Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES Holds 2nd International GORILLA Conference
The International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods Under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) seeks to contribute to the realization of the Global Development Agenda 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063.
Overview
The resilience of ecological and social systems has gained heightened attention globally and are at the center of the United Nations Global Development Agenda 2030 manifesting in; (a) the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, (b) the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015-2030 with its four priorities and 7 targets, (c) the Paris Agreement geared at keeping temperature within the 1.5 º-2 ºC threshold.
Substantial efforts by the global community have been variously invested in resilience building and sustainable systems in light of multiple exposures and threats. But huge gaps and challenges still remain that compromise realizing the desired goals. The effects of the global financial crisis, existing geo-political tensions and the emergence of COVID19 altered the resilience trajectory with new dimensions in health, natural resources and poverty. Moreover, recent events exemplified by record temperatures registered in several countries but most notably in the UK, the increasing frequency and magnitude of hydrometeorological hazards as witnessed in Uganda, the increasing loss of biodiversity (>1,000,000 species lost) as recently reported by Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) have heightened the need for urgent interventions that protect vulnerable societies. A consequence of these processes coupled with other factors including but not limited to land use and land cover conversions, rapid urbanization, is that mixed progress has been registered in realizing the sustainability targets for 2030 (https://sdg-tracker.org) with Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries posting dismal progress. Uganda currently ranks 136/163 in SDG performance with an SDG Index Score of 53.5 (https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/profiles/uganda). Contextual knowledge creation and utility coupled with harnessing evolving and emerging technology are critical ingredients in building sustainable and resilience pathways and systems which the Global Sustainability Agenda aspired to achieve.
The 2nd GORILLA Conference
The 2ndGORILLA Conference organized by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) sought to make a contribution to the realization of the Global Development Agenda 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063 by addressing two fundamental questions; (1) “how science, research and the academia can contribute to the expedited achievement of global targets and resolve societal challenges? (2) how local, regional and international partnerships as well as interactions between science, policy and practice can enhance the delivery and achievement of the global development targets?
The conference held on 8th-9th December 2022 at Protea Hotel in Kampala was coordinated by Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, also Deputy Principal, CAES (Chair), and Dr Jerome S. Lugumira, Natural Resources Manager (Soil and Land Use), NEMA (Co-Chair). Sponsored by UNESCO, Biodiversity Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, NORAD, UK Research and Innovation, BRAC Uganda, ARUA Water Centre of Excellence (CoE), and the Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development (RCMRD), the conference was attended by eminent scholars, researchers, representatives from the government and civil society organizations, and policy makers.It was presided over by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, and graced by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe; the representative of the Executive Director, NEMA, Dr Daniel Babikwa; the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga; and the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Fred Babweteera.
The conference featured a number of keynote speeches and presentations in relation to nature-based systems in mitigating Hydro-Meteorological hazards and disasters; climate smart agriculture for sustainable resilience; land degradation; migration and displacement; water management; biogeography, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation; and the future of smart cities and urban systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keynote addresses
Prof. Tonny J. Oyana, Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, also GIS and Spatial Analysis expert shared insights on optimizing biodiversity data science for societal benefits in developing countries. Dr Joy Obando, an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Kenyatta University delivered a presentation on building climate resilient communities and ecosystems in Sub Saharan Africa, whereas Dr Justine Namaalwa, an Associate Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University addressed participants on the significance of optimizing green assets as a pathway to achieving the global development agenda. In her remarks, Prof. Namaalwa emphasized the need to preserve nature.
“Compromise nature then you fall on the targets of the Global Development Agenda.There is need to take stock of our natural assets and reflect on their value. If we are to continue with the mantra of no one should be left behind, there should be national ownership over the development process. We also need to adopt informal and formal knowledge systems,and embrace citizen science as well as global partnerships,” she explained.
Prof. Jan Ketil from the Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) briefed participants on the geography of disaster risk and participatory risk management, sharing insights on harnessing sensors and geospatial technology for disaster risk management. Dr Samuel Partey from UNESCO Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya highlighted the significance of biosphere reserves in building resilient ecosystems and societies. Dr Partey is the youth focal person for science, and the evaluation focal point for UNESCO’S Oversight Unit at the Office in Nairobi.
