March 26, 2026 – Soroti, Uganda  

Environmental and natural resource officers from Eastern Uganda have undergone intensive training on economic valuation, evaluation, and accounting of natural resources, in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based environmental management at district level.

The training, held at Jasmine Hotel in Soroti, brought together district environmental officers, forestry officers, agricultural officers, planners and natural resource managers from at ten districts, including Palisa, Butebo, Busia, Bukedea, Jinja, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Iganga, and Soroti.

Organised by Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda and funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the capacity-building initiative seeks to equip local government officers with practical tools to better manage natural resources amid growing environmental pressures.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Dr. Peter Babyenda, representing the EfD Centre Director and Principal Investigator Prof. Edward Bbaale, emphasized the importance of continuous skills development among environmental practitioners.

He noted that while many officers already possess foundational knowledge, refresher training is essential in a rapidly evolving field. “Capacity building is critical. We must keep reminding ourselves and sharing experiences so that we remain relevant and effective in our roles,” he said.

The training focused on key areas including environmental valuation and evaluation, environmental accounting, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. According to Babyenda, the programme was informed by a prior survey that revealed significant skills gaps among district officers, particularly in valuing natural resources such as wetlands and forests.

Babyenda stressed that the ability to quantify the economic value of natural resources is crucial for informed decision-making. “If districts can assess and assign value to resources like swamps and forests, it strengthens national planning and ensures these resources are not undervalued or degraded,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of cost-benefit analysis in guiding policy decisions. “When policymakers ask for alternatives to resource exploitation, officers must be equipped to present evidence-based scenarios that balance conservation and development,” he explained.

The training also introduced participants to emerging concepts such as circular economy practices, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. Dr. Babyenda cited examples of innovations in waste management, including the conversion of human waste into energy and organic fertilizer.

“Gone are the days when waste was simply discarded. Today, every form of waste has value from energy generation to carbon credit opportunities,” he noted, urging officers to embrace such innovations in their districts.

Participants were also being encouraged to leverage their new skills to attract funding for local environmental projects, including climate financing opportunities. Small grants, he noted, can support community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.

In addition, the programme underscored  the role of district officers in generating data for national development frameworks. Accurate environmental data, including biodiversity indicators, is increasingly critical for Uganda’s reporting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national planning instruments such as the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).

“We cannot develop national indices like biodiversity indicators without your input. You are central to data collection and reporting,” Dr. Babyenda said.

He urged participants to act as change agents by sharing knowledge gained from the training with colleagues in their respective districts. “When you go back, ensure that this knowledge is cascaded. Let us leave here transformed and ready to make an impact,” he said.

The training in Soroti marks the final session in a series that has been conducted in various regions across the country, including Jinja, Masaka, Entebbe, and Arua. Babyenda  expressed hope that additional funding will be secured to extend similar capacity-building initiatives to more districts.

Facilitators at the training include Dr. Nick Kilimani, who led a sessions on environmental accounting, and Ms. Alice Nalweera, who covered climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

As environmental challenges intensify due to population growth and increased demand for natural resources, experts say such trainings are essential in promoting sustainable resource use while supporting local economic development.

Environment at the Center of Uganda’s Development Agenda

Environmental economist Dr. Peter Babyenda has called for stronger efforts to value and protect Uganda’s natural resources, warning that failure to do so could undermine the country’s long-term development.

Presenting on Environmental valuation and evaluation  Dr. Babyenda emphasized that the environment—defined as both living and non-living surroundings remains the backbone of economic activity and human survival.

He noted that the environment provides essential resources such as water, minerals, forests, and oil, which support livelihoods and national growth. Uganda’s recent gains in gold exports and ongoing oil developments, he said, demonstrate the economic importance of natural resources.

“The environment sustains life, supplies resources, and even determines the quality of life,” he explained, adding that areas with clean water, forests, and scenic beauty often command higher land values.

