticipated positive outcomes that made the agroforestry technologies more applicable to their unique contexts. The study suggests that while science may have a lot to offer to resource-poor smallholder farmers, their local knowledge and innovations should constitute building blocks in developing economically viable, environmentally compliant and socially acceptable agroforestry technologies. This study was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and NARO and supervised by Dr. Prossy Isubikalu, Dr. Florence Birungi Kyazze and Dr. Lawrence J.B. Orikiriza.
KALULE Wamala Stephen
Farmer Learning Behaviours: A Case of the student-to-farmer university outreach of Gulu University in Uganda
Mr. KALULE Wamala Stephen utilized a sample of 283 host farmers of the student-to-famer outreach of Gulu University to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on farmer learning behaviour. The results show that the most important and positive facilitating condition for farmer learning behaviour was faculty supervision support to students. For the motivational factors, satisfaction of relatedness learning needs and formation of learning intentions were the positive and significant predictors farmer learning behaviour. This study funded by RUFORUM and was supervised by Dr. Haroon Sseguya, Assoc Prof. Duncan Ogeng and Dr. Gabriel Karubanga.
KYALLO Martina
Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomovirus-like viruses Associated with Non Cassava Plants in Kenya
Ms. KYALLO Martina study was on sustainable management of cassava mosaic disease by determining the role non-cassave hosts of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) like viruses and their associated viruses play in the epidemiology of CMD in Kenya. The study identified M. Lutea as a potential alternative host for East African Cassava Mosaic Virus in Uganda revealing the adaptive potential for the virus and expanding our current knowledge of the host range of CMD in Kenya. This study was funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was supervised by Dr. Mildred Ochwa Ssemakula and Dr. Robert A. Skilton.
LOGA Dorcas Elizabeth
Enhancing Group Sustainability and Innovativeness of Youth in Agriculture; a Comparative Study of Government and Non-government Interventions in Mid-western Uganda.
Ms. LOGA Dorcas Elizabeth studied how government and Non-Government agencies support youth groups in mid-western Uganda to engage in agriculture. The focus was on discovering the conceptual underpinnings that inform and shape the nature of support, enhancing the sustainability of youth groups, and youth innovativeness. The study revealed that government support is premised on the assumption that the youth lack capital, therefore focusing on capitalization through credit and free input provision; while the NGO support is premised on the assumption that youth lack entrepreneurial skills and extension services, and therefore focused on capacity building. The NGO-supported groups were more likely to be sustainable than the Government supported groups. Amidst numerous challenges, the groups post a higher score of innovativeness with an average innovation index of 0.536 reflecting a high potential for youth to revolutionize agriculture. Strengthening coordination to ensure cooperation and complementarity among interventions can enhance the innovativeness and sustainability of youth groups, and make agriculture more gainful. The study was funded by DAAD and Carnegie Corporation of the New York through RUFORUM; and supervised by Assoc. Professor Paul Kibwika and Dr. Florence Birungi Kyazze.
MAWA Christopher
Effects of community-based forest management initiatives on conservation and rural livelihoods in mid-western Uganda
Mr. MAWA Christopher examined the socio-ecological outcomes of community-based forest management initiatives in mid-western Uganda. The study found that positive social and ecological outcomes were simultaneously produced in areas where local community members were either actively co-managing forest resources with the state or were being supported by non-governmental organizations to formally manage and own them. Specifically, the initiatives enhanced community access to legally-sourced forest resources for both subsistence and cash. Additionally, households that had members belonging to conservation groups were more likely to benefit from alternative livelihood schemes promoted by state and non-state actors in the area. However, these alternative livelihood schemes mostly encouraged survival-led as opposed to accumulation-led livelihood diversification pathways. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Prof. David Mwesigye Tumusiime and Assoc. Prof Fred Babweteera.
MUKHONGO Wilhem Ruth
Abbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Enhanced Nutrient and Moisture Utilization in Sweet Potato Production
Mr. MUKHONGO Wilhem Ruth investigated the composition and spore abundance of Abbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in sweet potatoes producing regions in Uganda for local inoculum production. Further, the study sought to determine the efficacy of the native AMF and phosphorus on growth and yield of sweet potatoes. In the findings, the assessment of the composition and spore abundance of AMF in sweet potatoes zones yielded a similarity in the AMF communities with Glomus and Acaulospora species accounting for 38% and 20% respectively. This study was supervised by Assoc. Prof. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dr. Peter Ebanyat and Dr. Cargele Masso.
