Agriculture & Environment
CAES Mentorship Programme to Enhance Capacity of Young Scientists in Agricultural Policy Processes
The programme titled, “Enhancing the Capacity of Young Scientists to Engage in Agricultural and Food Security Policy Processes in East Africa” seeks to improve connection between science, policy and practice
Funder: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Overview
Agriculture is a key economic sector in the East African Region and it is an important source of livelihood for households and communities, especially in rural areas. Efforts to achieve food security and desirable nutrition outcomes, as well as spur economic growth largely revolve around the agricultural and environmental sectors. The role of these two sectors in achieving the first and second Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on ending poverty and hunger respectively has been recognised in many continental, regional and national agricultural initiatives. Yet identifying and implementing enabling policies and evaluating their impact remains a challenge to the development and protection of the two sectors in most African countries. Africa’s continental framework for promotion of agricultural transformation, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), recognizes and emphasizes the need to strengthen capabilities and the policy and institutional environment required to trigger agricultural transformation while protecting the environment. The process includes interventions to strengthen the capacity for evidence-based planning, implementation and review, and to increase the capacity to generate, analyse and use relevant information and innovations.
About the project
Through a project titled“Enhancing the Capacity of Young Scientists to Engage in Agricultural and Food Security Policy Processes in East Africa”, the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University together with Kyambogo University, Busitema University, and the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nairobi have mentored 13 PhD graduates – 8 in Uganda and 5 in Kenya. Supported by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences under the leadership of Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the project aims to increase the capacity of scientists to synthesize, analyse and communicate science with different stakeholders; increase use of science-based knowledge in policies & practice; and improve connection between science, policy and practice. The mentees include; Dr Florence Lwiza from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics, CAES; Dr Betty Christine Nagawa from the Department of Forestry, Bio-Diversity and Tourism, CAES; Dr Kanifa Kamatara from the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES; Dr Catherine Ndagire from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, CAES; and Dr Kellen Aganyira from the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University. Others are Dr Margaret Namugwanya Misinde; and Dr Judith Nagasha from Kyambogo University. The mentors include; Prof. Bernard Bashaasha from Makerere University; Dr Peter Opio from Busitema University and Dr Faith Muyonga from Kyambogo University.
Policy workshop held at Makerere University
On 2nd August 2022, the project partners held a workshop at Makerere University to discuss and receive feedback from policy analysts on 7 policy briefs developed by the mentees. In the policy briefs, the mentees made a number of recommendations in relation to building resilience to extreme weather changes through index-agricultural insurance,the use of eucalyptus essential oils as an alternative to the commonly used synthetic pesticides in preservation of stored grains, quality-based classification scheme for beef carcasses as an incentive for beef cattle producers, conservation farming as a strategic solution to climate change challenges, the use of farmyard manure as a potential booster of macro and micronutrients in crops, building women’s capacity in value addition in a bid to increase their incomes, and the need to support school children and adolescents in Kampala to meet sedentary behaviour and physical activity guidelines.
Policy recommendations by the Mentees
- Building resilience to extreme weather changes through index-based agricultural insurance
In her research, Dr Florence Lwiza from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics, CAES notes that despite efforts by the Government of Uganda to promote Index-based Insurance which has potential to mitigate weather-induced effects, uptake of agricultural insurance among smallholder farmers remains low. To increase uptake,the researcher recommends,i) increase in financial literacy to enable farmers to better understand the value of agricultural insurance, ii) expansion of investments in high-quality agro-meteorological data- data crucial for informing investment decisions, iii) gender considerations- encouragement of women and youth participation in agricultural insurance markets, iv) increased access to information on changes in farmer behaviour, v) flexible design of contracts- promoters should consider the heterogeneity in farmer characteristics, risk exposure and risk preferences and therefore design contracts to suit their specific resources, needs and characteristics.
- The use of eucalyptus essential oils as an alternative to the commonly used synthetic pesticides in preservation of stored grains
According to Dr Betty Christine Nagawa from the Department of Forestry, Bio-Diversity and Tourism, CAES post-harvest handling and storage remains a challenge in Uganda. Shortage of standard and modern storage facilities reduces the shelf life of agricultural produce hence posing threats of food insecurity. Many farmers resort to pesticides to preserve their produce. However, the use of pesticides poses risks of chronic illnesses such as cancer. In a bid to minimise the use of pesticides, Dr Nagawa recommends the use of eucalyptus essential oils as a strategy to reduce on pest infestation in stored grain. This, she notes, requires conservation of eucalyptus trees species capable of obtaining oil at individual, community and district levels, and the establishment of cottage industries to support distillation of eucalyptus oil.
- Quality-based classification scheme for beef carcasses as an incentive for beef cattle producers
In its current form, the grading scheme offers no incentive to producers since carcasses are priced based on weights rather than on distinctively
differentiated quality classes. Dr Kanifa Kamatara from the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES calls for mandatory grading of carcasses at all slaughter houses just like inspection. She also recommends revision in the current classification scheme – attributes such as primal cut yield prediction and tenderness should be included to the classification criteria. She calls for adoption of objective classification technologies to improve accuracy.