Dr. Babyenda pointed out that many people prefer living in well-preserved environments, citing high property prices near water bodies like Lake Victoria as evidence of nature’s economic value.

Poverty and Environmental Degradation

However, he stressed that poverty remains a major driver of environmental destruction. Communities often resort to deforestation and unsustainable farming practices in search of survival. “You cannot stop someone from cutting a tree for charcoal when they have nothing to eat,” he said.

Participants highlighted key environmental challenges in eastern Uganda, including poor agricultural practices, deforestation, climate change, landslides in highland areas, and flooding in low-lying regions. Many of these, he noted, are largely human-induced.

Beyond economic benefits, Dr. Babyenda underscored the importance of ecosystem services, including cultural and spiritual values. He explained that many communities derive identity, medicine, and traditions from natural resources.

Natural systems also support agriculture through soil fertility and pollination. He warned that misuse of chemicals could threaten pollinators like bees, potentially affecting food production.

With Uganda’s rising population, demand for land, food, and energy is increasing, placing pressure on forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Expanding agriculture, urbanization, and illegal logging are among the key threats.

Dr. Babyenda also noted emerging global policies requiring environmental accountability, such as traceability in coffee production to ensure crops are not grown on deforested land.

Why Environmental Valuation Matters

A central theme of the presentation was environmental valuation, the process of assigning monetary value to natural resources.

Dr. Babyenda explained that valuation helps policymakers make informed decisions, especially when balancing conservation with development. For instance, a forest may generate more long-term economic benefits than short-term gains from clearing it for agriculture.

He introduced key valuation methods such as Willingness to Pay (How much individuals would pay to access or preserve environmental resources) and Willingness to Accept: (Compensation required for losing environmental benefits).

These approaches, he said, can help quantify both direct uses like timber and tourism and indirect or non-use values, such as preserving resources for future generations.

Dr. Babyenda urged environmental officers to document and report risks proactively, noting that failure to act early often leads to severe consequences when disasters occur.

He cited Uganda’s policy framework, including Vision 2040 and environmental laws, as critical tools for sustainable management. However, he stressed that implementation requires proper data, budgeting and justification.

“Once you know the value of something, you are more likely to protect it,” he said.

The presentation concluded with a call for collective responsibility in safeguarding Uganda’s biodiversity, which includes forests, wetlands, savannahs, and national parks.

Dr. Babyenda encouraged innovation in land use, better planning, and increased investment in environmental protection, warning that the country’s future depends on how well it manages its natural wealth.

“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,” he said.

Environmental Accounting Key to Sustainable Development

Environmental accounting is critical for Uganda’s sustainable development, with district-level officers playing a pivotal role in safeguarding natural resources, according to environmental expert Dr. Nicholas  Kilimani.

Presentation to technical officers, Dr. Kilimani emphasized that environmental management is no longer an auxiliary function but a central component of national development. “The environment in which we live affects the economy, human health and our livelihoods,” he said, warning that failure to account for natural resources could have far-reaching consequences

Dr. Kilimani highlighted the connection between ecological health and economic outcomes. “When forests are cleared or wetlands polluted, agricultural yields fall, water resources degrade, and diseases increase. This affects the economy in ways that conventional indicators like GDP often fail to capture,” he explained.

He cited examples such as unsustainable fish harvesting, pollution from industrial effluents, and deforestation, which can reduce Uganda’s revenue from exports and compromise public health. “If investors pollute water resources, fish stocks die, and we lose both income and markets,” he said, stressing the need for vigilant oversight by environmental officers.

Understanding Environmental Accounting

Central to Dr. Kilimani’s message was the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), a framework designed to integrate environmental data with economic indicators.

“This system allows us to track resources like water, forests, fish, and energy, showing both their contribution to the economy and how human activity affects them,” he said. By combining social, economic, and environmental data, policymakers and technical officers can develop evidence-based interventions and set sustainable extraction and pollution limits.