MULINDE Catherine
Climate Adaptation and Crop Productivity in Coffee-Based Farming Systems of Uganda
Ms. MULINDE Catherine focused on determining the most sustainable climate adaptation practices that are likely to increase current and future crop productivity, and mitigate climate vulnerabilities in Arabica and Robusta coffee-based farming systems of Uganda by 2040. She adopted qualitative, quantitative and modeling approaches in assessing climatic-crop suitability, adoption-drivers and effectiveness of major adaptation practices. Coffee and banana were revealed as more vulnerable to climate change than maize and beans in eastern, central and western Uganda; and that agroforestry, inorganic fertilizer, organic manure, mulch, trenches and soil bunds can potentially reduce crop yield losses especially if future climate becomes drier than wetter. The study recommends the promotion of these adaptation practices with an agile extension service considering the diverse adaptation
needs of coffee-farmers rather than ‘one-size-fit-all’ adaptation strategies; identification of efficient on-farm water-draining technologies; and bioengineering of crop varieties adaptive to wetter-conditions across various altitudes. This study was supervised by Prof. Majaliwa
Mwanjalolo and Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, and funded by USAID.
NAKITTO Aisha Musaazi Sebunya
Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits’ nutritional quality and potential effect on type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Ms. NAKITTO Aisha Musaazi Sebunya investigated the morphological characteristics, bioactive compound contents (BCC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of fourteen accessions of Solanum anguivi Lam. The impact of various ripeness stages and thermal treatments on the BCC and AA of Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits (SALF) was determined, where the unripe stage and boiling exhibited the highest AA. Further, the potential of dietary SALF to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-like phenotypes was investigated using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) model organism. D. melanogaster has been previously shown to develop a T2DM-like phenotype upon high-sugar diet (HSD) intake. The study showed for the first time that dietary SALF lowers HSD-induced glucose levels in D. melanogaster, which was not mediated through an up-regulation of central genes (Srl, dIlp3 and dIlp6) of the fly’s energy metabolism. Simultaneously, dietary SALF increased the flies’ survival, thus suggesting a protective effect of SALF against premature death associated with a T2DM-like phenotype. Dietary SALF may therefore help prevent and manage T2DM in humans. This study was funded by the DAAD and FTBIC and was supervised by Prof. John Muyonga, Prof. Anika Wagner and Assoc. Prof Yusuf Byaruhanga.
NDAULA Sulaiman
Psychosocial factors in rural smallholder farmers’ decision to accept orange-fleshed sweet potato in Uganda
Mr. NDAULA Sulaiman studied the acceptance of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) within households that already grow White-fleshed sweet potato (WFSP). With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries, OFSP continues to be promoted as a food-based alleviation strategy for the deficiency. This study sought to enhance understanding of the role of rural smallholder farmers’ socio-cognitive contexts in OFSP acceptance in Uganda. The study revealed that farmers at the various stages of the OFSP cultivation process (under consideration, trial, or maintenance) differ in the belief sets they held about OFSP relative to the WFSP sweet potato varieties. Also, sustained OFSP cultivation was enhanced by social pressure, farmers’ valuation of their capability to cultivate OFSP as compared to cultivating WFSP and health-related risk perceptions. Through compliance and conformity to peer pressure, farmers created a cycle of low cultivation intensity that led to limited access to vines, low appreciation of relative advantage of OFSP over WFSP and the attendant cultivation defections. This study points to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments for the acceptance of bio-fortified technologies such as the orange-fleshed sweet potato. This study was funded by DAAD and supervised by Dr. Frank Matsiko, Dr. Richard Miiro, and Dr. Haroon Sseguya.
