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3rd GORILLA Conference Off to a Reflective Start

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The 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) got off to a reflective start on Wednesday 4th December 2024 as delegates recognized that only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Officially presided over by the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar the opening ceremony was also graced by His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Inzu Ya Masaba.

Organised by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with the International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, the 3rd GORILLA Conference was aimed at contributing to the realization of the Global Development Agenda 2030. Specifically, the conference sought to provide a platform for conceptual, empirical, and theoretical conversations to address how science can help in bridging gaps and addressing sustainable development deficits.

Overview of the Conference

The National Organising Committee Chair and Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze and his Co-Chair Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noted that the 2024 Conference attracted participants from over 50 countries. Whereas the first edition of the conference in 2020 attracted 114 participants, the second edition in 2022 attracted 163 participants and this year’s attracted 375 abstract submissions.

Co-Chair, Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira makes his remarks at the Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Co-Chair, Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira makes his remarks at the Conference.

The Conference featured twelve (12) themes namely: 1) Geographies of Climate Change, Climate Justice and Just Transition, Spaces and patterns; 2) Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People; 3) Green Growth and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 4) Water Governance and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 5) Interconnected Geo-hazards and Disasters in a Changing World; 6) Polycrisis: Migration, Displacement, Conflict and Humanitarianism; 7) The changing Geography of Agrifood Systems; 8) Nature Best solutions for inclusive and equitable development; 9) Emerging and novel technologies for societal resilience; 10) Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems in SSA; 11) Geographies of Energy and Energy Transitions; and 12) Environment and Health.

“What is quite striking is that the area of Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People attracted the highest number of submissions, and SDG 13: Climate action turned out to be the most attractive but, you also have issues to do with SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 14: Life Below Water” Prof. Bamutaze reported.

He noted that the Conference was desirous of taking stock of technologies, knowledge, innovations and all undertakings at local levels that are imperative in ensuring that the journey to achieving SDGs prioritizes safety. Staying with the SDGs, Prof. Bamutaze noted that despite the large volume of work published by scientists, there was a big gap regarding the utility of this work by policies.

Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze gives an overview of the 3rd GORILLA Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze gives an overview of the 3rd GORILLA Conference.

Prof. Bamutaze shared that the Conference was preceded by trainings on how to harness Artificial Intelligence in ongoing work on biodiversity, a Hackathon aimed at tapping into Earth Observation data, a Summer School on Community Resilience and Geo-visualization with field visits to the Mt. Elgon catchment area as well as trainings on scientific writing.

Co-creation key to Social Transformation

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the glaring sustainable development deficits call for accelerated actions from institutions in Africa, especially since the continent’s contribution to global knowledge output stands at less than 5%.

“We have an obligation to co-create knowledge tailored to environmental and social contexts that is actionable at scale; provide key evidence to policy makers and practitioners to enable them undertake grassroots actions and interventions; as well as co-create innovations that can catalyse social transformation” he shared.

Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the conference.

Prof. Buyinza informed conference participants of Makerere’s continued investment in building partnerships that advance national and global sustainability, with specific focus on PhD training so as to improve annual knowledge output from Africa. “Under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), we have defined core areas/disciplines in which we will collaboratively be churning out 1,000 PhDs annually.”

The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Systems

Addressing the conference, the Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma admitted that he was no stranger to academia, having been in research circles for the last 28 years as an environmental scientist. He therefore appreciated the opportunity to participate in the conference, especially at a time when the geographical area covered by his kingdom is in need of restoration to alleviate recurring natural disasters such as landslides.

The Umukhukha defined TEK as knowledge, beliefs and practices that indigenous people have developed over centuries to manage and conserve natural resources. “Our TEK is based on observations, experiments and spiritual connections with the natural world,” he noted, further adding “For example, our ancestors developed agroforestry systems that mimicked the natural forest ecosystem, promoting diversity and soil fertility.”

H.R.H. Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba discusses about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at the conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.R.H. Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba discusses about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at the conference.