In his presentation, Prof. Heiko Baltzer from the University of Leicester, UK called for improved satellite earth observation as a measure to strengthen forest governance and livelihood resilience in Africa.
Panel discussion
The conference also featured a panel discussion on a number of topical issues in regard to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); research and policy formulation; building resilient communities;prioritization of resilience in government planning and budgeting;factors undermining innovativeness; and the use of geoinformation in the quest to achieve sustainable development. Discussants included Hon. Dr. Magolo John Faith, Member of Parliament Bungokho County North and member of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change; Mr. Othieno Odoi, Senior Planner, Trade and Tourism at the National Planning Authority; Ms. Celia Nalwadda, Senior Research Officer, Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS); Ms. Hellen Aketch, Project Manager BRAC Uganda; and Dr Anastasia Wahome, Lead, Science/Data at the Regional Centre for Mapping Resources for Development, Nairobi.
In his submission,Hon. Magolo informed participants that Parliament had passed the National Environment Act, 2019and the National Climate Change Act, 2021 to fast track the implementation of SDG 13 (Climate Action). Brac Project Manager, Ms. Hellen Aketch called for strengthened partnerships between universities and industry for increased uptake of research and sustainability of innovations. Ms. Anastasia Wahome emphasized the importance of geoinformation in disaster planning and management, whereas Dr Othieno Odoi from National Planning Authority noted that checks had been put in place to ensure issues regarding resilience, climate change, gender, and environment are catered for before government plans and budgets are passed. The discussion was moderated by Dr Patrick Byakagaba, a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Management, CAES, Makerere University.
Remarks by the Minister – Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza
In her remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza urged Africans to embrace technology development as a measure to foster socio-economic transformation on the Continent. “Science contributes 50% to our national development. However, we haven’t done much to embrace technology development. We are blindly technology consumers, mainly relying on imports which makes it hard for us to achieve sustainable development. Africans should stop delegating thinking and work towards developing their own technology. We need to stop thinking of ourselves as consumers of technology and work on educating a thinking generation that can develop our own technology. Universities have done well but I encourage them to change their mindset and focus more on developing technology. We cannot afford as a country, in this new dispensation of green energy economies, post COVID19, and the future as envisioned in Vision 2040, to remain dependent on imported technology. We need to be more innovative,” she advised.
In line with the conference, the Minister emphasized the importance of geospatial tools in conserving ecosystems. Highlighting the significance of geography in developing the mobility industry, the Minister called for development of newer construction technologies. “The continued use of soil and stones in construction will lead to deformation of the ecology,” she noted.
Addressing participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe decried the continued depletion of ecosystems.“Climate change resulting from the continued destruction of ecosystems has led to erratic weather conditions with severe consequences for humanity. Because of erratic weather conditions, we cannot have good produces in terms of food and we are likely to have long spells of hunger. Achieving resilient and sustainable livelihoods requires continued research and invention of technologies to address challenges of climate change. It is gratifying that this conference seeks to address many of these challenges,” he noted.
The Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga reiterated the need to build resilient communities and ecosystems for improved livelihoods. “Through research, we are looking for ways of improving community resilience in order to have sustainable ecosystems for improved livelihoods. This conference serves as a platform for us to share experiences in the different ecosystem research areas and best practices in trying to curb climate change. Climate change is real and a lot has to be done. We need to re-adjust the way we do things. There are practices we have come up with in relation to our day to day activities like water conservation and soil management that will help us combat some of the hazards resulting from climate change, and at this conference, we are focusing on climate smart agriculture. As a country, we purpose to move from substance climate smart agriculture to an income-oriented climate smart agriculture,” she said.The Principal also noted that the College was committing more efforts towards achieving the sustainable development goals. “As a country, we committed to having an input to achieving the SDGs.At this conference, we are emphasizing our intention and being very proactive in ensuring that we tackle the SDGs, putting it in mind that we have only 8 years to hit our target.As researchers, we are purposing to make contribution to the realization of all SDGs, with special focus on Goal 1 that seeks to alleviate poverty.”