OBUA Tonny
Genetic Improvement of Nutritional Traits and Yield of Tropical Soybean in Uganda
Mr. OBUA Tonny investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 89 tropical soybean germplasm, and determined the variability of nutritional traits of 52 soybean core collections from diverse sources. He further conducted a genome-wide association study based on 92 soybean genotypes, as well as determination of environmental effect on protein content and yield in soybean. The results showed that the genetic diversity among the studied germplasm was low, and the phylogenetic tree and Principal Component Analysis grouped the 89 genotypes into three major clusters. The low genetic diversity could be attributed to the cleistogomous nature of soybean and the sample of genotypes used that were mainly released varieties and advanced breeding lines; that have been genetically fixed at all loci in regard to general consumer preferences after many cycles of selections. Low diversity in the studied germplasm pool is a reflection of genetic erosion of the existing germplasm pool, which calls for widening of the current germpalsm base. The study further identified several soybean genotypes that protein and oil content above the reported averages. Total oil content varied significantly between origins with genotypes from Zimbabwe showing the highest mean of 20.13% while those from Taiwan had the lowest mean of 18.3%. The study was funded by Soybean Africa Limited, Makerere University Center for Soybean Improvement and Development, Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa – International Livestock Research Institute Hub; and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr. Thomas L. Odong.
OCHIENG Hannington
Biological assessment of River Aturukuku in Tororo, Uganda: a tropical river with potential environmental threats from its catchment
Mr. OCHIENG Hannington undertook a biological assessment of River Aturukuku in order to contribute towards its conservation and sustainable utilisation by the riparian communities. His research compared the utility of two macroinvertebrate based Biological Monitoring Working Party indices, from England (temperate region) and Costa Rica (tropical region) for assessing water quality, and explored the assemblages of benthic macroinvertebrates and diatoms along River Aturukuku. His research showed that the two foreign biomonitoring indices could not separate sites based on pollution gradients, attributable to biogeographical differences in environmental conditions and pollution tolerances among macroinvertebrates. The diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and diatoms in the river was low, with pollution-tolerant taxa dominating. The development of indigenous biotic index for Uganda and specific mitigation measures for conservation of the entire river for sustainable utilisation is recommended. The study was funded by the National Geographic Society and was supervised by Prof. James Okot-Okumu and Dr. Robinson Odong.
SYOFUNA Agatha
Prevalence and impact of stem canker diseases on Eucalyptus grandis and selected Hybrid clones in Uganda
Ms. SYOFUNA Agatha studied the prevalence and impact of stem canker diseases on Eucalyptus grandis and selected Hybrid clones in Uganda. This was based on the background that there is a drive for re-afforestation and a high timber demand in the country, both of which are being solved by extensive plantation development. The study revealed that Eucalyptus plantations are threatened by Botryosphaeria and Teratosphaeria canker diseases throughout the Country mostly in the Central, Eastern and Albertine regions. Five species of Botryosphaeriaceae were identified based on multi-locus phylogenies (ITS and β-tubulin). Pathogenicity tests using species of Botrosphaeriaceae and Teratosphaeria revealed variation in susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and selected hybrid clones, suggesting that disease-tolerant Eucalyptus genotypes could be selected for disease management. Furthermore, an assessment of the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties, revealed brittle failure and high shrinkage in wood from diseased trees, indicating that it is not suitable for some construction applications and should be used with caution. The study was funded by African Development Bank and DAAD, and supervised by Dr Grace Nakabonge and Prof. Abwoli Y. Banana.
TURYAHIKAYO Willy
Network governance dynamics that influence the generation and implementation of innovative activities within the Agricultural Innovation Platforms.
Mr. TURYAHIKAYO Willy investigated the network governance dynamics that influence the generation and implementation of innovative activities within the Agricultural Innovation Platforms. The study findings showed that the level and structure of interactions have got a profound effect on generation and implementation of new ideas within the agricultural innovation platforms. However, owing to the informal nature of networks, this study revealed stringent collective sanctions in the IPs can negatively impact the innovative activities. The study recommends increased actor interactions in terms of duration and frequency of interactions between actors within the platforms. This study was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supervised by Dr. Frank B. Matsiko, Dr. John J. Okiror, Dr. Richard F. Miiro and Prof. Jon Hanf.
