Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Elly N. Sabiiti Delivers Valedictory Lecture to CAES Community, Recounts His 43-year Experience at Mak
Theme of the Lecture: “My Inspirational Academic Track Service at Makerere University: A Case for CAES”
After 43 years of dedicated service to Makerere University, Prof. Elly N. Sabiiti, a prolific researcher and internationally recognized scholar, currently working at Busitema University–Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, retired from university service in 2021. On 2nd September 2022, Prof. Sabiiti, in company of his wife Joy Sabiiti delivered a valedictory lecture to staff at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. The lecture organized by the Office of the Principal, CAES and held in the Conference Hall at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering focused on his experiences, achievements, challenges, and strategies that enabled CAES to evolve from a Faculty to one of the most celebrated Colleges at the University. He specifically spoke about his career development in terms of teaching, research, graduate supervision, leadership, resource mobilization, representation on professional bodies, and outreach services, before sharing his thoughts for CAES to grow to higher levels and excel in Agricultural and environmental Sciences.
Addressing members of staff, Prof. Sabiiti noted that he was happy to be delivering his Valedictory Lecture at the time Makerere University is celebrating 100 years of existence and excellence. He appreciated Makerere University Management for providing a conducive environment and facilities that enabled him to excel to become an international professor. He equally appreciated all development partners who supported his academic journey. Having joined Makerere University in 1973 as an undergraduate student, Prof. Sabiiti rose through the ranks to become a professor in 1998. During his time at Makerere, Prof. Sabiiti served in various capacities and made enormous contribution towards the development of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Makerere in general. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Production at CAES.
Academic contributions
At Makerere, Prof. Sabiiti had an illustrious career. He developed and taught several undergraduate and graduate courses namely; Undergraduate – Pasture Agronomy, Plant Genetic Resources and Utilization (developed), Seed Science and Technology (developed), Forest Fire Ecology, Agricultural Botany, Ecology and Crop Practical Skills. Graduate courses developed and taught by Prof. Sabiiti included Agronomy of Grasslands, Eco-physiology (developed), Seed Science and Technology (developed), and Plant Genetic Resources and Utilization. He played a key role in the transformation of the Agricultural Husbandry Forum to a Regional Forum based at Makerere University. He established collaboration at local and global levels with various institutions such as Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, ILCA, AFRINET, ICRAF, NARO, ASARECA and this improved visibility of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. Prof. Sabiiti supervised 33 graduate students, 26 MSc and 7 PhDs and had over 150 publications by the time he retired. He supervised and supported several members of staff to attain doctorates and to raise through the ranks to become senior lecturers and associate professors. These include, Dr Denis Mpairwe, an Assoc. Prof and former Head, Department of Agricultural Production; Dr Justine Kasozi Nambi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr C Katongole, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production, and Coordinator Centre for Waste Management; Dr Sylvester Katuromunda, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr Jeninah Karungi-Tumutegyereize, an Assoc. Prof. in the Department of Agricultural Production; Dr A. Amoding, Department of Agricultural Production; Dr W Ekere, Department of Agricultural Production (Retired); Dr. A. R. Turinawe, Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics; Dr O. Walekhwa, Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (Deceased); Dr Okello, Senior Lecturer, CoVAB; Dr H. Kato, Associate Professor, Kyambogo University; and Dr S. Mugasi, ED, NAADS.
Curriculum Expansion
As Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Prof. Sabiiti was instrumental in the review and expansion of academic programmes at CAES. “There used to be one MSc in Agriculture with options but these would not be reflected on the degree certificate so we revised the old curriculum and proposed specialized MSc degrees of the various options, MSc Crop Science, MSc Soil Sciences, MSc Animal Science, and MSc Agricultural extension and this increased post graduate numbers. I led the development of a highly popular program –Masters in Agribusiness Management that combined science courses with agricultural economics to produce agribusiness entrepreneurs and make agriculture a rewarding business. We also revised the undergraduate degree programme from three: Bsc Agriculture, BSc Food Science and Technology and BSc Agricultural Engineering to over 10 programs,” he noted. “By the time I handed over to the next Dean, Prof. Matete Bekunda in 2003, the Faculty was leading in Academic programmes, significant financial research funds, several publications, and staff with PhD as well as MSc.”
