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
Master’s Scholars Engage Lwengo and Rakai Communities to Inform Research Conceptualisation
By Myres Ndyabawe
Makerere University Master’s Scholars under the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, undertook a reconnaissance visit to Lwengo and Rakai districts in preparation of their academic research engagements.
The visit was intended to ensure that the research is informed by local realities, priorities, and perspectives, thereby enabling the scholars to undertake work that is responsive to and aligned with the needs of the communities it seeks to serve.
Accompanied by members of the ACC Program Delivery Team, Scholars engaged district technical staff, farmer cooperative representatives, and community members before visiting selected farmers across the two districts.
These interactions provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the climate change-related challenges affecting local livelihoods and communities, thereby helping to inform the design and implementation of their research activities.
Lwengo District Agricultural Officer, Peter Bamwesigye welcomed the Africa Climate Collaborative staff and the Scholars in the district, pledging support for all initiatives that will be implemented in the district under the Africa Climate Collaborative.
“We want such good news and welcome such interventions that transform our communities. As a district, we believe the research conducted by the students will bring innovations that will improve the lives of the people we serve.” Bamwesigye said.
Community Challenges Requiring Research and Innovation
Richard Ayesiga, the manager of Kyazanga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, which brings together 1,088 farmers, noted that prolonged dry spells and limited knowledge on climate resilience have reduced farmer productivity in the area, urging students to provide solutions to farmers through their research.
In Rakai District, the Senior Agricultural Officer, Ivan Bwow, led the team on a field visit to Lake Kijjanebalola. He explained that the proliferation of invasive water weeds has disrupted fishing activities and restricted access to the lake by other users, adversely affecting livelihoods, food security, and household incomes in surrounding communities.
He further observed that some parts of Rakai District are affected by saline water, which limits the viability of irrigation. This challenge has contributed to increased encroachment on swamps and wetlands as communities search for alternative sources of water and productive land, placing additional pressure on fragile ecosystems.
The other challenges that were noted across the two districts include;
- Poor waste management
- Plastic pollution
- Crop pests and diseases
- Mis-use of artificial fertilizer that has affected soil health.
Research and Innovation to Inform Climate Solutions
Research is a core requirement for the attainment of a Master’s degree at Makerere University. The Scholars, who receive comprehensive scholarships under the ACC to pursue Master’s degrees in various disciplines, are expected to undertake research in Lwengo and Rakai districts during their second year of study.
During the engagement, participants raised concerns about the common practice of researchers collecting data from communities without returning to share the findings and recommendations.
Responding to these concerns on behalf of ACC, Mr. Antonny Tugaineyo, Principal Coordinator of the Climate Resilience Support Centre (CRSC), reassured stakeholders that the Program is committed to ensuring that research findings are disseminated to local communities and relevant stakeholders.
He noted that the evidence generated will be used to inform policy development, strengthen decision-making, and support innovative solutions to climate-related challenges affecting Lwengo and Rakai districts.
“The fourth pillar of the Africa Climate Collaborative is Networks, Policy and Learning. Our work does not end with conducting research. We are committed to engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the knowledge generated benefits the communities that contribute to and participate in the research process,” Mr. Tugaineyo said.
Agriculture & Environment
Policy Brief: Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in Uganda’s Refugee and Host Communities
Uganda’s refugee-hosting and vulnerable communities in Kyangwali (Kikuube district, part of former greater Hoima district) and Kasese district face severe risks from climate change, population pressure, and resource dependence, undermining livelihoods, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes. The Makerere-Cambridge project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) engaged communities through participatory research to identify adaptive practices, infrastructure gaps, and actionable strategies to address these issues.
Our findings are that integrated interventions including community training hubs for capacity building, climate-resilient infrastructure, and participatory resource governance can strengthen resilience, protect livelihoods, prevent potential conflicts, and support sustainable development.
More information: https://chart-cr.org/.
Key Messages for Policy
- In Hoima District: Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells are significantly affecting agricultural productivity and water availability, thereby threatening food security among refugees and vulnerable host communities.