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Agriculture & Environment
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University Launches Youth Skilling Program to Catalyse Enterprise Development
By Damali Mukhaye
The Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University, an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, has launched an inclusive Youth Skilling Program aimed at equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills to unlock business opportunities and contribute to climate resilience.
The Program will begin with a pilot of fifty (50) youth selected from Lwengo, Rakai and Yumbe districts, forming the first group of a planned 500 young people to be trained over the eight-year implementation period. The initiative targets youth who have completed at least Senior Four or its equivalent but have not enrolled for or completed university education.
For the first group, the youth will receive intensive hands-on training across the poultry value chain, enabling participants to develop climate-smart enterprises, create employment opportunities and strengthen their livelihoods.
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, indicated that the Skilling Program was designed in response to the challenges faced by thousands of young people who are not in employment, formal education or vocational training (NEET).
“We realised that there are several young people who never got an opportunity to attend university or pursue higher education, yet they constitute the majority of our population. We are intentionally creating pathways that enable them to acquire practical skills, participate meaningfully in the economy and secure dignified employment,” Prof. Nabanoga said.
Applications for the first group under youth skilling program are now open to eligible youth residing in either Lwengo Sub-County in Lwengo district, Ddwaniro Sub-County in Rakai district, Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, or Ariwa Sub-County in Yumbe District.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explained that the Africa Climate Collaborative deliberately selected these locations because they are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The programme prioritises districts within Uganda’s agropastoral landscape. She further indicated that the Program is aimed at nurturing young people who will serve as catalysts for enterprise development within their communities.
“The training will equip participants with practical skills that enable them to innovate around climate-related challenges while protecting the environment. Ultimately, they will generate income, improve their livelihoods and become catalysts for local economic transformation.” she said.
Why Poultry?
The Africa Climate Collaborative selected the poultry value chain as the entry point for the pilot because it offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, trainees will specialise in different components of the value chain, including feed production, hatchery management, poultry production, poultry product value addition and poultry waste management.
“The poultry sector offers numerous opportunities for innovation. By developing expertise across different components of the value chain, these young people will collectively strengthen the entire poultry ecosystem.”
Environmental sustainability remains central to the program. Participants will be introduced to climate-smart production practices, resource efficiency and innovative approaches to poultry waste management that minimise environmental impacts while improving productivity.
Program participants are expected to become community resource persons who will transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to other young people.
“These young people will become trainers of trainers. When they return to their communities, they will establish enterprises and mentor others, creating a critical mass of youth engaged in climate-smart businesses.”She noted.
District Leaders and Experts Welcome the Initiative
District leaders have welcomed the program, describing it as a timely intervention for addressing youth unemployment.
Francis Bwowe, Senior Agricultural Officer for Rakai District, described the intervention as timely and transformative.
He noted that the closure of Primary Teachers’ Colleges and the increasing costs of post-secondary education have left many youths without viable alternatives.
“Many young people who complete Senior Four have nowhere to go. Therefore, a program that equips them with practical skills to start their own businesses is extremely important. We believe it will help them become self-reliant and earn a living,” he explained.
Community leaders also expressed optimism about the program’s potential to transform livelihoods.
Mr. George Kizito, LCII Chairperson of Kalere Parish in Rakai District, said unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing young people.
“The opportunities exist, but many young people lack the capacity and confidence to create jobs for themselves. In our community, people involved in poultry farming are earning good money, but many youths simply watch because they do not know where to start from,” he said.
The program has also received positive reactions from technical experts. Responding through one of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s social media platforms, Ms. Nehwera Eufemia, a specialist in animal feeds, commended the decision to prioritise feed production.
“Feed accounts for nearly 70 percent of poultry production costs and is the single most important factor influencing profitability. Strengthening skills in feed production provides a strong foundation for improving productivity and sustainability across the entire poultry value chain” she observed.
Ms. Eufemia encouraged eligible young Ugandans to apply and take advantage of the opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to young people residing in:
- Lwengo Sub-county, Lwengo District;
- Ddwaniro Sub-county, Rakai District;
- Zone 5, Bidibidi Refugee Settlement; and
- Ariwa Sub-county, Yumbe District.
Eligible applicants must have completed at least Senior Four (O-Level) or its equivalent but should not have enrolled for or completed university education. Applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years of age by the application deadline and should not be engaged in any form of formal employment or training.