HRH Jude Mike Mudoma singled out rainwater harvesting techniques and extensive knowledge of medicinal plants that has been passed down through generations as other examples of TEK. He further outlined the Bamasaba Clan-based Governance that provides a framework for decision making, conflict resolution and resource management as well as the Council of Elders that provides guidance and oversight of matters related to natural resource management, cultural heritage and community development as traditional institutions that play vital roles in TEK. He equally singled out traditional ceremonies such as Imbalu (circumcision) as gatherings that promote cultural heritage and provide opportunities for community members to discuss pertinent issues.

“I want to implore you people that we should help our scientists to document and preserve our TEK for future generations” appealed the Umukhukha to conference participants. “Secondly I want support for community-led initiatives. The whole of Mt. Elgon range is now declared a disaster area because we ourselves have destroyed the environment and recently we lost over 190 people who were buried and we have only recovered 25” added H.R.H. Mudoma.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma (2nd L) as Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (L) and Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) witness. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma (2nd L) as Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (L) and Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) witness.

He further appealed to participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to support the Mt. Elgon region in areas of disaster risk reduction and management as well as environmental conservation and restoration. “Another area is climate change adaptation and mitigation and of course when these are done, we cannot forget community-based initiatives for sustainable livelihoods, which I have seen is part of your discussions here and I want to benefit from your expertise.”

Timing of 3rd GORILLA Conference Key

Following the moment of silence observed in respect of the recent Mt. Elgon landslide victims, the Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar lauded the timing of the conference as befitting, especially as it coincides with ongoing local, regional and global efforts to address pressing sustainability challenges and transitions towards a green world.

Referring to the 29th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) she attended in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hon. Anywar took note of the reinforced global climate action through an annual commitment of US$300billion in climate financing. The funding, she added, will help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change and embrace renewable energy.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar officially opens the 3rd GORILLA Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar officially opens the 3rd GORILLA Conference.

“As we sit here, I want us to think, how can we prepare as a country for the carbon credit and carbon markets? It is a new discovery, it is a new source of financing, how prepared are we?” Hon. Anywar asked her audience. “How do we have it clearly explained to our people the difference and benefits between organic agriculture and genetically engineered agriculture?” she further added.

The State Minister further urged the academia to always ensure that the community is brought on board during events where research is being disseminated. “In order to benefit them, they must be part of us, and they must understand what we are doing; they shouldn’t be suspicious” she added.

Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (C) enjoys a photo moment with Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) and a CAES Staff. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (C) enjoys a photo moment with Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) and a CAES Staff.

Hon. Anywar concluded by urging participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to use the platform to together cultivate a cohesive knowledge ecosystem that drives forward Agenda 2030, “and this should include the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as stipulated by H.R.H. the Umukhukha” she emphasised.

Insight into Remote Sensing in Africa

The opening ceremony was followed by a Keynote Address delivered by Prof. Moses Azong Cho, Professor at the University of Pretoria and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. His presentation titled Managing Remote Sensing Technology for Assessing Biodiversity sought to describe biodiversity in the context of remote sensing, illustrate some of the work that has been done in the field, and touch on the new era of space borne remote sensing for biodiversity assessment.

“I tell you my African colleagues, if you think that remote sensing in Africa is simpler, you’re mistaken. You’re dealing with a more complex environment; forests are more diverse, savannah landscapes are very diverse and rural areas are quite heterogeneous – the mosaic of different landscape forms and types is crazy on the continent. So, we rather need more complicated remote sensing tools to be able to provide the kind of information that’s required on the continent” narrated Prof. Cho of his experience.

He equally urged scientists and their teams to mind the way they communicate with stakeholders when they take remote sensing products to the communities. “Try to understand the stakeholders and ensure that you will sit down and have the language to convince them what you’re offering can actually help them improve on their services and decision making.”

Prof. Moses Azong Cho delivers the Keynote Address on Remote Sensing of Biodiversity in Africa. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Moses Azong Cho delivers the Keynote Address on Remote Sensing of Biodiversity in Africa.

Prof. Cho who earlier described himself as a Bio-Geoinformatician; one who combines knowledge of Biology, Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, and Geographical Information Science to understand biodiversity and ecological phenomena, found himself gradually becoming an Agro-Geoinformatician. This was after their rich biodiversity information and data maps could hardly attract any funding despite the well-articulated need to conserve the environment.

