Achieving lasting and sustainable success in agriculture goes far beyond planting and harvesting. It requires a diverse skill set, including financial literacy to manage budgets and make sound investment decisions, as well as effective record-keeping to track performance, inform operations, and identify opportunities for improvement. Equally important is strategic communication, which enables farmers to market their products, build brand visibility, and enhance profitability.

A strong understanding of group dynamics is also essential in helping farmers foster collaboration within cooperatives, community initiatives, and peer networks. By integrating these competencies, agricultural entrepreneurs can maximize productivity, optimize resource use, and build resilient enterprises capable of adapting to evolving environmental, economic, and social conditions.

Despite the vital role urban farmers play in ensuring food security, many still lack the technical knowledge and skills needed to optimize productivity. This gap limits output and undermines the profitability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of their farming enterprises.

Addressing the Skills Gap Through Phase II of the RUFS Project

Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project aims to address these challenges. Through hands-on training programmes in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality, the initiative seeks to equip urban farmers with practical knowledge, modern techniques, and adaptive strategies to improve productivity.

Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the project focuses on strengthening urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts. By promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, the initiative empowers farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies.

Training Sessions in Mbale City

To enhance their skills, the RUFS Project team held training sessions for smallholder farmers in Mbale City on 26^th-27^th March 2026. Hosted at the home of Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, a mixed farmer in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City, the training provided a community-centered setting that encouraged active participation and peer learning.

A total of 25 farmers attended the training, which aimed to strengthen financial literacy and enhance overall farm management practices. The sessions covered essential topics such as effective bookkeeping, farmer group dynamics, systematic documentation of farm activities, and the strategic use of media to share knowledge and promote agricultural products and services.

Farmers actively engaged in the discussions, openly sharing their experiences and the challenges they encounter. Many confessed that they did not maintain proper financial records, citing limited knowledge of record-keeping practices, the busy schedules, and, in some cases, low motivation to adopt structured documentation systems.

Training in Financial Management

In a comprehensive training session focused on bookkeeping, Mr. Mbowa Henry from AidEnvironment, also a member of the RUFS Project, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining accurate, consistent, and systematically organized financial records. He noted that proper record-keeping not only improves financial management but also strengthens farm management and promotes long-term economic sustainability of farming enterprises.

He introduced the farmers to the core components of an effective record-keeping system, including cashbooks, receipt books, expenditure registers, and bank records, tools essential for monitoring income, tracking expenses, and evaluating overall performance.

He encouraged the participants to actively apply the knowledge acquired, stressing that consistent adoption of these practices would empower them to optimize their farm operations, enhance productivity, and secure sustainable financial growth for their agricultural ventures.

Managing Farmer Group Dynamics

In addition to financial skills, the RUFS Project team, led by Mr. Mbowa and Ms. Ritah Pavin Nakanjako, provided guidance on farmer group dynamics. Discussions centered on common challenges affecting collective farming and strategies to address them. Key challenges identified included the lack of shared goals, conflicting individual interests, weak saving culture, leadership gaps, unregistered or family-centered groups, low participation in group activities, uncoordinated initiatives, politicking, and limited financial management skills, all of which hinder the success of farmer groups. The trainers emphasized the importance of unity, clear objectives, and structured collaboration in strengthening group performance.

Climate Change Risks

Another significant topic of discussion was climate change and its devastating effects, as well as the social and hydrological histories, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agriculture. The Elgon region, which spans Eastern Uganda’s highlands and the foothills of Mount Elgon, is particularly vulnerable to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and landslides due to its steep terrain, heavy seasonal rains, and densely settled, erosion-prone slopes. Over the decades, such disasters, most notably in 1997-2004, 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2023, have resulted in displacement, destroyed livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, increased food insecurity, and heightened health risks.

During the training, farmers shared firsthand accounts of the devastating impacts of recurrent floods in the region. Facilitated by Mr. David Luswata, a Masters student supported by the project, and Ms. Patricia Kiggundu, a member of the project, the sessions offered a collaborative platform for participants to explore long-term, sustainable solutions aimed at reducing both the risks and economic losses associated with climate variability. As part of his Masters research on flood risk management among smallholder farmers in Mbale City, Mr. David Luswata engaged the farmers on the impact of floods on crops, livestock, property and livelihoods.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

The training also emphasized the critical role of documentation in effective farm management and knowledge sharing. Mr. Juma Wephukulu, a member of the RUFS Project and Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, offered detailed guidance on essential practices for recording day-to-day agricultural activities. Drawing from his own experience, Mr. Wephukulu authored a book chronicling his farming journey. Supported by RUFS, the publication serves as an educational guide and an inspirational resource, equipping other farmers with practical insights, strategies, and motivation to enhance productivity and resilience.

Communication and Media Engagement

Another distinctive feature of the training was its focus on communication and media engagement. Farmers were encouraged to leverage media platforms to amplify their voices and share their experiences with wider audiences. Mr. Wataba Shaban, a talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, led a simulated radio talk-show session, demonstrating effective techniques for communicating agricultural issues and providing participants with practical skills for public engagement.

Community Perspectives

Many of the factors driving climate change are the result of human activity, frequently stemming from unsustainable agricultural practices and improper construction methods. Representing the farming community, Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya called for more educational programmes and capacity-building initiatives to deepen understanding of the causes of climate change and strategies for mitigating its impact. He expressed gratitude to the funders and the project team for the interventions.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Munowa Hassan, LC1 Chairman of Nankusi Cell in Northern City Division, Mbale City appreciated Makerere University for its numerous initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing food security. He called for the expansion of such projects.

Action Planning

To translate knowledge into action, participants collectively developed a concrete action plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired impact.

A similar training will be conducted in Kasese Municipality.

Pictorial of the training:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLgem3m5Lnnq5b0Nm4giPKcBnZPsZrEF?usp=sharing

More about the RUFS trainings: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/10/rufs-project-team-trains-smallholder-farmers-in-mbale-city-in-smart-agronomic-practices/

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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