Addressing participants, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze said the conference presented a great opportunity for conceptual, empirical and theoretical discourse on pressing sustainability and resilience issues. “The GORILLA conference serves as a platform for bridging the science-policy-practice gaps and deriving actionable and policy-oriented measures that can potentially transform societies,” he noted. He said a special publication had been planned with the African Geographical Review (AGR) journal in commemoration of Mak@100. He expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the conference and the local organizing committee.
Delivering his remarks, the Head, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga Frank appreciated the sponsors of the conference and the participants for committing time and resources to address issues crucial for sustainable management of ecosystems and livelihoods. He also appreciated the International Geographical Union (IGU) for its support towards the Uganda Geographical Association. “We profoundly thank IGU, through Prof. Michael Meadows for supporting us when we petitioned against the merger of the Bachelor of Geographical Sciences with Meteorology and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University. The petition was successful and the programmes were left as distinct disciplines,” he noted. Prof. Mugagga is the President of the Uganda Geographical Association, an organization that works to develop professional geographers with knowledge and skills to effectively address global environmental challenges. The Association conducts research on pertinent issues affecting humanity such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, landslides, floods, soil erosion and sedimentation, land degradation, regional development, ecosystems management, urbanization, population growth and development, water scarcity and food security. The Association also holds periodic retooling courses for geography teachers and other civil servants. Prof. Mugagga congratulated Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze upon being elected IGU Vice President for Africa.
In his closing remarks, Dr Jerome S. Lugumira, Natural Resources Manager (Soil and Land Use), NEMA said government was committed to the use of science in fostering national development. He reiterated the power of networking in trying to address global development challenges and urged researchers to actively engage policy makers in their projects.
Pre-conference hackathon and training
Satellite Earth Observation (EO) provides a wide range of environmental data information which is key to the effective planning and monitoring of the environment. In this regard, the College held a three-day pre-conference hackathon on geospatial-based cloud computing for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience with the aim of engaging early career scientists, researchers and practitioners with diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration in the use of geospatial technology and earth observation to address sustainable development issues, especially on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
The College also held a three-day training on optimizing emerging geospatial technologies in evaluating climate change impacts on vegetation. Vegetation resources in tropical Africa are under increasing threat both from climate change and a spate of anthropogenic activities. Yet a substantial proportion of livelihoods in Africa is linked to environment and natural resources. Thus, the need for improved monitoring to ensure integrity and resilience of vegetation resources and ecosystems is apparent in line with the goals and tenets of the Global Development Agenda 2030. Geospatial technologies occupy a vintage position in monitoring, analysis and overall resilience building. The training aimed to, 1) equip participants with emerging tools and technologies that can be harnessed in analyzing climate change impacts on vegetation and ecosystems, 2) build an ecosystem of champions to propel the utility of geospatial technology, 3) to improve the ecosystem and vegetation resilience to climate change.
The trainings were coordinated by Dr Daniel Waiswa from the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University; and conducted by Dr Allan Mazimwe from the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University; Dr Bernard Barasa from the Department of Geography, Kyambogo University; and Mr. Thomas Enuru from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, CAES.
Details on the 1st GORILLA Conference at: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2020/12/the-1st-international-gorilla-conference-opens-at-mak/
Please see below for conference documents.
GORILLA Keynote Presentation_Dr. Samuel Tetteh Partey, UNESCO: https://doc-0s-58-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/b07ld2tllpi647jp9b09m7chohgqnct1/tv2v4ikl813e11s5vhhkmrlatg2j282v/1670919975000/13459373403972771569/11467171637526004956/14Vc2iWRxryo_MNXMxq0I_dLBYocO7O34?e=download&authuser=0
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University Welcomes 50 Youth Skilling Program trainees under the Africa Climate Collaborative, Supported by Mastercard Foundation
By Damali Mukhaye
Laughter, excitement and renewed hope filled the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) on 28th September 2026, as 50 young people who had previously been left out of employment, education and training opportunities gathered to begin their journey under the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC) Youth Skilling Program.