“Our people are dying of hunger, we need to produce food” prospective funders would respond, later adding “and you are saying we should conserve the rich landscape, with 60% of fertile uncultivated land present on the continent of Africa?”

This light bulb moment from this response led to the development by Prof. Cho and his team, of systems that can enable farmers to effectively use small parcels of land to cultivate food, as opposed to nomadic farming whereby exhausted soils are abandoned for opening of previously uncultivated lands, often rich in biodiversity. Smart farming, digital farming, satellite farming, conservation farming and regenerative agriculture are names that have come to define these systems.

“Remote sensing can play a vital role in these systems and so we actually changed the name of our research group from Earth Observation Group to Precision Agriculture Research Group and suddenly, we started getting lots of traction with both Government and Private Sector because we packaged the information that we generate using our remote sensing models into a software called the Precision Agriculture Information System” Prof. Cho shared.

Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Members of the National Organising Committee and a section of conference delegates stand for the anthems. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Members of the National Organising Committee and a section of conference delegates stand for the anthems.

The software enables farmers to access information on soil conditions and the health of their crops on a weekly basis. “We have developed models that can very accurately predict soil organic content, soil nitrogen content, pH of the soil, and soil moisture, because we have taken time to interpret the spectral information” Prof. Cho triumphantly shared.

On the new era of space borne remote sensing that is upon us, Prof. Cho shared that this will provide even higher resolution imagery that can monitor crop stress and relatedly, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. “NASA is working on new programmes; there’s the PANGEA programme, where I am a Committee Member, where we want to deploy these new sensors within tropical forests in Congo, Cameroon and Ghana to see how we can assess tropical forest biodiversity and change with respect to global changes.”

Furthermore, developments such as the new synthetic radar signal that is not sensitive to clouds enables acquisition of reflected microwave energy both during the day and night, which is critical for the humid tropical regions that experience a lot of cloud cover.

“We need to prepare so that we are not left behind, particularly those of us on the African continent. We need to develop our infrastructure, and cloud computing platforms. We need to develop the capacity amongst our youth when it comes to big data analytics” concluded Prof. Cho.

Summing it all up

The captivating keynote address was followed by a panel discussion that debated; what academia is doing to ensure that it breaks free from the “Ivory Tower” mentality, and how academia and research institutions can contribute to processes that lead to the attainment of SDGs. Furthermore, the panel discussed; what universities can learn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), what CSOs can do to support Government’s drive to achieve SDGs, and the communities’ experience of progress made on SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG13: Climate Action.

Panelists (Left to Right): Mr. Ronald Kaggwa, Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya and Mr. Moses Nadiope. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panelists (Left to Right): Mr. Ronald Kaggwa, Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya and Mr. Moses Nadiope.

Panelists included Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa- Head Department of Environment Management, CAES, Mr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority (NPA), Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda- Executive Director ECOTRUST – the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya- Director of Operations Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) and Mr. Moses Nadiope-Chairman/Coordinator Kasubi Parish Local Community Development Initiative.

To learn more about the GORILLA Conference, please visit: https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug

Mark Wamai

Agriculture & Environment

Call for Grants to Develop Policy Briefs and Working Papers on Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students
(Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/)
    o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link
  • Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
  • RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.

IMPORTANT DATES

Call Opens: September 5, 2025

  • Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
  • Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
  • Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025

Mak Editor

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Mak Hosts TORCH Project Training Workshop on Clean Energy & Green Growth

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Some of the stakeholders and Makerere staff that participated in a workshop.

Written by Matila Tom Micah

Makerere University on 1st September 2025 held a training and retooling workshop for stakeholders under the TORCH Project. TORCH is a collaborative initiative between Makerere University, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-BOKU, Kyambogo University, Kabale University, University of Juba, and Busitema University. Funded by the OeAD-GmbH under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education Research for Development (APPEAR), the project seeks to strengthen cooperation between academia and local communities to promote green growth and environmental sustainability. The project aims to promote academic-community partnerships through living labs, training, research, and outreach.