Administrative roles
Administratively, Prof. Sabiiti held several leadership positions spanning a period of nine years, 1993-2003. He served as Head, Department of Crop Sciences, and Dean – Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (November 1994-2003). Recounting his experience, Prof. Sabiiti said it was during his period as Dean that the Faculty had unprecedented growth in terms of Infrastructural development – the evolution of two Faculties and a Research Institute, and academic programs (under /postgraduate programs). In 1998, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry split to two Faculties, Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation. With NORAD support, a building/home was constructed to house the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation. Kabanyolo University Farm also through a vigorous process was upgraded to Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyoro (MUARIK). “With good collaboration with NARO, the Faculty benefited from World Bank funding for five years and the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC) was constructed as well as a postgraduate building mainly for girls. Using some innovations, a football field was constructed at MUARIK. With this funding, several staff got further training for Masters and PhD and short courses thus building capacity,” he noted. With savings from overhead costs from research and donor-funded projects, the then faculty was able to purchase for the first time a Leyland bus which is still functional-over 24 years), a small Tata bus, a tractor, a car for the Deputy Dean and restored Fish ponds at MUARIK. The other major purchase was about 100acres of land at Namalyagonja bordering MUARIK land. This was to be used for income generation from crop production, especially growing maize. According to Prof. Sabiiti, the idea behind purchasing more land was to prepare for the future plan to have a College and eventually an Agricultural University.
Other important contributions to the University
Prof. Sabiiti represented the Faculty of Agriculture in Senate. He also Coordinated the SIDA program he had initiated in 1999 to build PhD capacity for staff, improve lab equipment and enhance collaboration with Swedish Universities which was about 2m US$ for 15 years, and the Dryland husbandry Project based in Kazo, about US$850,000. He also served on Boards such NAADS, NEMA UNEB, UISTF /committees–I@Mak, where he had been appointed in his professional capacity. “The SIDA funding is one of my celebrated contributions to the College where we trained in joint collaboration with the Swedish University of Agriculture and produced 9 PhD staff, several MSc staff and also supplemented two staff to finish their PhDs (Drs Katuromunda and Obaa). ”While in Senate, Prof. Sabiiti participated in the formation of the Collegiate system at Makerere University. He also defended the approval for the establishment of the Agrostudies program between CAES and Israel Institute funded by the Israeli Government which has become very popular at Makerere and at other Ugandan Universities. He served as Chair for Professorial Inaugural Lectures for 14 years. He initiated collaboration between the University of Western Sydney, Australia and Makerere University 1995 todate where one PhD from CAES was sponsored by that University and she graduated this year in May 2022. He spearheaded the establishment of the first Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Waste Management at MUARIK which was commissioned by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda in 2017. It has state-of-the-art equipment for bio-waste research. The Centre was also supported by Edmonton Centre of excellence in Waste management, Edmonton, Canada, Bank of Uganda, Makerere University top management and CAES.
Recognition Awards based on performance as an Academician and administrator
While in service, Prof. Sabiiti received several awards, locally and internationally in recognition of his excellent performance. These include;
- Makerere University Appreciation Award by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to Makerere University, specifically for the leadership and devotion as Chairperson for the Professorial Inaugural Lectures Organizing Committee 2007-2021.
- Was awarded the highest National award for Civilians as a Hero – Independence Golden Jubilee Medal by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda for his outstanding contribution in research, teaching, outreach, institutional building and administration and his loyalty to the Nation – 26th January 2017.
- Appointed by the Board of Directors of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) as the 1st President of ASARECA General Assembly, December 2011 because of his outstanding contributions in agricultural research and served for two years.
- Recognized by Makerere University in April 2015 for coordinating very successful research collaboration with SIDA financial support 2000-2015.
- Winner of the Presidential Excellence award for Science, technology Education Excellence 2008 for outstanding contribution in the understanding of ecological dynamics of rangeland /grasslands and institutional development.
- Winner of the Makerere University Vice Chancellor’s Innovations and Academic Excellence Award 2007/2008 for transforming the living conditions of Pastoral communities in Kazo rangelands.
- Received a Certificate of Recognition from Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara for his outstanding and dedicated services to the University as its pioneer Chairperson of Council 2003-2018.
- Received recognition (FELLOW) of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) for exemplary contribution to science and technology, 2004.
- Received Recognition Award from the Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University for having contributed significantly to the establishment of the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC) in 2001.
- Was awarded a golden plaque by the Faculty of Agriculture – Makerere University, in recognition of his outstanding leadership as Dean 1994 – 2003.
Regional Recognition
- Elected Vice President, African Academy of Sciences based in Nairobi 2019 todate.
- Recognized Fellow in 2007 of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) based in Nairobi, Kenya for his outstanding scientific contribution in agronomy and Ecology.