- Empower Farmers to Gain from Conservation Farming
As farmers grapple with land shortage and climate change challenges, conservation farming offers the opportunity to increase food production and food security. In her policy brief, Dr Kellen Aganyira recommends empowerment of farmers through extension services, affordable farm inputs, vermin control and access to competitive market. According to her research, farmers do not practice conservation farming due to the high cost of inputs, lack of market for their produce, and uncontrolled vermin that destroy crops. She also calls on the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in collaboration with the private sector to support farmers with subsidized farm inputs. She implores the government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to link farmers to competitive markets, and to strengthen vermin control systems.
- Pig Manure, a Promising Option for Improving the Nutritional Value of Beans
Nutrient deficiency remains a serious public health threat as many households in low developing countries may not be in position to regularly afford foods rich in protein and micronutrients. Three-quarters of children 6-59 months old and 50% of women of reproductive age have severe micronutrient deficiency, resulting into impaired mental development and deaths. Due to high nutritional content (proteins, vitamins and micronutrients – zinc and iron), beans can play a big role in food and nutrition security for the poor. According to Dr Margaret Namugwanya Misinde from Kyambogo University, the nutrient content in bean seeds can be improved by combining farm yard pig manure with manufactured phosphorus fertilizers such as triple supper phosphate. The use of pig manure in combination with super phosphate for bean production is a sustainable strategy to improve protein and micronutrient intake for poor households, which cannot afford diversified diets. Farmers should therefore be sensitized and supported to adopt the practice.
- Sedentary behaviour and physical activity guidelines
According to research conducted by Dr Catherine Ndagire from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, a small proportion of school children and adolescents meet sedentary behaviour and physical activity guidelines.
46% of school children and adolescents spent excessive time in sedentary behaviours. To reverse this, Dr Ndagire points to the need for schools to give students access to a wide range of activities. Schools need to design and renovate play grounds so that they can inspire play, movement and sports. The Ministry of Education and Sports should support a community-wide comprehensive physical activity campaign that provides education and opportunities directly to children and adolescents in schools.
- Building women’s capacity on value addition for increased income
According to research conducted by Dr Judith Nagasha from Kyambogo University, women play a significant role in activities related to animal husbandry and dairy production. However, a lot of milk is wasted due to poor knowledge on safe production methods and appropriate storage facilities. Building their capacity on how to add value by refining the milk into products such as yogurt, butter, ghee, cheese and cosmetics that can be sold at a higher price can enhance their income.
Feedback from Policy analysts
The event was graced by a number of policy analysts who provided enriching feedback on the briefs. These included officers from the Office of the President; Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; USAID; Water Resources Institute, and the Economic Policy Research Centre. The analysts cautioned policy developers to always avoid technical terms and to keep them precise, with recommendations that directly address community challenges. They also noted the importance of directly addressing the briefs to relevant bodies.
Principal’s remarks
In her remarks, the Principal, CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga applauded all partnering institutions for the timely initiative. “For Uganda, this initiative cements Makerere University’s role to support and mentor the new universities in the country.” Prof. Nabanoga acknowledged the efforts and commitment of the mentors to build a new cadre of policy influence ambassadors. She thanked the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences for the funding and continued collaboration with Makerere University, and specifically CAES.
*****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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emerging Issues from the Training
- Weak fecal sludge management systems: Existing systems, particularly in refugee settlements, are inadequate.
- Public health risks: Improper sludge handling continues to threaten health – only 44% of fecal sludge is safely managed.
- Limited technical capacity: Practitioners need more training in safe handling and reuse technologies.
- Low adoption of resource recovery: Sludge-to-product innovations are underutilized.
- Environmental pollution: Untreated sludge contaminates soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
- Poor integration with agriculture: Opportunities for nutrient recycling are not fully exploited.
- Inadequate equipment: PPE, emptying tools, and treatment facilities are scarce.
- Low composting standards in Uganda: Composting often follows non-scientific methods.
- Behavioral and hygiene gaps: Handwashing and proper waste disposal practices remain weak.
- Underdeveloped waste-based value chains: Compost, briquettes, and fertilizers are not economically leveraged.
- High reliance on on-site sanitation: Sewer network coverage is below 10% in Greater Kampala.
- Insufficient emptying and collection services: Services are limited and costly.
- Limited private sector engagement: Public investment and private participation are inadequate.
- Treatment capacity and cost recovery challenges: Facilities are strained and revenue mechanisms weak.
- Low willingness or ability to pay: Users are reluctant or unable to afford improved services.
- Negative perceptions of fecal sludge products: Public attitudes hinder adoption.
- Regulatory and equity barriers: Awareness is limited, regulations are burdensome, and access is unequal.
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.
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.”
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
Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Enhances Capacity of Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Financial Management & Communication
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Agriculture & Environment
Empowering Marginalized Youth for Climate Justice: A Participatory Action Research Project
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Youth4CJ project has two specific objectives:
- 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.
- To partner with youth as collaborators and co-researchers using participatory methods to identify, understand, and address local climate challenges faced by marginalized youth.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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