The workshop, held under the theme “Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-Emission Society in East Africa: Strengthening Academic and Community Collaborations in Outreach, Training, and Research in Green Growth and a Healthy Environment”, brought together academics, students, policymakers, and community leaders. Together, they explored strategies for green growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, TORCH’s Principal Investigator, opened the event with an overview of the project, explaining key concepts such as green growth and the innovative Living Labs approach. He underscored the urgent need for African universities to lead the charge in green growth, a development model balancing economic progress with natural resource conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

While the country has adopted the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy, Dr. Musinguzi pointed out that universities have yet to fully integrate green growth principles into curricula, research, and community engagement. TORCH aims to bridge this gap by establishing three Living Labs in the Central, South-western, and Eastern regions of Uganda, focusing on enhancing teaching, community-driven research, and policy development.

Green Growth

In his presentation, Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the importance of adopting green growth as Uganda’s path to development. He described green growth as “environmentally sustainable economic progress that encourages low-carbon, socially inclusive development.” “Green growth is not merely about environmental protection – it is about creating a future where economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability coexist,” he explained.

Participants at the training workshop at the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University

Why Green Growth matters for Uganda

With Uganda’s rapidly growing population placing immense pressure on land, food, and energy resources, Dr. Musinguzi pointed out that per capita land ownership had significantly decreased, while climate change impacts such as floods, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall continue to threaten food security.

He stressed that pursuing green growth offers Uganda multiple benefits:

  1. For farmers, it ensures resilience to climate shocks, better yields, and access to innovations like solar irrigation and biogas.
  2. For the youth, it opens up new job opportunities in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly enterprises.
  3. For policymakers, it aligns development plans with environmental sustainability while attracting green investments.
  4. For households, it reduces energy costs, improves health, and enhances overall well-being.

Uganda’s policy commitments

The workshop highlighted national frameworks already in place to support green growth, including the National Environment Act (2019), the Climate Change Act (2021), and the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (2017–2030). These policies, coupled with Uganda’s Vision 2040, set a clear direction for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

Green technologies being piloted under the TORCH Project

During the workshop, Dr. Musinguzi showcased several practical innovations being piloted under the TORCH Project. These include:

  1. Solar home systems that cut fuel demand by up to 25%.
  2. Rainwater harvesting tanks that save 20,000–50,000 litres of water per household annually.
  3. Improved cook-stoves that reduce indoor air pollution and fuel consumption.
  4. Drip irrigation systems that minimize water loss by up to 60%.
  5. Biogas systems that convert organic waste into clean energy for households.

Despite these advances, uptake remains low. A 2024 UBOS report revealed that only 3% of Ugandan households currently use clean cooking fuels and technologies, way below international clean energy adoption targets.

The importance of Academia-community engagement in promoting green growth

The training emphasized the need for universities to serve as “living laboratories” for green innovations. Makerere University, through the TORCH Project, is integrating green growth concepts into its curricula, running pilot projects in communities, and training the next generation of sustainability leaders. “We are committed to bridging the gap between academic research and community transformation,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “Green growth must not remain in lecture halls, it has to be felt in farms, households, and cities across Uganda.”

Participants agreed that scaling up green growth is not just a policy ambition, but a national necessity. “With the right investments, awareness, and community involvement, Uganda can transition towards a zero-emission, climate-smart, and inclusive economy by 2040.”

Dr. Patrick Musinguzi addressing participants on the objectives of the workshop.

Insights from Participants

  1. Dr James Wasike Mangeni from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Makerere University highlighted the need to rebuild social structures and foster responsible use of resources within the university, calling on leadership to reinforce environmental management and nurture respectful behaviours among students.
  1. Dr. Isaac Newton Alou from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University praised the green growth and Living Labs concepts, urging incorporation of sustainability into infrastructure projects like green and solar rooftops, and enhancing student-led data collection for impact assessment.
  2. Dr. Anthony Mwije from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Makerere University stressed that green growth starts with personal discipline and should be embedded in university operations, including procurement and transport. He advocated for infrastructure supporting sustainable lifestyles, such as bicycle-friendly roads and reliable public transit.
  3. Dr. Olupot Giregon, Head, Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University raised concerns about the equitable distribution of green growth costs, especially for smallholder farmers, emphasizing stewardship and the importance of making green growth meaningful from curricula to end-users.
Dr. Olupot Giregon, Head, Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University sharing his views.

