Agriculture & Environment
Mak Climate Conference Calls for Africanizing Global Resilience Discourses
The International Climate Change Conference held at Makerere University has sparked significant discussions on the need to tailor global climate resilience and adaptation strategies to fit the African context.
The conference, themed, ” Grounding Climate Change in East Africa,” brought together Over 100 participants from eight universities in East Africa and the diaspora encompassing natural scientists, social scientists, humanities, medical, law and art scholars as well as Government ministries and agencies, the private sector and civil society organistaions to debate and propose solutions for the pressing climate issues facing East Africa.
Funded by University of Cambridge in the US, the two day conference (25th -26th July 2024) was convened by Makerere University’s Department of Environmental Managemnet in conjunction with University of Cambridge spearheaded by Prof. Justine Namaalwa , Dr. Patrick Byakaga and Adam Branch.
The conference underscored the urgent need to reframe global climate strategies to better suit African realities. Integrating local knowledge, mainstreaming climate issues across disciplines, enhancing collaboration between academia and practitioners, and valuing cultural perspectives provide a comprehensive roadmap for effective climate action in East Africa. The participants call for immediate and sustained efforts to implement these resolutions to address the climate crisis effectively.
While officially opening the conference at Makerere University CEDAT Conference room, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, represented by Dr. Robert Wamala, emphasized the collaborative effort between Makerere University and the University of Cambridge as a significant milestone in addressing global climate challenges.
Dr. Wamala noted that Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change due to its limited adaptive capacities. “The continent faces increasing climate extremes like droughts and floods, exacerbating poverty and destroying livelihoods,” he said. He highlighted the dire predictions for East Africa, mentioning significant impacts on agriculture, health, infrastructure, and businesses.
“Climate change is recognized as a constraint limiting East Africa’s efforts to attain many critical sustainable development goals,” Wamala added, stressing the urgency for sustainable solutions amid rising conflicts and insecurity in drought-prone areas.
The conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and explore innovative solutions to climate change. Dr. Wamala encouraged active participation from attendees, stating, “We all shall be able to shape the conversations on climate change based on our unique experiences, insights, and knowledge.”
He highlighted three key themes for the conference: Africanizing global discourses of resilience and adaptation, Deepening climate justice from East African perspectives, and Grounding climate actions by addressing constraints and building momentum. “These themes encapsulate the manifest nature of climate change and the need for knowledge when exploring opportunities for effectively addressing the challenge,” he explained.
Dr. Wamala concluded by expressing gratitude to the Department of Environmental Management and international partners, reaffirming Makerere University‘s commitment to addressing global challenges. “Together, let us interrogate the complexities of climate change and trigger discussions on tangible actions that will shape a sustainable future,” Dr. Wamala urged.
Co-Convener Highlights the Power of Collaboration in Addressing Climate Change
Representing the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Co-Convener Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, who is also Chair of the Department of Environmental Management, emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in tackling climate change. Namaalwa underscored that the conference represents a culmination of the college’s mandate to advance research and education in agricultural and environmental sciences.
Prof. Namaalwa praised the collaborative spirit of the conference, noting, “This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision to address the pressing issue of climate change in our region.” She highlighted the diverse range of participants, including academics, government officials, and private sector representatives, all coming together with the common goal of enhancing understanding and shaping effective climate actions tailored to East Africa.
She expressed her gratitude towards the leadership of Makerere University and the Centre of African Studies at the University of Cambridge for their significant contributions. “Our appreciation goes to our esteemed partners at the Centre of African Studies, University of Cambridge. Your invaluable partnership and mutual respect have been instrumental in making this conference a reality,” Prof. Namaalwa stated.
Addressing the conference attendees, Namaalwa called for a multidisciplinary approach to climate change. “Climate change is a multifaceted issue that intersects with various fields, including environmental science, agriculture, economics, law, medicine, sociology, and public policy. By integrating insights from these diverse disciplines, we can develop comprehensive and effective actions tailored to our region’s specific needs.” she said.
She urged participants to focus on opportunities for innovation and progress. “The challenges posed by climate change are immense, but so are the opportunities for innovation. Let us emphasize the potential for positive change and work together to build resilient communities, protect our ecosystems, and foster sustainable development.”
In conclusion, Prof. Namaalwa expressed confidence that the conference would act as a catalyst for meaningful action and new partnerships. “I am confident that this conference will inspire new initiatives and collaborations aimed at addressing climate change effectively. Let us seize this opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge lasting collaborations for a better future.”