Dr. Kilimani also emphasized ecosystem accounting, which captures the benefits of natural systems beyond direct economic output. Forests, rivers, and urban parks provide services such as recreation, water purification, disease regulation, and stress relief. “These services contribute to human well-being and quality of life, even if they are not directly traded in the market,” he explained.

He stressed that understanding and communicating these services is crucial when interacting with policymakers and community leaders, including mayors and district officials, to ensure that development decisions do not compromise environmental integrity.

Concluding his presentation, Dr. Kilimani urged environmental officers to strengthen their monitoring and reporting systems, emphasizing that accountability and proper documentation are essential. “You are the gatekeepers of Uganda’s natural wealth. Proper environmental accounting ensures that resources are used sustainably, benefiting both the economy and the people,” he said.

He further emphasized that environmental protection and development must go hand in hand, warning that neglecting natural resources today could lead to irreversible losses tomorrow.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Practical Solutions Urged for Districts

Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality already affecting Uganda, with unpredictable rains, crop failures, floods, and droughts impacting communities, says Alice Nalweera, an environmental expert.

Speaking to district officers, Nalweera emphasized the need for practical action in policies, plans and budgets to address both the causes and effects of climate change. “We are already experiencing the impacts. Delayed rains, extreme heat, and changing planting seasons are clear signs that climate change is here,” she said.

Nalweera distinguished between weather – the short-term state of the atmosphere and climate, which refers to long-term patterns over at least 30 years. She cited local experiences in districts such as Bulisa, where traditional planting indicators have become unreliable due to shifting rainfall patterns.

Human activities, including deforestation, industrialization, methane emissions from livestock, transport, and resource extraction, have compounded natural factors, contributing to rising temperatures, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to diseases.

Mitigation and Adaptation Approaches

To address climate change, Nalweera outlined two main strategies. Mitigation tackles the root causes by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving forests, creating carbon sinks, and promoting energy-efficient technologies while Adaptation focuses on adjusting to the impacts, including the use of drought-resistant crops, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems for disasters and climate-smart agriculture.

“Uganda is moving toward adaptation because climate change is already a reality. Adaptation reduces vulnerability, enhances resilience, and supports sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Nalweera highlighted climate-smart agriculture as a key tool for both adaptation and mitigation. Techniques such as agroforestry, improved composting, energy recovery from waste, and drought-resistant crops help communities maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.

“Through climate-smart agriculture, farmers can increase productivity, protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve household incomes,” she said.

The session concluded with participatory exercises, where officers were encouraged to reflect on climate changes in their districts, identify local adaptation measures, and propose policy interventions. Nalweera stressed the importance of integrating climate risks into district development plans to ensure that communities are prepared for both current and future impacts of climate change.

“Adaptation and mitigation must go hand in hand. Practical solutions, community engagement and informed policy decisions are key to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development,” she said.

District Officers Laud Training

District environmental officers praised the training highlighting the relevance of the training to their day-to-day responsibilities and the need to integrate environmental considerations into district development planning.

Nakayenze Anna, Head of Natural Resources in Mbale District, noted, “This training has been very beneficial. It has highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating environmental reporting into our frameworks. For local governments, we now understand the importance of having the right data to inform reporting and service delivery. The challenge, however, remains in building capacity to collect and manage such data across sectors. This training is an opportunity to rethink our structures and strengthen environmental management at the district level.”

Similarly, Maganda Moses, Principal Environment Officer from  Jinja District, emphasized the need to attach economic value to natural resources. “We have forests, wetlands, and Lake Victoria, but for a long time, we haven’t attached economic value to these resources. This training has shown us the importance of valuing natural resources to convince policymakers and funders to support their protection. Local governments must step forward to mobilize resources to safeguard these critical assets,” he said.

In Kapchorwa District, Chelimo Salim, Environmental officer, reflected on applying the knowledge in the field. “We have learned about environmental evaluation, valuation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. I will take this knowledge back to Kapchorwa to encourage communities to conserve the environment, plant trees and protect wetlands,” he said.