Living Labs: Innovation at community level

In rural Uganda, smoky cooking fires pose serious health risks for many families. The TORCH Project is tackling this issue by transforming households from passive energy users into active innovators, building a cleaner, healthier future.

At the heart of this initiative are Living Labs – community hubs where academia, industry, policymakers, and local residents collaborate to develop and test practical green technologies. These include biogas digesters that turn animal waste into clean fuel, solar power systems replacing hazardous kerosene lamps, energy-efficient stoves, and rainwater harvesting solutions.

Dr James Wasike Mangeni from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Makerere University highlighted the need to rebuild social structures and foster responsible use of resources within the university.

“Living Labs empower communities, especially women, who face the greatest energy challenges, to lead sustainable transitions,” said Dr. Musinguzi. “Students also work directly with villages, gaining hands-on experience in addressing Africa’s energy needs. A significant advantage is linking these efforts to carbon credits, enabling families to generate income by reducing emissions and turning climate action into economic opportunity.”

The TORCH Project plans to expand Living Labs throughout East Africa, supported by digital tools to accelerate clean energy adoption, climate action, and poverty alleviation. More than just projects, these Labs foster community pride and position local residents as innovators in the fight against climate change.

Hasifa Kabejja

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Uganda Urged to Strengthen Extension Services to Realize Climate Smart Agriculture Goals

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Fort Portal, Uganda

Uganda’s progress toward Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) will remain limited unless deliberate efforts are made to strengthen agricultural extension services and turn policy intentions into real impact for farmers.

This was the key message delivered at a high-level policy dialogue held in Fort Portal, which brought together over 30 district officials, researchers, and policymakers from 11 districts across the Bunyoro and Rwenzori sub-regions.

The dialogue, held at Night Rose Hotel, was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD)–Mak Centre, under Makerere University, coordinated by  the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg Sweden, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The event aimed to deepen local understanding of CSA and strengthen connections between policy frameworks and implementation at the grassroots.

In his welcome remarks, Baguma Brian James, Senior Fisheries Officer for Kabarole District, thanked the EfD team for bringing such a relevant discussion to the region. He described the event as a moment of professional and academic reflection, noting that many participants had been reawakened to concepts they once encountered in school.

“I’d like to thank you all for being part of these valuable engagements,” Baguma said. “As Kabarole District, we are actively participating in this project. Our farmers are progressing toward co-funding stages for input support.” He expressed hope that the dialogue would not only offer technical knowledge but also actionable strategies participants could take home and apply.

Dr, Nicholas Kilimani representing the Director EfD Mak Centre

Representing the Director of EfD-Mak Centre, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani underscored the importance of science in guiding agricultural decisions. He reminded participants that the EfD Centre’s functions include research, outreach, and policy engagement – all of which converge in dialogues like this one.

“The theme of this dialogue Smart Agriculture resonates with Uganda’s urgent need to sustain its agricultural backbone amid mounting pressures from climate change and human activity,” Dr. Kilimani said. He emphasized that decision-making must be grounded in scientific evidence rather than conjecture, pointing out that agriculture, while essential to Uganda’s economy, continues to suffer under environmental degradation, poor planning, and the effects of climate variability.

“We are no longer in an era of trial and error. Decision-making must come from science, not hearsay,” he added. Kilimani also highlighted the power of global collaboration, noting that the EfD network spans six continents, creating a powerful exchange of knowledge to support sustainability around the world. “We are using these global synergies to contribute to a sustainable planet—of which we only have one.”

Busingye Emmanuel Deputy RCC Fort portal City officially opening the dialogue

Fort Portal Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Busingye Emmanuel, officially opened the dialogue and welcomed participants to the city. He applauded the event’s focus on climate-smart agriculture but lamented the widespread failure to enforce environmental laws and coordinate government action effectively.

“Uganda is not short of laws or institutions to protect the environment. The problem is either poor coordination or outright inaction,” Busingye said. He cited the continued degradation of wetlands in Fort Portal as a key example of where environmental protection efforts fall short. While several government agencies exist to enforce these policies, their actions are often fragmented or undermined by personal and political interests.