- Received recognition award for Distinguished Service as Chairman of the National Steering Committee and National Coordinator of the Dryland Husbandry Project, Uganda from 1995-2003 from the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), July 2004.
International Awards
- Won the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship for Senior African Scholars 2005/16 offered by USA Department of State and was implemented at the Ohio State University and became a Fulbright Scholar 2016 to-date.
- Elected a Fellow by the Governing Council of the Academy into The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) 2001.
- Received recognition award for extraordinary service to the Inter Academy Council as a Member of the Panel on Science and Technology Strategies for Improving Agricultura Productivity and food Security in Africa from the Board of Inter Academy Council, The Netherlands, 27th August 2004.
- Appointed a TWAS Research Professor in Dec 2006 for five years by the Academy of Sciences for the developing World (TWAS) Secretariat based in Trieste, Italy and was hosted by the National University of Rwanda.
Extra Curricula Activities
- Served on Busitema University Council from 2015-2021 and also Chaired Student Affairs and Disciplinary Committee and Appointments Board.
- Appointed twice by Makerere University as Orator and presented citation for H.E. Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni for recognition of his contribution to education, agriculture, fight against HIV/Aids and was awarded D Laws (H.causa) 2019, and for the Distinguished Authorship Award for writing a dictionary-Katondoozi in local language – presented to H.E. in 2020.
- Appointed member of the Board of Trustees of the Uganda Independence Scholarships Trust Fund March 1999 to date. This is a Presidential Appointment.
- Appointed Director on the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) board by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, 2002 to 2008.
- Appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports to serve as Chairman of the Curriculum Subcommittee for the Agricultural Colleges in 2000 that reviewed the curriculum and recommended a two-year Diploma instead of three years.
- Appointed by the Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara as the first Chairman to its Council, June 2003 to date.
- Served as Chairman of the Agribusiness Advisory Committee between the Faculty of Agriculture and the Private Sector in Uganda to monitor a new Masters degree program in Agribusiness Management (1999- 2003).
- Appointed by OSSREA as the National Co-coordinator, Dryland Husbandry Project funded by SIDA. The Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and MAAIF and NARO implemented the project from 1996 –2003.
- Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University to the MU/Government Committee of 14 that prepared a document on Human Capacity building for decentralization supported by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1999/2000. The project attracted about US$17M from the Rockefeller Foundation, World Bank and Government of Uganda. The implementation committee became I@Mak.com – Innovations at Makerere Committee.
- Appointed by Ministry of Education and Sports as member of the Joint Commission for setting up the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 1995-2002. The university has been established and is called Gulu University. He was also chairman of the Curriculum Committee that worked out the academic faculties and programs.
- Appointed member Taskforce for setting up Agricultural University in the North, by the Prime Minister of Uganda, 1994.
- Elected the first President of the newly formed Association of Uganda Professional Agriculturalists (ASUPA) 2002.
- Appointed board member of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) by the Minister of Education and Sports, 2002 to 2005 and was reappointed on the Board from 2006-2009.
- Member of the Management Committee of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) 1995-2003.
- Member of the National Forum on the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture 1996-2003.
- Member of the National Steering Committee for the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture1996-2003.
- Appointed by Ministry of Agriculture to be Member of the National Steering Committee to Combat Desertification in Uganda, 1997 to 2010.
- National Coordinator, Plant Genetic Resources Coordinating Committee, 1992 -1997.
Prof. Sabiiti’s advice to members of staff
- While in service, work for the good of the institution and the good of others and you will be rewarded. “As a Professor at Makerere, I had purpose to build human capital. As a Lecturer, you should always have purpose as to why you are teaching and supervising. I came to Makerere to teach and build others. Learn to sacrifice for the good of others.”
- Mentoring means being able to offer a helping hand to a fallen person or a person struggling with unseen challenges and you do it willingly without expecting rewards from that person. Your expectations from that person is to be a better person.
- Makerere gives you the best environment to grow academically if you want to grow. Learn to love the institution and you will excel in whatever you do.
- To the academic leaders, there is need to balance administration and academics. If you don’t, you will be lost when you leave administration.
Prof. Sabiiti’s thoughts on the future of CAES
Prof. Sabiiti implored staff to remain united with a common vision for the College. “Focus on growing CAES into a University of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Looking back, CAES has had steady developmental phases initially from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry to a College status and this has been possible through dedicated service of the various leaders and staff. This practice should be further deepened to turn CAES into a much bigger Institution with more Departments, Schools, Centers, Institutes that fit in the NDPIII and Uganda Vision of 2040. You have a very good Strategic Plan 2020-2030 which should now be regularly revised to focus on what you want to achieve. Use the capacity you have on ground to drive your Strategic Plan. You should all remain united with a common vision championed by your leaders if you want to attain higher levels of development.”