- In Kasese District: Frequent floods and landslides are causing widespread disruption to agriculture, damaging infrastructure, and compromising food security and WASH services, especially for refugees and vulnerable host populations.
- Strengthening climate resilience requires combining infrastructure investments, community training, participatory governance, and livelihood support to address interconnected risks in food security, water, and sanitation.
- Refugee and host communities already demonstrate adaptive practices such as soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming which can be scaled and reinforced through participatory learning platforms.
- Women and children bear the brunt of water collection and household labor; inclusive strategies and equitable decision-making in WASH, agriculture, and resource management enhance both resilience and social equity.
- Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated community hubs for knowledge exchange and capacity building, and participatory governance could strengthen adaptive capacity, secure livelihoods, prevent societal conflicts between communities and protect health, education, and sustainable development outcomes.
1. Background
Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations under a progressive policy framework that promotes inclusion and self-reliance. Within this context, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Hoima District accommodates approximately 155,000 residents, of whom 99.7% are refugees. Women and children constitute nearly 80% of the population, underscoring significant demographic vulnerabilities. Increasing population density, coupled with declining land availability per household, has intensified pressure on natural resources. This has contributed to environmental degradation and heightened exposure to recurrent droughts, thereby constraining agricultural productivity, worsening food insecurity, and increasing dependence on humanitarian assistance. The host communities suffer from the same environmental changes, and the fact that the refugee and host communities are managed separately add to suspiciousness between them that might lead to rising tensions and potential conflicts.
Similarly, Kasese District has an estimated 750,000 people who rely heavily on rain-fed subsistence agriculture, with over 85% of the population dependent on this livelihood system. The district is highly susceptible to climate-related hazards, including recurrent flooding, landslides, and droughts. These risks are particularly pronounced along River Nyamwamba and within the Kilembe mining areas, where environmental instability continues to undermine water and sanitation, infrastructure, disrupt livelihoods, and pose significant public health challenges. The convergence of climate variability, rapid population growth, and high dependence on natural resources creates a complex and reinforcing cycle of vulnerability affecting both refugee and host communities.
2. Methodology
The project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) through workshops was designed to generate evidence to these challenges and inform integrated policy and programming. The project focused on the interlinked dimensions of climate variability, food security, livelihoods, and water availability across diverse ecological contexts, including lowland refugee-hosting areas and mountainous, flood-prone regions. Implementation was undertaken through a collaborative partnership between Makerere University, the University of Cambridge, and the Cambridge-Africa Programme, with financial support from the Mastercard Foundation and Cambridge-Africa.
The CHART-CR Project adopted a participatory and inclusive research approach, engaging stakeholders comprising refugees, host community members, representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and local government officials. Stakeholder selection prioritized gender balance, age diversity, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Data collection employed included workshop discussions, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations. This approach enabled the systematic capture of community perspectives alongside expert insights, generating context-specific, actionable evidence to inform policy and interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience, food security, WASH systems, and sustainable livelihoods.
3. Climate Variability and Environmental Pressures Key Policy Issues
In Kyangwali, rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic, with delayed rainy seasons and prolonged dry spells disrupting traditional planting and harvest cycles and significantly reducing yields. Deforestation associated with refugee settlement expansion has reduced soil moisture retention, biodiversity, and microclimate regulation, further undermining agricultural productivity.
In Kasese, floods from River Nyamwamba and recurring droughts threaten homes, crops, and infrastructure, displacing households and reducing agricultural yields. Both districts experience environmental degradation that exacerbates vulnerability to climate shocks.
Food Security and Livelihood Constraints
Shrinking per capita land provision, declining seed quality, limited access to farm inputs, and weak storage infrastructure constrain crop diversification and household self-reliance in both districts. Post-harvest losses and limited market access reduce household income, heightening vulnerability. Refugee-host interactions, including land rental, knowledge exchange, and market engagement, enhance resilience but might also create perceptions of inequality due to differences in institutional support.