“If we did what we are supposed to do, we wouldn’t have this level of environmental destruction,” he added. Busingye further urged participants not to treat the event as a box-ticking exercise but as a launching point for real implementation on the ground. “Let’s not attend workshops and stop there. Let us act on the ground.”

Presenting an overview of CSA, Dr. Peter Babyenda revealed sobering statistics about land use and degradation. He noted that agriculture accounts for 72% of Uganda’s land use and that 41% of this land is already degraded. If the current trend continues, by 2040, nearly 90% of Uganda’s land could be under agricultural use, intensifying environmental stress.

Dr. Peter Babyenda representing the Director EfD Mak

“Our natural forest cover once fell to 9%, though efforts to promote CSA have raised it to around 30%,” Dr. Babyenda explained. He warned, however, that only 30% of farmers in Uganda are currently practicing climate-smart techniques — a dangerously low figure given the urgency of climate change.

“CSA offers a triple win  increased productivity, improved resilience, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “But adoption remains low due to costs, lack of awareness, and poor access to technologies.” Dr. Babyenda also highlighted the European Union’s upcoming regulatory requirements on deforestation-free coffee exports, warning that Uganda could lose access to lucrative markets if it fails to embrace CSA practices. “Without climate-smart agriculture, our exports will suffer,” he stated.

Dr. Florence Lwiza Nsereko delivered an evidence-based presentation on CSA case studies  and emphasized the critical role of extension services in scaling CSA. She reiterated that agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use forms like livestock production remain Uganda’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Yet despite an abundance of policy documents, actual implementation remains weak.

Dr. Florence Lwiza Nsereko presenting research findings on Climate Smart Agriculture

“Climate Smart Agriculture integrates productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. But its adoption remains low because our extension services lack capacity,” Dr. Lwiza said. She pointed to key barriers in extension delivery, including lack of access to training, weak institutional support, and poor perceptions about CSA among field officers. Notably, she revealed that female extension workers often outperform their male counterparts in CSA delivery.

She further noted that Western Uganda is both highly vulnerable to climate shocks and densely populated, making it a prime candidate for CSA interventions. “Western Uganda is both a climate risk hotspot and an opportunity zone. Now is the time to act,” she concluded.

Adding another layer to the discussion, Dr. Aisha Nanyiti presented research on the role of renewable energy micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in transforming agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. She argued that clean energy and climate-smart practices must be pursued together to achieve inclusive, low-carbon growth.

Dr. Aisha Nanyiti presents a case study on renewable energy

“Agricultural modernization and climate goals can go hand in hand — if we remove barriers to clean energy,” she said. She stressed the importance of financial access, supportive regulations, and targeted capacity building to ensure that MSMEs can support CSA.

Closing the dialogue, Deputy Speaker of Fort Portal City, Tusiime Florence, expressed gratitude to the organizers but raised concerns over the sustainability of such engagements. She urged EfD-Mak and its partners to avoid the common trend of one-off workshops that do not translate into long-term support for local governments.

Deputy Speaker Fort City, Ms Florence Tusiime delivering the closing remarks.

“Workshops come and go, but no one returns to follow up with our communities,” she said. Tusiime called attention to the overwhelming workload and underfunding of agricultural extension officers, many of whom use their own money and have no transport to reach rural areas. “Our extension workers are overworked and underfunded. They have no motorcycles, no transport,” she said. “Yet they are expected to implement national climate and agricultural goals.”

She called for continued support and follow-through from Makerere University and the EfD-Mak Centre. “When farmers dry maize on bare soil, it’s not ignorance – it’s lack of training and support,” she noted. “If you come back and work with us, we will make CSA work.”

The Fort Portal dialogue highlighted the growing urgency to transition from policy declarations to farmer-level action, as climate shocks continue to impact agricultural livelihoods. While Uganda has made strides in crafting climate and agriculture policies — including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and CSA frameworks — weak operationalization, limited financing, and poor coordination remain major obstacles. Stakeholders agreed that building capacity, particularly among extension workers, remains the single most effective route to scaling climate-smart agriculture and delivering tangible impact where it matters most — at the farm.

Jane Anyango

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