Florence, District Environment Officer in Iganga, also appreciated the practical approach of the training. “I have learned more about adaptation responses to climate change. The training was very appropriate, though I wish it could have been a little longer to allow more in-depth learning,” she said.

Edwin Masheta, a Planner in Iganga District, added that the training clarified the distinction between weather and climate. “Communities often confuse weather with climate change. This training has given me a long-term perspective, particularly on mitigation and adaptation measures. While adaptive behaviors are still limited in many communities, I believe initiatives like this will drive meaningful change at the local level,” he said.

Participants agreed that the training will inform their future planning and implementation of environmental policies, emphasizing the need for more structured capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local government roles in environmental governance.

End

Kampala, March 20, 2026 :  More than 250 primary school pupils have been rallied to take an active role in environmental protection during  the Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference hosted at Makerere University.

Organised by the Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda in partnership with the Green Vests Initiative, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the conference aimed to promote environmental awareness and responsible stewardship among learners.

The half-day event brought together Primary Five to Primary Seven pupils and their teachers for a series of educational sessions and interactive activities under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools.”

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to nurturing environmental responsibility from an early age, complementing EfD’s traditional focus on policy engagement and research. The programme included keynote remarks, environmental education sessions, and interactive activities designed to inspire pupils to take practical steps in protecting their environment.

Schools Key in the Fight Against Environmental Crisis

Schools must take a leading role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens if Uganda is to effectively address climate change and environmental degradation, a policy engagement specialist  said.

Representing the College Principal and Director of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, Dr. Peter Babyenda described schools as critical platforms for promoting environmental stewardship and influencing long-term behavioural change.

He welcomed participants and encouraged young learners to envision themselves as future students and leaders at Makerere University. “In a few years, you will be here, and this will be your college,” he said.

Dr. Babyenda warned that Uganda remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with more than 40 percent of its land degraded and an estimated 100,000 to 122,000 hectares of forest lost annually. He noted that environmental degradation is already affecting key sectors including health, food security and education.

In Eastern Uganda, over 90 percent of children reportedly experience climate-related disruptions to learning, while urban centres such as Kampala face increasing flooding, disease outbreaks and extreme heat, which affect school attendance and concentration.

He attributed the crisis largely to human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, wetland encroachment and poor waste management. Citing recent floods in the capital, he said blocked drainage systems and irresponsible garbage disposal are worsening the situation.

“Most of the floods you are seeing are likely caused by us,” he said. “If we don’t protect our environment, the effects will find us—even in our classrooms.”

 Babyenda emphasized that teachers, particularly at primary level, play a critical role in shaping environmentally responsible behaviour early in life. “You can play a great role in safeguarding the environment if you teach these young ones from the start. It is very easy to change behaviour from the beginning,” he said.

He noted that Uganda’s youthful population-about 44 percent below the age of 15, presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable change. With more than 18,000 primary schools and about 3,000 secondary schools, he said the education system remains the largest structured platform for influencing behaviour nationwide.

Babyenda  called for practical interventions within schools, including tree planting, establishment of school gardens, waste recycling and composting, clean-up campaigns, energy conservation and the creation of “talking compounds” that reinforce environmental responsibility.

He also urged schools to strengthen environmental education through clubs and peer learning initiatives, and to revive greening policies such as school woodlots under the Green School Programme.

Highlighting the importance of forests, Babyenda pointed to the degradation of major reserves such as Mabira Forest, Bugoma Forest and Budongo Forest, warning that continued loss of tree cover threatens biodiversity, livelihoods and climate stability.

“We are saying trees, trees, trees because their benefits are immediate,” he said, noting their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating temperatures and maintaining ecological balance.

Encouraging personal and community responsibility, he challenged learners to influence change beyond the classroom. “You can even correct your parents—tell them that throwing rubbish out of a car window is not right,” he said.

He also proposed simple but symbolic actions to embed environmental values in everyday life. “Let us make it a habit—even on your birthday, plant a tree. That is how you celebrate life while protecting the future,” he added.