The youth, selected from Lwengo, Rakai and Yumbe districts, are the first cohort under the Africa Climate Collaborative Youth Skilling Program at Makerere University, an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Speaking during the day two orientation at MUARIK, the Program Director, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, said the youth will undergo a 10-week residential training programme at MUARIK, followed by a three-month industrial attachment with various organisations.
The youth will thereafter be assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) and will receive government-recognised certificates upon successful completion of the program.
Prof. Nabanoga told the participants that the program was not designed to benefit them alone, urging them to think about how they would use the skills acquired to transform the lives of others in their communities.
“The bigger question is going to be, who is going to benefit because you came here? Don’t think about yourself. Who else?” Prof Nabanoga asked.
She challenged the youth to see themselves as future trainers who would pass on the knowledge and skills they acquire to other young people once they return to their communities.
“The reason you’re here is for us to skill you so that you can go back and skill others. We call you trainers of trainers,” Prof. Nabanoga said.
She encouraged the participants to approach the training with a learning mindset and focus on the skills they could take back home and use to create opportunities for others.
“As you interact, don’t ask what we are going to teach you. But just ask, what are you going to learn for you to be able to go and impact others? What skill are you picking and taking away for you to be able to impact others?” she said.
The Youth Skilling Program is part of Africa Climate Collaborative’s wider eight-year plan to equip 500 young people with practical skills and opportunities that can contribute to employment, entrepreneurship and community development.
Prof. Nabanoga said the 50 participants in the first cohort represent only a fraction of the program’s wider target and challenged them to set the pace for the cohorts that will follow.
The programme also seeks to create a multiplier effect, with each trained youth expected to share their knowledge and skills with others.
She said the ultimate goal is to see the skills translate into businesses, jobs and further training opportunities for other young people.
A section of youth to be supported to start own businesses
Beyond the initial training, Africa Climate Collaborative plans to support young people with promising innovations to develop and scale their ideas.
Out of the 500-youth targeted, 200 will receive support to develop innovations, while 100 will receive further support to establish and scale enterprises in their communities.
For the first cohort, 20 of the best-performing youth with promising innovations will receive support to grow their businesses, while 10 will receive additional support to accelerate and scale their enterprises.
The youths were urged to embrace innovation and strive to develop solutions that can be replicated and scaled.
“I would want to see that the first cohort give me the biggest number of the good innovations that are scalable,” she said.
The Director MUARIK Urged Youth to Turn Skills into Enterprises and Jobs
The Director of the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), whose remarks were delivered by the Director of the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), Dr Christopher Mawa, said the program would equip young people with practical skills in green entrepreneurship, beginning with the poultry value chain, and described MUARIK as more than a farm but a centre for practical learning, research, innovation and enterprise development.
He encouraged the participants to take advantage of the wider learning opportunities available at the institute, including crop production, livestock enterprises, pasture and feed production, farm mechanisation, value addition, agribusiness and environmental management.
“As you begin your training, I encourage you to regard the whole of MUARIK as your classroom,” he said.
Dr Mawa urged the youth to focus on applying the skills they acquire to create enterprises, employment opportunities and solutions within their communities.
“Do not therefore come here simply to complete a three-month course. Come with the mindset of acquiring skills that you can apply. Ask questions. Observe carefully. Participate actively. Learn from the trainers and from one another. Most importantly, begin to ask yourself: “How can I turn what I am learning here into an enterprise, employment opportunity or solution for my community?”.
Agriculture & Environment
After 10 Years Out of Education, Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University Opens a New Chapter for Okello
By Damali Mukhaye
For Alex Okello Johan Amoya, a refugee from Zone 5, Bidi-Bidi Refugee settlement, stepping onto the Makerere University Agricultural Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) was more than the beginning of a training programme. It was the fulfilment of his childhood dream that had remained out of reach for more than a decade.