Water Access and availability Challenges
Communities face water scarcity and contamination from communal usage, poor sanitation, and agricultural runoff. Women and children bear the primary burden of water collection, often traveling long distances, which reduces labor productivity and school attendance. In Kasese district, low latrine coverage, open defecation, and inadequate waste management increase exposure to waterborne diseases. Floods and landslides on Kasese further compromise water quality and availability and thus increase health risks.
Adaptive Capacities
Despite these challenges, communities demonstrate strong local knowledge and adaptive practices, including informal water management, soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming techniques. Participatory approaches, joint training in climate-smart agriculture, and collaborative livelihood initiatives foster social cohesion and knowledge sharing between refugees and host communities. Existing leadership structures, community awareness, and partial infrastructure provide a foundation for scaling resilience interventions.
4. Conclusions and Policy Directions
Climate variability, population pressure, and resource dependence significantly undermine livelihoods, food security, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) outcomes in Kyangwali and Kasese. Communities possess valuable experiential knowledge, adaptive practices, and social cohesion; however, structural constraints including weak infrastructure, limited financing, low technical capacity, and fragmented coordination – limit the effectiveness of local strategies.
To strengthen resilience, integrated interventions are required that bridge humanitarian response and long-term development, institutionalize participatory and gender-sensitive approaches, build human, social, and institutional capital, and align local priorities with technical expertise and policy frameworks. Key policy measures include:
- Establish and strengthen integrated community resilience centers that serve as hubs for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and practical training in climate-smart agriculture, environmental conservation, food storage, water management, and market access. These centers should also promote inclusive learning, skills development, and cooperative enterprises that support both refugee and host communities in developing sustainable livelihoods.
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Upgrade WASH systems, construct protected wells, boreholes, piped water networks, and communal storage facilities, and restore riverbanks through tree planting and drainage maintenance to reduce soil erosion and contamination.
- Promote Community-Led Resource Governance: Support participatory water, sanitation, and agricultural management, including monitoring systems for adaptive learning, equitable resource allocation, and gender-sensitive decision-making.
These combined strategies will enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
5. Call to Action
The experiences and lessons learnt from Hoima (Kyangwali Refugee Settlement and adjacent host communities) and Kasese (refugee and host communities living around River Nyamwamba) under the CHART-CR project highlight the urgent need for integrated, locally informed, and coordinated resilience strategies. By aligning technical expertise, policy frameworks, and community knowledge, stakeholders can enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. Further details about the CHART-CR project, its research, and outcomes can be accessed at https://chart-cr.org/
About the Authors
 Dr. Gabriel Karubanga Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda |  Dr Irit Katz, Assoc. Prof. of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK |  Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Makerere University, Uganda |
Important Contacts
- Dr. Gabriel Karubanga, Lecturer, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256782929971; email: gabriel.karubanga@mak.ac.ug
- Dr Irit Katz, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge; email: ik300@cam.ac.uk
- Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256774171519; email: mafumofrank2020@gmail.com
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Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Isa Kabenge Officially Hands Over Leadership of DABE to Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Isa Kabenge has officially handed over leadership of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to Prof. Joshua Wanyama. Prof. Kabenge has served as Head of Department since 2021, providing four years of leadership marked by institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded academic output. Prof. Wanyama will serve as Head of Department for a four-year term, effective 6th May 2026.
The handover ceremony, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) on 4th June 2026, was attended by key university officials and members of staff from the department. These included the Director of Human Resources, Makerere University, represented by the CAES Principal Human Resource Officer, Mr. Julius Lebo; the Dean of SFTNB, Dr. Julia Kigozi; and the Head of Internal Audit, represented by the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi.
Remarks and Appreciation by the Dean
In her remarks, Dr. Julia Kigozi commended Prof. Kabenge for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership. She appreciated him for the cordial working relationship, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to institutional development. She particularly acknowledged his efforts in initiating and strengthening partnerships with both local and international partners, which have significantly enhanced the department’s academic and research profile.
Dr. Kigozi congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would build on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Reflections from Prof. Kabenge
Prof. Kabenge expressed gratitude to the University Management, as well as the staff of DABE, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department over the past four years. He also acknowledged the support extended to him by the College and School leadership throughout his tenure.