Calls for Unified Climate Research, Localized Solutions, and Redefining Global Models
The Head of African Studies at the University of Cambridge, Prof. Adam Branch outlined three main intellectual and institutional goals for the “Grounding Climate Change in East Africa” conference, emphasizing the need to address fragmentation in climate research, political transformations driven by climate discourse, and the influence of Western-dominated climate models.
Prof. Branch pointed out the fragmentation in climate change research driven by donor priorities. He explained that much of the current research is conducted under varied agendas and lacks coordination among different disciplines and institutions. “The conference aims to bring together researchers from various disciplines and universities to build common agendas, discuss shared challenges, and address the fragmentation caused by donor-driven priorities,” he said.
Branch addressed the political and social transformations triggered by climate change discussions. He noted that climate change is driving significant shifts in policies, institutional changes, and civil society agendas. “Given the broad impacts of climate change, it is crucial to create a platform where civil society, activists, academics, practitioners, and political leaders can reflect on these changes and collaborate on navigating the evolving political and social landscape,” Prof. Branch stated.
Prof. Branch also discussed the need to challenge the dominance of Western climate models and agendas. He highlighted concerns about the relevance of global climate policies and models to African contexts, emphasizing that these frameworks often overlook Africa’s environmental histories and adaptation practices. “To ensure that climate actions are relevant and effective, we must ground climate change discussions in African environmental histories and needs, driven by African researchers. This approach will help avoid perpetuating climate injustice and promote genuine environmental justice,” he asserted.
He concluded by reaffirming the importance of the conference in addressing these key issues, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that climate strategies are tailored to the unique needs and histories of African societies.
Conference Highlights Multidisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change
The conference, held over two days, explored three core themes: Africanizing global discourses of resilience and adaptation; Deepening climate justice with East African perspectives, and Grounding climate actions by addressing constraints and building momentum.
The conference attracted eight universities in East Africa and beyond including Gulu University, Makerere University, University of Cambridge, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, University of Dodoma, University of Dar es Salaam, Lira University, and Addis Ababa University. A total of 28 scholarly papers were presented, alongside three keynote speeches and six panel discussions.
During the opening, agenda setting and overview roundtable, Prof. Justine Namaalwa emphasized the critical role of research in shaping climate actions. Dr. Patrick Byakagaba discussed the importance of harnessing synergies between universities and civil society organizations for climate resilience and justice.
Byakagaba emphasized the multifaceted nature of climate justice, stating, “Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, and achieving climate justice means addressing these disparities. It involves not only fair distribution of costs and benefits but also correcting historical wrongs.” He explained that climate justice is deeply intertwined with both distributive justice—where wealthier nations shoulder more responsibility—and corrective justice, which seeks to address past inequities.
Byakagaba highlighted the growing involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) and governments in adopting climate justice perspectives. “while some Global South nations are enacting climate laws that incorporate human rights and intergenerational considerations, successes in climate litigation have been sparse.” This is often due to the technical challenge of proving causal links between human activities and localized climate impacts. He stressed that “robust evidence from technical experts, often based in universities, is essential to support these legal claims.”
Universities, once considered detached from real-world problems, are increasingly aligning their research with societal needs and community priorities. Dr. Byakagaba noted, “The collaboration between universities and CSOs is crucial. Universities have the research capabilities to provide actionable insights, while CSOs offer on-the-ground perspectives and practical experience.” This partnership is seen as a vital strategy for developing and implementing effective climate-resilient interventions.
Policy advocacy for climate justice relies heavily on rigorous, objective research. Dr. Byakagaba explained, “Countries with strong climate laws often have advisory committees that include technical experts from academia and civil society. These committees are vital for shaping and implementing effective climate strategies.” However, many regional and local governments in East Africa still face challenges in creating actionable climate plans.
Addressing barriers to effective university-CSO partnerships—such as power imbalances and differing timelines—requires significant reform. Dr. Byakagaba concluded, “Overcoming these challenges will necessitate a shift in mindset within both universities and CSOs. Strong collaborations between these institutions can drive meaningful climate action and address the pressing challenges of climate change.”