As a young boy, Okello dreamed of studying at Makerere University and even remembers singing a song with other children about whether they would ever make it to the university.
Little did Okello know then that the words would follow him into adulthood.
After completing Senior Four (O’level) at Kanyira Senior Secondary School in Yumbe District in 2015, the 33-year-old youth could not proceed to Senior Six (A’ level) and university due to financial difficulties.
For the last 10 years, Okello has been trying different opportunities, but the dream of studying at Makerere remained out of reach, as he did not succeed in getting any scholarship to enable him to progress with his dream.
“My parents could not take me to university. Between secondary school, college and where I am now, it took more than 10 years. I tried different opportunities, but they could not work,” Okello said.
Now, at a stage in life when he had almost resigned himself to the possibility that the dream might never come true, Okello has finally set foot at the university, not as the student he once imagined becoming, but as one of 50 young people selected for the first cohort of the Africa Climate Collaborative Youth Skilling Program.
Okello’s dream, which he once sang about, finally became a reality on 28th September 2026, when he reported to Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), where he and his other 49 counterparts from Lwengo, Rakai and Yumbe will undergo a 10-week residential training programme, followed by a three-month industrial attachment with various organisations.
The 50 youth, who are the first cohort of the Africa Climate Collaborative Youth Skilling Program at Makerere University, an Initiative supported by Mastercard Foundation will thereafter be assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) and will receive government-recognised certificates upon successful completion of the programme.
The program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, is providing the participants with practical skills and competences relevant for them to pursue employment, entrepreneurship and other livelihood opportunities.
For Okello, the opportunity has given him new meaning to a dream he had almost given up on.
“I used to dream of reaching Makerere when I was young. Today, that dream has come to pass. I really appreciate all the partners that made it possible for us to be here. I am very sure that this opportunity is here to change my life,” he said.
His dream now extends beyond acquiring skills. Okello plans to return to his community in Yumbe and establish a poultry enterprise specialising in egg production. He sees an opportunity in the limited local supply of eggs, which he says are currently transported from distant areas.
“My dream is to start a poultry business that can supply eggs within my neighbourhood. The eggs supplied there come from far, so I believe this business can make it easier for people to access them while also creating employment opportunities for me and others,” he said.
But Okello hopes the impact of the training will go beyond his own livelihood.
“I also aim to pass the information and knowledge I will receive in this program to others and empower them so that they can also stand on their own. I expect to learn the skills I need and make sure I implement them when I go back,” he said.
A chance to start again
For Jessica Kila-Edward, from Zone 5 of Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe District, the program represents another kind of new beginning for her.
Jessica completed Senior Four during the COVID-19 period, after which opportunities for further education or employment proved difficult to find.
“Since I completed Senior Four during the Corona season, I had nothing to do. What I could do was farming, but I could not even manage things. Things were really rough for me,” she recounted.
When she learnt about the Africa Climate Collaborative Youth Skilling Program between June and July 2026, Jessica was determined to secure a place.
“I tried all the possible ways to make sure I was part of it, and luckily enough, I succeeded,” she said.
She now hopes to return to her community with skills that will enable her to become a change-maker and support other young people facing similar challenges.
“I am no longer going to be the same person I used to be in the village. I am looking forward to becoming a change-maker in my community and working with other young people who are also crying for opportunities like this,” she said.
Turning skills into income
For Carlos Magimbi from Lwengo District, the program presents an opportunity to strengthen his already existing business in poultry farming while improving his livelihood.
He hopes to use the knowledge gained during the training to support other young people in his community and improve his own income.
“After obtaining the skills from this training, I expect to go back to my community and share them with my fellow youth. I also hope the skills will help me transform my income and improve my life,” Magimbi said.
One of his immediate interests is improving poultry feed production. He says poor-quality feed has affected his birds and hopes the training will equip him with the skills to produce better feed himself. “I am expected to master the techniques, especially because I have been facing a problem with feed. The feed on the market is sometimes of poor quality. I hope that through this training, I can learn how to make my own feed and improve the yields of my birds,” he said.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak’s Urban Action Lab Develops Community-Specific Maps to Improve Risk Management in Kampala’s Informal Settlements
In Kampala’s informal settlements, waste, flooding, poor drainage and health risks are closely intertwined. Poor disposal of waste can obstruct stormwater flows, worsening flooding, while stagnant water and blocked drainage can affect health, mobility and livelihoods.