Young women, young mothers, refugees and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Application forms are available at NO COST through the online application portal at https://climatecollaborative.mak.ac.ug/application.
Applicants from Lwengo and Rakai districts may also obtain application forms through the District Production Offices and Sub-county Community Development Offices, while applicants from Yumbe can access forms through the Yangani Protection Desk at Ariwa Reception Centre and the Office of the RWC3 in Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.
Applications should be submitted through the online portal, by email to climateresilience@mak.ac.ug or physically delivered to the designated district offices at NO COST.
Applications close on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection engagements. For further information, interested applicants may contact the program team on +256 744 773237.
Agriculture & Environment
TORCH Project Living Lab Drives Clean Energy Innovation & Climate Action in Luwero
By Ariho Modern, Tonny Kanyesigye and Tom Micah Matila
****TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-Emission Society in East Africa) is a collaborative initiative designed to help communities respond to climate change through practical innovations, research, and inclusive partnerships. Implemented across Uganda, South Sudan, and Austria.
The TORCH Project’s Living Lab engagement in Kawumu Village, Luwero District demonstrated how collaboration among researchers, farmers, students, and development partners can accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies while strengthening efforts to address climate change.
Held on 4th May 2026, the engagement brought together stakeholders from academia, local communities, civil society, and international institutions to explore practical, affordable, and locally driven solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of clean energy.
The event underscored a growing shift toward community-centered innovation, where local knowledge and scientific research are combined to develop technologies that respond directly to the needs and realities of rural households.
“Knowledge shared here is not for the shelf; it is for our households, our farms, and our future,” said community host, Mr. Kayanja as he welcomed participants.
At the centre of the discussions was the TORCH Project’s Living Lab approach-a participatory model that places communities at the forefront of innovation and decision-making.
Community-Driven Research and Innovation
Addressing participants, the TORCH Project Principal Investigator, also Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University, Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, emphasized that sustainable solutions can only be achieved when communities are active partners in the research process.
“Under this initiative, every voice matters,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “Farmers, students, and researchers are equal contributors. The solutions we develop must reflect the realities of the communities we serve.”
He noted that the project, supported by the Austrian Government, has established a strong regional network involving Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation across East Africa.
Clean Energy Technologies developed
The event showcased a range of technologies designed to address household energy challenges while contributing to climate mitigation efforts. These included energy-efficient cookstoves, food-warming baskets, biogas systems, and solar-powered solutions, all of which have the potential to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels and lower carbon emissions.
Researchers also presented innovative methods for measuring environmental impacts. Demonstrations of greenhouse gas monitoring chambers and studies on methane production from livestock waste attracted significant interest from farmers eager to understand how agricultural practices can contribute to climate solutions.
“‘I never imagined cow dung could be this powerful,’ one farmer said after learning about its potential to be converted into renewable energy.”
Barriers to Adoption
The Living Lab also served as a platform for critical reflection on the barriers that continue to hinder the adoption of sustainable technologies. Participants identified affordability, cultural perceptions, and concerns about hygiene and maintenance as some of the key challenges facing wider uptake.
Expert Perspectives
Prof. Twaha Ali Basamba from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University cautioned that technological innovation alone is not enough to guarantee success.
“Technology must fit the people, not the other way around,” he said, emphasizing that solutions should be designed to be accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate.
Representatives from partner institutions reaffirmed the importance of locally grounded innovation. Prof. Phelix Busigye Mbabazi of Kabale University underscored the value of cross-learning among Living Lab sites, while Dr. Margaret Namugwanya of Kyambogo University called for increased use of locally available materials in developing sustainable technologies.
“We must innovate with what we have,” she said, noting that imported technologies are not always suited to the long-term needs of local communities.
Mr. Andreas Bauer from BOKU University shared insights from the ongoing water quality research along River Mayanja, highlighting the importance of collaborative science in addressing environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Mr. Ochero Dickenz of Youth Go Green Uganda inspired participants with stories of climate action initiatives that have mobilized more than two million young people across the country.