Appreciation
Prof. Sabiiti appreciated the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga for inviting him to deliver his valedictory lecture, and the Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazhidi Bamutaze for coordinating the program.
Recognition of retired staff
During the event, the Principal, CAES presented an award to Prof. Sabiiti in recognition of his distinguished service to Makerere University. The Principal, together with the Deputy Principal also presented appreciation awards to other retired members of staff in recognition of their service to Makerere. These included; Prof. Bareeba Felix, Prof. Tenywa Moses, Prof. Hyuha Theodora, Prof. Ssembajjwe Gombya, Prof. William Kyamuhangire, Prof. Nabasirye Margaret, Prof. Mutetikka David, Prof. Tenywa John Stephen, Dr Matsiko Francis, Dr Okiror John James, Dr Nagadya Harriet, Dr Christine Magala Nyago, Dr Michael Iwadra, Ms. Nanziri Sarah, Ms. Kawooya Teddy Mary, Mr. Eugene Manda, Mr. Tibakuzira Arnest, Mr. Emmanuel Nabyama, Ms. Toepista Namayanja, Everst Emuron, and Ms. Benny Kaitesi.
The Principal appreciated Prof. Elly Sabiiti and the other retirees for serving Makerere with utmost diligence. “It’s because of their sacrifices that CAES has grown and excelled in many aspects,” she noted.
The Valedictory Lecture was moderated by Dr Patrick Byakagaba, a member of staff at CAES.
Full presentation attached below.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Strengthens Kasese, Mbale Urban Food Systems through Cross-City Learning
Farmers from Mbale City have gained new skills for strengthening urban food production following a four-day learning exchange programme in Kasese Municipality and Kabarole District.
Supported by the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, the programme, held from 23rd-26th September 2026, brought farmers from Mbale City into direct contact with their counterparts and practitioners engaged in diverse agricultural enterprises. The interaction provided a platform for participants to share experiences, examine practical approaches to production and enterprise management, and identify lessons that could be adapted to strengthen livelihoods and build more resilient urban food systems.
The delegation was led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Principal Investigator of the RUFS Project and a member of staff in the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University.
Strengthening Urban Food Systems Through Peer Learning
The exchange forms part of RUFS’ efforts to strengthen urban food systems through peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, practical skills development and collaboration among farmers and other food-system actors. It builds on work undertaken during the first phase of the project (2021-2023) and second phase (2024-2026) in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality, where the project has supported farmers and stakeholders to identify food-system challenges, strengthen local capacities and promote more resilient and sustainable approaches to urban agriculture.
Funded under the AgriFoSe2030 programme, RUFS places strong emphasis on learning through practical experience. Rather than relying solely on classroom-based training, the exchange enabled farmers to observe agricultural enterprises firsthand and learn directly from practitioners. This hands-on approach gave participants an opportunity to explore practical solutions and consider how farming and enterprise-management practices could be adapted to the conditions of Mbale City.
The programme featured learning sessions at agricultural enterprises and production sites in Kasese Municipality and Kabarole District, each offering a different perspective on urban and peri-urban food production, enterprise management and livelihood diversification.
The farmers visited four farms in Kasese Municipality, including Citrus Agrotech Ltd and Sunice Farm, as well as Mubuku Irrigation Scheme.
Farmers’ Engagement at BIGLAD Agri-Tourism Farm Ltd
A major highlight of the programme was the tour of BIGLAD Agri-Tourism Farm Ltd in Kabarole District, an agricultural enterprise founded in 2008. Beyond agricultural production, BIGLAD provides practical training in agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial management and environmental conservation, offering an integrated approach to improving livelihoods through agriculture.
At the enterprise, the Mbale City farmers were introduced to a diverse range of agricultural enterprises, including bananas, tea, vanilla, macadamia, stevia, yacón and chives, alongside fish farming, poultry and livestock production. The experience illustrated how different enterprises can be combined to maximize the use of available land and resources, spread production risks and create multiple sources of household income.
Guided by the proprietor and 2nd runner-up of the 2017 Harvest Money Expo, Mr. Julius Bigabwa, the farmers gained a broader understanding of agriculture as a business enterprise rather than a subsistence activity. They learnt that successful farming requires deliberate planning, proper record-keeping, prudent financial management, careful selection of enterprises and continuous attention to markets.