Understanding these connections is at the centre of a community-led systems-mapping process being undertaken through the Urban Futures Project to examine how urban risks emerge, interact and can be addressed.
On 1st October 2026, Makerere University through the Urban Action Lab, convened a community-level systems-mapping workshop to develop a shared understanding of how solid waste, drainage, flooding, climate vulnerability, health, and livelihoods interact within Kampala’s informal settlements.
Rather than examining these challenges in isolation, the exercise explored their interconnections as part of a wider urban system, recognizing that changes in one area can influence outcomes in another.
Putting Community Knowledge at the Centre
Led by Dr. Paul Mukwaya Isolo, Coordinator of the Urban Action Lab, the workshop sought to develop a community-led map of urban risks grounded in the experiences and perspectives of people living and working in informal settlements.
Residents and community leaders from Kampala suburbs, including Kabalagala, Bwaise, Makerere Kivulu and Acholi Quarters, led the process of examining how waste accumulates and moves through their communities, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, assessing who is most affected and documenting local responses. They also mapped the roles and influence of institutions, service providers, community groups and other actors whose decisions and actions shape these interconnected urban systems, helping to identify key challenges, existing responses and opportunities for community-led action.
The approach recognizes residents as key sources of knowledge about the risks affecting their neighbourhoods. Their lived experience provides insight into where hazards occur, how they disrupt daily life, which groups are most affected and how communities respond. Bringing this knowledge into the mapping process helps ensure that urban risks are understood from the community level and that potential responses build on existing local capacities, priorities and solutions.
Tracing the Waste Management Journey
A key part of the exercise was mapping the movement of solid waste-from generation and sorting through collection, transportation, disposal and recycling-to identify gaps in the waste-management chain that can heighten urban risks.
Participants examined how poorly managed waste can enter drainage channels and waterways, contributing to blocked drainage, flooding and other environmental and public-health risks. They also mapped the roles of informal waste handlers, private service providers, public institutions and communities, highlighting how different actors contribute to the movement and management of waste.
By viewing waste management as part of a wider urban system, the exercise sought to identify opportunities to strengthen waste management services, reduce environmental and public-health risks, and build on existing recycling and resource-recovery practices.
Linking Drainage, Flooding and Livelihoods
The workshop further explored how waste management, drainage and flooding interact within informal settlements.
Participants examined how waste entering drainage channels and culverts can obstruct stormwater flows, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, particularly in areas with limited drainage capacity. The flooding can disrupt movement, damage property and businesses, limit access to markets and services, and disrupt livelihoods.
By mapping these connections, participants sought to identify priority risks and inform practical measures to reduce flooding and its effects on livelihoods, while building safer and more resilient communities.
Building on existing community responses
Participants also documented community responses to flooding, waste and other urban pressures, including local practices for managing waste, clearing drainage, coping with floods and protecting livelihoods. The exercise highlighted community knowledge and existing capacities that can inform future, locally driven interventions.
Supporting locally informed urban resilience
The systems-mapping workshop forms part of broader efforts under the Urban Futures Project to advance health equity, inclusive governance and climate adaptation in African informal settlements.
Through the Urban Action Lab, Makerere University is combining research with community knowledge to examine complex urban challenges from the perspective of the people who experience them.
Rather than beginning with predetermined solutions, the process starts by identifying the risks, relationships, actors, vulnerabilities and responses that shape everyday life within informal settlements.
The resulting shared understanding can help communities, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders identify where action is needed, who needs to be involved and how community knowledge can contribute to healthier, more inclusive and climate-resilient informal settlements in Kampala.
Details about the Urban Futures Project launched on 6th March 2025: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/03/mak-launches-urban-futures-project-unveils-handbook-on-urban-heat-management/
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