“My time in office coincided with particularly challenging circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, I commend the resilience, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by staff, which enabled the department to continue progressing. This experience has affirmed that DABE has an exceptional team with immense potential that can be leveraged to elevate the department to even greater heights,” he said. “It has been an honour to serve as Head of Department. As I step down, I do so with full confidence in the direction the department is taking.”
Prof. Kabenge encouraged staff to continue strengthening the culture of collaboration that has become a hallmark of the department, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary engagement. “Many of the issues the department addresses, such as water security and climate-smart agriculture, are complex and require diverse expertise and collaborative approaches,” he noted.
Prof. Kabenge pledged to continue supporting the department, particularly in the areas of research and collaboration.
Achievements registered
The overarching goal of DABE is to remain a leading center of excellence in agro-production and food systems within the region and across East Africa. The Department currently hosts approximately 315 students and offers a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Water and Irrigation Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Bioprocessing Engineering, Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering, and a PhD in Agricultural Engineering.
Strengthened Research Profile
Prof. Kabenge leaves office at a time when the department has established a strong research profile, with academic staff producing more than 40 publications annually. Research within the department spans a wide range of thematic areas, including soil, water and irrigation engineering; bioprocess engineering; food processing, preservation and bio-based materials; nanotechnology and bioprocessing technologies for agriculture; artificial intelligence and engineering modelling; and power and machinery for sustainable agriculture. This growing research output has been complemented by an expanding network of collaborations that has strengthened the department’s capacity for innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical impact.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building
In addition, DABE has developed several practical training and research facilities, including a fabrication workshop at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), aquaculture ponds, irrigation demonstration and experimental systems, post-harvest handling facilities such as refractive window dryers and hybrid solar dryers, and a water science laboratory currently under development. Many of these facilities have been established through research projects funded by both local and international partners.
The Department also hosts the Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship, a capacity-building programme implemented in partnership with the Aquaya Institute. The fellowship trains students and early-career professionals in water quality monitoring, testing, and management through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and field-based research. It aims to strengthen Africa’s water workforce, improve access to reliable water quality data, and support safer drinking water systems. The programme is part of a five-year regional initiative (2021-2026) operating through universities in Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Welcoming the New Head
Prof. Kabenge congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and encouraged him to sustain and further strengthen the department’s local and international partnerships. He specifically encouraged the revival of visiting professorships and deeper engagement with the department’s expanding and well-connected alumni network.
Remarks by the University Officials and Incoming Head
The Director of Human Resources, represented by Mr. Julius Lebo, commended the outgoing head for his dedicated service and welcomed the incoming head, appreciating his willingness to take on the leadership role.
Similarly, the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi, praised Prof. Kabenge for his professionalism, strong administrative organization, and prudent management of departmental funds.
In his remarks, Prof. Joshua Wanyama expressed gratitude to University Management for his appointment, and to Prof. Kabenge, for his exemplary servant leadership and mentorship. He acknowledged the department’s steady growth under the outgoing head and thanked staff for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead them.
“I pledge my full commitment to serve. DABE is known for excellence and delivery, and I intend to uphold and strengthen that legacy. We shall continue working as a team to pursue excellence and further develop our department,” he said.
Brief about Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Joshua Wanyama is a Ugandan academic and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), a Master of Science in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University.
With over twenty years of experience in teaching, research, and academic mentorship, he specializes in irrigation engineering, water resources management, watershed systems, and climate-smart agriculture. His work focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural water systems and strengthening climate resilience in Uganda and the wider region.
He has supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributed to curriculum development, and served as an external examiner for a number of universities across Africa. He is a registered professional engineer and an active member of professional bodies including the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
In recognition of his academic excellence, he was named among the top-performing mid-career researchers and lecturers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards.
Pictorial of the handover ceremony:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjIS9_8mPM5HVr7UAFP7ik43kkpj-WOY?usp=sharing
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Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoTribute To Professor Abwoli Yabezi Banana (1951–2026)
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