The visit also underscored the importance of understanding the entire production chain-from selecting suitable enterprises and managing inputs to production, post-harvest handling, value addition and marketing.
Diversification and Value Addition
One of the key lessons from BIGLAD was the value of enterprise diversification. Engaging in a range of crop and animal enterprises can reduce dependence on a single source of income and strengthen farmers’ ability to manage production challenges, market fluctuations and changing environmental conditions. The experience encouraged participants to consider how complementary activities can be integrated to strengthen household livelihoods.
The farmers also gained insights into value addition and efficient resource utilization. Rather than viewing agricultural produce solely as raw commodities, they explored ways of increasing value and returns through improved production practices, processing, packaging and market-oriented approaches. The integration of environmental conservation into agricultural activities further underscored the need to pursue productivity while protecting the natural resources on which farming livelihoods depend.
For the Mbale City farmers, the experience at BIGLAD offered more than exposure to different agricultural enterprises. It provided a practical framework for planning farming as a business, diversifying strategically, adding value, managing resources responsibly and identifying opportunities for more sustainable returns.
Sharing experiences at Citrus Agro-tech Ltd
For Ms. Kabugho Rebecca, a mixed farmer in Kasese and Manager of Citrus Agro-tech Ltd, farming is a journey of learning, adaptation and perseverance. Her story offered the Mbale City farmers an opportunity to learn from the experiences and challenges that have shaped her agricultural enterprise.
Managing poultry, piggery, banana, tomato, mango and vegetable enterprises, Rebecca has learnt the value of diversification, proper record-keeping and understanding the market. Her experience highlighted how decisions concerning labour, feed, records, market access and enterprise selection can influence the performance and sustainability of a farming business.
She also emphasized the importance of securing reliable water supplies to help farmers sustain production under changing weather conditions.
Rebecca’s experience further highlighted the opportunities that arise when farmers move beyond primary production into value addition and other stages of the agricultural value chain. Her hatchery, for example, has created an additional income stream while responding to the needs of other farmers.
Through Citrus Agro-tech Ltd, she also supports small-scale farmers through training in agricultural enterprises and agronomic practices, supplies banana seedlings and provides internship opportunities for agriculture students. Her enterprise has evolved into more than a production site – it is also a space for knowledge sharing, practical learning and mentorship.
Understanding the market has been equally important to her enterprise. In her poultry business, the surrounding community provides a ready consumer base, illustrating how farmers can strengthen their businesses by understanding local demand and aligning production with market needs.
For the Mbale City farmers, Rebecca’s experience provided practical lessons relevant to their own circumstances. It highlighted that progress in farming depends not only on the size of a farm or number of enterprises, but also on how effectively farmers use available resources, learn from experience, respond to challenges and continuously improve their practices.
The learning exchange was not one-way. As they interacted with Rebecca and observed her enterprises, the Mbale City farmers also shared their own experiences and practical suggestions for strengthening her operations. Among the issues discussed was pest management, including approaches that could improve efficiency, reduce wastage and strengthen enterprise performance.
Learning from Other Farms and Mubuku Irrigation Scheme
The learning continued at Sunice Farm, owned by Ms. Eunice Mutooro Sunday, and at the farm of Ms. Masika Nevercate, both in Bulembia Division, Kasese Municipality. Through interactions with the farmers, the Mbale delegation gained practical insights into vegetable production, enterprise management and ways of improving productivity using available resources.
They also learnt from Ms. Grace Masika, a smallholder farmer in Central Division, Kasese Municipality, whose experience offered insights into how small-scale agriculture can contribute to household livelihoods.
At Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, the farmers gained practical insights into irrigated crop production, with a focus on rice and maize. The visit exposed them to different stages of crop production, from land preparation and planting to water management, crop maintenance and harvesting. It also enabled participants to appreciate how irrigation can support more reliable production, improve productivity and reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.
Lessons Learnt
The programme demonstrated that valuable agricultural knowledge does not only come from formal training or technical experts. Farmers themselves are an important source of practical knowledge, innovation and experience. Direct interaction with fellow farmers gave the Mbale City delegation insights grounded in real-life experience.