Recommendations
By the end of the engagement, participants had developed a series of recommendations aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies. These included strengthening community-based production of food-warming baskets, expanding access to affordable energy-saving stoves, improving hygiene practices, and enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems to measure long-term impact.
Living Lab Model, a Blueprint for Sustainable Development in Uganda
For many participants, the significance of the Living Lab extended beyond research and technology demonstrations. It represented a new model of development-one that empowers communities to co-create solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and energy challenges of the time.
“This is not just research; it is our future,” said one student participant.
As Uganda intensifies efforts to address climate change and expand access to sustainable energy, initiatives such as the TORCH Project are demonstrating the power of partnerships in turning research into practical action. Through its Living Labs, the project is creating spaces where innovation is tested, refined, and owned by the communities it is intended to serve.
With momentum continuing to build, stakeholders believe the TORCH Project’s Living Lab model could become a blueprint for sustainable development initiatives across Uganda and beyond-ensuring that communities are not merely beneficiaries of innovation, but active architects of a cleaner and more resilient future.
Agriculture & Environment
Master’s Scholars Engage Lwengo and Rakai Communities to Inform Research Conceptualisation
By Myres Ndyabawe
Makerere University Master’s Scholars under the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, undertook a reconnaissance visit to Lwengo and Rakai districts in preparation of their academic research engagements.
The visit was intended to ensure that the research is informed by local realities, priorities, and perspectives, thereby enabling the scholars to undertake work that is responsive to and aligned with the needs of the communities it seeks to serve.
Accompanied by members of the ACC Program Delivery Team, Scholars engaged district technical staff, farmer cooperative representatives, and community members before visiting selected farmers across the two districts.
These interactions provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the climate change-related challenges affecting local livelihoods and communities, thereby helping to inform the design and implementation of their research activities.
Lwengo District Agricultural Officer, Peter Bamwesigye welcomed the Africa Climate Collaborative staff and the Scholars in the district, pledging support for all initiatives that will be implemented in the district under the Africa Climate Collaborative.
“We want such good news and welcome such interventions that transform our communities. As a district, we believe the research conducted by the students will bring innovations that will improve the lives of the people we serve.” Bamwesigye said.
Community Challenges Requiring Research and Innovation
Richard Ayesiga, the manager of Kyazanga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, which brings together 1,088 farmers, noted that prolonged dry spells and limited knowledge on climate resilience have reduced farmer productivity in the area, urging students to provide solutions to farmers through their research.
In Rakai District, the Senior Agricultural Officer, Ivan Bwow, led the team on a field visit to Lake Kijjanebalola. He explained that the proliferation of invasive water weeds has disrupted fishing activities and restricted access to the lake by other users, adversely affecting livelihoods, food security, and household incomes in surrounding communities.
He further observed that some parts of Rakai District are affected by saline water, which limits the viability of irrigation. This challenge has contributed to increased encroachment on swamps and wetlands as communities search for alternative sources of water and productive land, placing additional pressure on fragile ecosystems.
The other challenges that were noted across the two districts include;
- Poor waste management
- Plastic pollution
- Crop pests and diseases
- Mis-use of artificial fertilizer that has affected soil health.
Research and Innovation to Inform Climate Solutions
Research is a core requirement for the attainment of a Master’s degree at Makerere University. The Scholars, who receive comprehensive scholarships under the ACC to pursue Master’s degrees in various disciplines, are expected to undertake research in Lwengo and Rakai districts during their second year of study.
During the engagement, participants raised concerns about the common practice of researchers collecting data from communities without returning to share the findings and recommendations.
Responding to these concerns on behalf of ACC, Mr. Antonny Tugaineyo, Principal Coordinator of the Climate Resilience Support Centre (CRSC), reassured stakeholders that the Program is committed to ensuring that research findings are disseminated to local communities and relevant stakeholders.
He noted that the evidence generated will be used to inform policy development, strengthen decision-making, and support innovative solutions to climate-related challenges affecting Lwengo and Rakai districts.
“The fourth pillar of the Africa Climate Collaborative is Networks, Policy and Learning. Our work does not end with conducting research. We are committed to engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the knowledge generated benefits the communities that contribute to and participate in the research process,” Mr. Tugaineyo said.
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