Additionally, Adam Branch and Dr. Florence Ebila presented on extending the climate change debate and engendering climate change action, respectively.The conference featured three keynote addresses. Mathew Bukhi Mabele from the University of Dodoma presented on “Green Extractivism and a Surging Commodity Frontier in African Carbon Forestry.” On the second day, Laury Ocen delivered a keynote on “Framing Climate Security within the Historical Lenses of Oral Texts,” while Aaron Werikhe and Kimono Jamil from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water and Environment discussed “Mainstreaming Climate Change in National and Local Government Budgets in Uganda: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Panel discussions covered a range of topics. Panel One, chaired by Prof. Namaalwa, included debates on climate change politics, data, and justice. Panel Two, led by Solomon Olum, focused on land, natural resources, and livelihoods, with discussions on gender dynamics, carbon hegemony, and conservation agriculture. Panel Three, chaired by Arthur Oworo, explored culture and climate change, with presentations on literature, disaster risk reduction, and indigenous knowledge.
Day Two Featured Panel Four, chaired by Laury Ocen, which examined environmental hazards and social vulnerability, including studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change in East Africa. Panel Five, led by Irene Anying, presented research on local climate knowledge and adaptation practices, while Panel Six, chaired by Adam Branch, addressed land, displacement, and ecology, featuring discussions on refugee self-reliance, land tenure, and sustainable development.
The conference successfully fostered a multidisciplinary dialogue on climate change, emphasizing the need for collaborative and context-specific solutions to address the challenges facing East Africa and beyond.
Communiqué: Key Takeaways and Resolutions from the Conference
The conference addressed several critical issues, providing clear resolutions for tackling climate change in East Africa. A major focus was the pivotal role of academia in shaping climate adaptation and resilience strategies for Africa.
Universities and research institutions were urged to lead by developing curricula and research agendas that incorporate African perspectives and solutions. This includes supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) with accessible information and fostering collaborative actions. There was a strong call to mainstream climate change across all academic disciplines, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches and ensuring that all fields, including the humanities, contribute to climate solutions.
The importance of evidence-based climate action was emphasized. It was highlighted that research should inform decision-making processes to ensure that interventions are grounded in solid evidence. This approach is crucial for implementing effective strategies to address climate change challenges.
The conference also underscored the need for research to be deliberate and intentional in influencing policy and practice. Researchers were encouraged not only to generate evidence but also to actively engage in refining and rebutting existing policies and practices. This focused effort aims to ensure that research findings contribute directly to improving climate policies and practices.
Researchers were urged to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through targeted research that provides actionable insights and solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate impacts. Additionally, there was a call for researchers to provide evidence-based results that support both national and international climate policy processes, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This will ensure that climate strategies are informed by the latest research findings.
Academia is expected to play a proactive role in supporting policy and strategy development. Researchers were urged to align their work with policy processes, offering valuable data and analysis to shape and refine climate strategies. This commitment is crucial for bridging the gap between research and practical climate action, ensuring that policies are effective and grounded in robust scientific evidence.
The conference also emphasized the urgent need to realign global climate strategies to better address African realities. By integrating local knowledge, mainstreaming climate issues across disciplines, enhancing collaboration between academia and practitioners, and valuing cultural perspectives, participants laid out a comprehensive roadmap for effective climate action in East Africa. Immediate and sustained efforts are required to implement these resolutions and address the climate crisis effectively.
Local knowledge and perspectives were highlighted, with the conference stressing that societies affected by climate change should not only be seen as victims but also as repositories of valuable indigenous knowledge. Challenging conventional notions of climate change and integrating local insights is essential for developing more effective and contextually relevant solutions.
Climate change was recognized as a cross-cutting issue impacting various sectors of society. The conference underscored the necessity of addressing climate change across political, economic, social, and scientific fields. Comprehensive engagement from all academic disciplines, including the humanities, is vital. Integrating diverse perspectives will ensure a holistic approach to tackling climate change and its multifaceted impacts.
Sustainable charcoal practices were identified as a critical area for environmental conservation and local livelihoods. The sub-region was highlighted as a key area for implementing such initiatives, emphasizing the need to mitigate deforestation and support community well-being.
Participants were encouraged to become proactive climate change activists, advocate for climate considerations in budget plans, and integrate these issues into everyday practices. Effective climate action requires collaboration between academia and CSOs to create and implement meaningful policies and initiatives.
Communication strategies were addressed, with a focus on using vernacular languages to effectively communicate climate change. This approach is crucial for bridging the gap between universal and local understandings, making climate information more accessible and relevant to diverse communities.