The exposure to diversified agricultural enterprises, agri-tourism, entrepreneurship and irrigation provided practical ideas that farmers could reflect on and adapt to their own circumstances. Key lessons included:
i) Diversification can strengthen household incomes: Farmers learnt the importance of diversifying beyond a single enterprise to spread risk and create multiple sources of income. Combining crop production with livestock, poultry and other complementary enterprises can generate income at different times of the year and reduce dependence on one livelihood source.
ii) Farming requires patience, consistency and passion: Experiences shared by host farmers showed that successful farming takes time. Farmers need to remain committed to their enterprises, learn from setbacks and consistently improve their practices. Passion and persistence were identified as important qualities for sustaining an agricultural business.
iii) Strong partnerships create opportunities for growth: The exchange reinforced the value of building relationships with fellow farmers, local institutions, technical experts, markets and other stakeholders. Partnerships can provide access to knowledge, skills, inputs, markets and new opportunities that individual farmers may struggle to access on their own.
iv) Make informed investment decisions: The farmers learnt that not every seemingly attractive agricultural venture is necessarily profitable. Before investing, farmers need to consider the costs of production, available markets, expected returns, labour requirements, risks and the time required to generate income. Careful assessment can help farmers avoid putting resources into enterprises that may not provide adequate returns.
v) Every coin earned from sales should be accounted for: Proper financial record-keeping emerged as an important lesson. Farmers need to know how much they spend on inputs, labour, transport and other operational costs and how much they earn from sales. Keeping track of income and expenditure enables farmers to determine whether an enterprise is profitable and make better decisions about reinvestment.
vi) Plan labour strategically to ensure smooth operations: The farmers learnt that relying heavily on casual or seasonal workers can disrupt farm operations. They recognized the importance of planning labour needs in advance, developing reliable sources of labour and, where feasible, adopting practices and technologies that reduce reliance on labour-intensive activities.
vii) Sustainability requires continuity across generations: Engaging younger family members can help ensure continuity of agricultural enterprises, preserve valuable experience and knowledge, and support the long-term sustainability of farming activities.
viii) Farmers should embrace new opportunities: The exchange encouraged farmers to remain open to new ideas and opportunities that can strengthen their farming enterprises.
ix) Organic farming can support sustainable production: The farmers appreciated how organic practices can improve soil health, reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, lower some production costs and promote environmental sustainability through better use of locally available resources.
x) Understanding the quality of soil helps farmers make better production decisions: Farmers learnt the importance of observing and understanding their soils before deciding what to plant. Simple observations of soil characteristics, combined where possible with appropriate soil testing and technical advice, can help farmers identify crops that are better suited to particular areas and improve productivity.
xi) Adapt farming practices to local conditions: Farmers learnt that crops and practices suited to one area may not perform similarly elsewhere, making it important to consider local weather, soils and growing conditions.
xii) Start small and grow gradually: Farmers do not always need large amounts of capital to start a new enterprise. Beginning on a manageable scale enables them to gain experience, test the market, address challenges and improve their practices before reinvesting and expanding.
Local Government Appreciation
In the course of the field trip in Kasese Municipality, the team interacted with the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Mupango Rabson, who commended the RUFS Project for its timely and forward-looking approach to strengthening urban food systems.
He appreciated the project’s contribution to equipping communities with practical knowledge and solutions for addressing the interconnected challenges of rapid urbanization, food security and livelihoods.
A similar engagement will be held in Mbale City from 7th-10th October 2026.
Photos of other activities/farms toured
Link to the pictorial of the activities:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WyKkMEwefJHufr-ERzcu9NUdI3fzgIYy?usp=sharing
More about RUFS: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/08/mak-launches-phase-ii-of-the-rufs-project-to-strengthen-climate-resilience-food-security-in-kasese-mbale-districts/
On Friday 18th September 2026, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and the Uganda Tourism Board held a workshop on a theme “ Digital agenda, artificial intelligence to redesign tourism”.
This event was held at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) where 15 universities participated;
- Makerere University
- MUBS
- Kampala International University
- Metropolitan International University
- Muteesa 1 Royal University
- ISBAT university
- Avance University
- Uganda Wildlife and Research Training Institute
- Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College
- Kyambogo University
- International University of East Africa
- Ndejje University
- Islamic University in Uganda
- St. Lawrence University
- Uganda Christian University
A highlight of the workshop was an inter-university tourism quiz that tested students’ knowledge of tourism, Ugandan culture and heritage, as well as their ability to interpret photographic representations of tourism attractions. Makerere University’s tourism students emerged as the overall winners, demonstrating strong knowledge and understanding of Uganda’s tourism sector. The winning team was presented with a trophy by the Head of the Tourism Department at MUBS, Dr. Celestine Katongole, in recognition of their outstanding performance.
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