 Babyenda stressed that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts from individuals, schools, communities and government institutions.

“Start small but think big. Let each school be a beacon, one tree, one club, one lesson at a time,” he said.

He  pledged  the centre’s readiness to partner with schools and stakeholders to advance environmental sustainability efforts across the country.

“The future lies in you, the young ones,” he said. “If we guide you well, you will become the leaders who protect our environment.”

Green Vest Initiative Champions Student-Led Environmental Action”

Green Vest Initiative Team Lead John Robert Tenywa said the gathering aimed to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who act beyond their personal interests to protect shared resources.

The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools,” emphasized the critical role of young people in driving environmental change. Tenywa noted that schools provide a strategic platform for shaping attitudes and behaviors that can influence communities and the country at large.

“We are focusing on raising a generation that lives beyond itself—one that is mindful of the environment and committed to making a difference,” he said.

Tenywa outlined the Initiative’s key activities, including cleaning public spaces, educating communities about environmental conservation, and promoting waste management practices that turn waste into valuable resources. He added that the organisation conducts monthly community outreach activities, combining clean-up campaigns with public sensitisation efforts.

For the current cycle, the Initiative has shifted its focus toward education, targeting students with information and discussions on environmental protection. Tenywa said this approach complements ongoing clean-up efforts by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation through awareness.

He also highlighted the Initiative’s faith-based foundation, noting that it integrates moral and spiritual values into its work while engaging communities.

The engagement marks a growing effort by civil society and public institutions to involve young people in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas where waste management and pollution remain pressing concerns.

Everyone Has a Legal Role in Safeguarding the Environment

Wilber Ikalai, NEMA Manager of Environment Education and Advocacy, urged students to understand that every individual has a legal and moral duty to maintain a clean and healthy environment. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it,” he said, quoting environmentalist Robert Swan. He reinforced that the National Environment Act mandates all Ugandans to prevent pollution and enhance environmental quality.

Ikalai highlighted that environmental stewardship goes beyond trees, water, and wildlife, noting that human behaviors are integral to the ecosystem. He gave examples of harmful practices in schools, including improper disposal of waste, overuse of water, overprinting of documents, and the unsafe handling of food packaging materials that release chemicals into the food chain. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are part of the pollutants affecting your environment,” he said.

The NEMA official also outlined the agency’s role in coordinating national environmental management, working with lead institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, local governments, and educational institutions. Through policy guidance, environmental impact assessments, and public education, NEMA seeks to promote sustainability and prevent environmental degradation.

Ikalai called on students to adopt green practices in schools, including proper waste management, water conservation, minimizing overprinting, and avoiding harmful materials in food handling. He encouraged learners to report unsustainable practices they observe and to actively contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility. “Students are the stewards of the environment for the coming generations,” he said, urging them to take personal responsibility for practices that impact both their immediate surroundings and the broader ecosystem.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre

The Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (MUJAES), with support from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University Press (MakPress), the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS), and the Makerere University Library, is pleased to announce the launch of its central online manuscript submission and management system.

Authors can now submit and track their manuscripts through the system by visiting: https://journals.mak.ac.ug/mujaes/about/submissions

To submit a manuscript, please:
1. Register on the platform,
2. Log in to your account,
3. Follow the prompts to complete your submission.

We are currently receiving manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1), scheduled for publication in early July. You are invited to submit your original research and scholarly work for consideration.

To improve manuscript tracking and management, authors who recently submitted manuscripts via email (mujaes.caes@mak.ac.ug) are kindly requested to register on the system, log in, and upload the original manuscript through the online platform. Please note that this step will not affect the current review status of your manuscript; it is solely intended to facilitate efficient tracking and management within the new system.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to streamline and improve our manuscript submission and review processes.

Contact Information

Prof. Jeninah Karungi-Tumutegyereize
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062 Kampala Uganda
Tel. +256705987559
Chief Editor, MUJAES