The conference stressed the need for a critical approach to data justice and climate modeling. There was a call for examining climate models and data with consideration of historical injustices, ensuring they inform policies and practices thoughtfully. Caution was advised to avoid perpetuating inequalities or misrepresenting local conditions.
Cultural perspectives and environmental justice were also highlighted. Cultural values and traditional knowledge play a crucial role in conserving natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability. The rich content of oral culture can offer valuable insights for developing effective climate change responses and resilience strategies.
Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer
Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.
Overview
The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.
What the ADVALUE Project targets to address
Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.
Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.
Project objectives
- Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
- Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
- Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
- Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.
To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.
The ADVALUE interim conference
The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17th-19th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.
The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.
Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A
In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.
Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
Remarks from NCHE
In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”
Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga
During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.
Key Issues Arising from the Workshop
- Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
- Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
- Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
- Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
- Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
- Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
- Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
- Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
- Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
- Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
- Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
- Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
- Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
- Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
- Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.
Recommendations
- Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
- Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
- Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
- Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
- Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.
Photos from conference activities
More photos at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Urban Futures Project, Unveils Handbook on Urban Heat Management
“Toward health equity, inclusive governance, and climate adaptation in African Informal Settlements”
Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, on 6th March launched a new project titled: The Urban Futures Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange. The Urban Futures project is the first learning lab initiated to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange amongst the various stakeholders and inclusive decision-making process that addresses complex challenges faced by informal settlements in Kampala.
Project Partners: Makerere University, University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, Institute of Development Studies, Sierra Leon Research Centre, Training and Research Support Centre, Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Act Together Uganda, and Focus for Life Development Link.
Unveiling the Urban Heat Management Handbook
During the launch event at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Urban Heat Management Handbook was unveiled to help raise awareness and promote knowledge exchange on heat stress. The handbook covers critical topics such as understanding heat resilience, assessing heat risk, planning for heat resilience, responding to heat waves, and providing solutions for heat resilience.
The Urban Futures project will highlight the multifaceted risks faced by informal residents and workers, aiming to create South-South learning opportunities to address these inequitable threats. The study will focus on vulnerable populations in informal settlements and workers, seeking to identify equitable adaptation pathways to address climate risks that exacerbate health disparities.
Project Approach
The project will adopt a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, focusing on developing health adaptation strategies, building resilience, and fostering growth through knowledge co-generation, continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement. The research will be conducted in three large African cities on the frontlines of climate change: Kampala (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). Through interdisciplinary and participatory methods, the study will gather evidence on how climate-related risks impact the daily lives of residents and workers in these areas.
Key Remarks
In his opening remarks, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, described the learning lab as an essential space for dialogue among stakeholders in informal settlements. “The Urban Action Lab is our space to discuss urban development challenges together as a community, to find effective solutions,” he said.
Ms. Anita Kusiima, representing the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spoke about the challenges posed by attitudes toward enforcement. “KCCA has initiated strategies like greening, skilling, and livelihood programs. However, we struggle with enforcement. Until statistics like these are shared with communities, people don’t realize how much we are destroying our environment. It’s common to wake up and find over 40 trees have been cut down overnight. In places like Nakasero, many trees are cut during the night. As a country and a city, we face not only poor attitudes toward the law but also towards the quality of life we want to achieve,” she said. “Urban farming has seen success at the household level, greening has been effective, and school programs aimed at raising awareness have also been successful.”
Dr. Robbinson Kabanda, a Veterinary Doctor at KCCA, emphasized the learning lab’s potential in addressing issues such as budget cuts and the impacts of climate change on Kampala. “With budget cuts affecting many funded activities, this is a great opportunity for Kampala, where the majority live in informal settlements and are especially vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “These collaborative spaces foster innovation and experimentation in urban contexts, bringing together various stakeholders and practitioners to address complex urban challenges through shared learning.”
Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, from the Research Urban Action Lab, highlighted the power of the urban learning lab in addressing urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, improved decision-making, and public involvement.
Issues highlighted at the Launch
- There is a critical need for timely interventions to address heat stress and other challenges facing informal settlements.
- Informal settlements lack sufficient space for tree planting.
- Trees take time to mature, making them a long-term solution.
- Reducing electricity costs and improving water access are immediate priorities.
- Solar energy use is vital for reducing heat stress, particularly in households.
- Strong government policies on heat stress, such as promoting the use of mosquito nets, are essential.
- Wetland degradation and tree clearance are major contributors to heat stress.
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