Agriculture & Environment
3rd GORILLA Conference Off to a Reflective Start
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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. 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. 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.
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 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
Agriculture & Environment
Enhancing Food Safety & Nutrition: Mak-CAES Equips Processors & Schools with Vital Skills
In a bid to enhance food safety, nutrition education, and the capacity of small enterprises, the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition (DFTN) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, implemented a dynamic outreach and training programme during the 2024/2025 recess term. The initiative encompassed a variety of activities, including school-based nutrition awareness campaigns, diagnostic pre-visits to local food processors, and an intensive two-day hands-on training workshop held from 8th–9th September 2025 at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering (SFTNB), Makerere University.
The programme sought to address key challenges in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product formulation, packaging and labelling, certification readiness, and market development for small-scale processors, while also strengthening nutrition knowledge among students and teachers in partner schools.
School trainings and diagnostics with local food processors
The programme commenced with school visits in July 2025 to Zainab Junior School (Makerere-Kavule), Hormisdallen Primary School (Kamwokya), and Makerere Modern Secondary School (Kikoni). Teams from the Department of Food Technology, and Nutrition engaged learners and teachers on balanced diets, hygiene, and the importance of locally available nutritious foods. Sessions also introduced students to career pathways in food science and nutrition.
Backed by student volunteers from Makerere University Human Nutrition Students’ Association (MUHUNSA) and the Makerere University Food Science and Technology Students’ Association (MUFOSTA), with support from NutriQuest, the Department conducted rapid diagnostics with local food processors in the bakery and dairy sectors. The assessments revealed a range of challenges: short shelf-life, poor fermentation control, packaging and labelling gaps, and documentation issues hindering the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) certification. These findings shaped the training curriculum.
From findings to action: Two-day practical training
The findings directly informed a two-day training held at the SFTNB from 8th– 9th September 2025. Attended by processors from across the cereal/grain and dairy value chains, including Calabash Dairies Ltd; True Uganda Adventures; Kikazi Agri Ltd; Sarah’s Cakes; AWAN Group; Green-door Supplies (U) Ltd; Glory Revolution Ltd; Westlink Delicacy Ltd; Mak-Soya Foods & Bakery; and Aleem Bakery, the workshop delivered practical sessions on:
- Good Manufacturing Practices and hygiene
- Product formulation and optimization
- Packaging, labelling, and UNBS compliance
- Equipment sourcing, waste management, and marketing
- Hands-on processing of yogurt (dairy, soy, millet-based), fruit drying, flour blending, and baking.
Outcomes
The initiative showed that simple, targeted improvements in processing practices can lead to significant benefits including enhanced food safety, improved product quality, and increased market confidence. In the classroom, nutrition education not only deepened students’ knowledge but also sparked interest in careers in food science. From small-scale processors to young learners, the initiative delivered broad, practical impact.
Commitments
Participants left with clear 60-day action plans, including:
- Improved batch documentation (e.g., pH, weights, traceability)
- Label standardization to meet UNBS guidelines
- Shelf-life testing and corrective action planning
- Product innovation (e.g., millet-yogurt blends, fortified flours)
- Follow-up visits with progress checklists and certification support
Remarks by the SFTNB leaders
In his remarks, Prof. Ivan Mukisa Muzira, Head of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, emphasized the value of academia-industry partnerships and encouraged participants to use the SFTNB’s facilities and expertise. He thanked the technical team – Dr. Robert Mugabi, Dr. Stellah Byakika, and Dr. Richard Bukenya, as well as the student associations that played a key role in delivery.
Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the SFTNB, reaffirmed the School’s commitment to fostering ongoing partnerships and collaboration with food processors. Highlighting the importance of continued engagement, she encouraged all processors to actively utilize the resources and support services provided by the Food Technology Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). Dr. Kigozi noted that the FTBIC is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and businesses in the food technology sector by offering expert guidance, technical assistance, and opportunities for innovation and growth. In the course of the event, Dr. Kigozi presented certificates of attendance to all the participants, acknowledging their commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge within the food processing industry.
Acknowledgement
On behalf of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Dr Robert Mugabi expressed gratitude to Prof. Ivan Mukisa Muzira, Dr. Julia Kigozi, the technical leads, the student teams from MUHUNSA and MUFOSTA, NutriQuest, and all participating schools and enterprises for their partnership and engagement.
More photos about the trainings at: https://shorturl.at/FohFj
Compiled by Dr Robert Mugabi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Technology & Nutrition, CAES
Agriculture & Environment
13th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection – October 2026
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Phase II of the RUFS Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Food Security in Kasese & Mbale Districts
Following the success of its initial phase, Makerere University has launched Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project, aimed at deepening food security and climate resilience in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City. Funded through the AgriFoSe2030 programme and coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, the project continues to address urban food system challenges through inclusive, climate-smart, and community-driven solutions.
Achievements registered under Phase I of the RUFS Project
Phase I of the RUFS Project delivered a range of impactful outcomes aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable urban food systems. The achievements included:
- Formation of smallholder farmer platforms
- RUFS established the Kasese and Mbale City Food Systems Platforms, empowering smallholder farmers to actively shape resilient urban food systems.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration
- The project facilitated dialogue among farmers, civil society, private sector actors, and local governments to improve coordination and governance.
- Exposure and exchange visits
- Learning exchanges and site visits enabled peer learning, spurred innovation, and encouraged the adoption of best practices across urban and peri-urban farming communities.
- Capacity building for local experts
- The project enhanced the technical and organizational capacities of local professionals, empowering them to lead and sustain resilient food system initiatives.
- Resource commitment from local governments
- Tangible commitments from local leaders demonstrated strong political will to support inclusive urban food systems.
- Recognition of smallholder farmers
- The contributions of smallholder farmers gained greater recognition, acknowledging their essential role in ensuring food security and urban resilience.
- Amplification of local voices
- Community stories, practices, and lessons were documented and shared widely, helping to shape urban food policies from a grassroots perspective.
Goals and focus of Phase II
Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Kasese and Mbale, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.
To achieve these goals, the project will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water and Environment, AidEnvironment, and potentially the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). It will engage a range of expertise, including flood and drought modeling, spatial analytics, economic assessment of loss and damage, and the reconstruction of socio-hydrological histories of river flows to inform current debates. Participatory methods will be central to the project’s approach, including charrettes (with role plays), walkshops and transect walks, participatory community mapping (of resources, actors, and hotspots), peer-to-peer learning, and experiential learning activities. The core team will be expanded to include policy actors, and innovative partnerships will be developed with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). The project will also explore opportunities for shared use of limited public land for demonstration purposes, and emphasize co-creation of knowledge among all stakeholders.
RUFS Phase II stakeholder engagement in Kasese
The RUFS project team, led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, conducted a stakeholder engagement in Kasese from 17th to 20th August 2025. The primary objective of the engagement was to formally introduce the extension phase of the project and to foster in-depth discussions with key stakeholders on strategies aimed at enhancing and strengthening the ongoing operations.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the local government, community leaders, implementing partners, and technical experts. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, the team sought to align the project goals with community needs and to ensure effective coordination amongst all parties.
The engagement provided a vital platform for stakeholders to offer insights, address challenges, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that will drive the success of Phase II of the project.
Highlights from the workshop
Held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese, the two-day workshop featured targeted presentations on enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change, effective emergency response mechanisms in the face of climate extremes, and the role of advocacy in advancing community-led climate adaptation strategies.
In their presentation, Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa (AidEnvironment) and Mr. Muhindo Assanairi Bukanywa (Kasese Agricultural Officer) shared insights on climate-resilient agronomic practices, covering a number of topics including land preparation, crop management, pest control, water conservation, postharvest handling, and market access.
Mr. Kipurah Gideon briefed participants on the role of the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in emergency response, offering an insightful overview of the organization’s operations within disaster management frameworks. In relation to the RUFS Project, which focuses on enhancing urban resilience and food security, Mr. Kipurah explained how URCS integrates emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact of crises on vulnerable populations.
In his address, Mr. Lhughabwe Wilson, Principal Community Development Officer, Kasese Municipality, emphasized the pivotal role of advocacy in building climate-resilient communities. He noted that effective advocacy enables local stakeholders to influence policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions, all critical to developing resilient urban food systems in the context of growing climate uncertainties.
Remarks and success stories by the RUFS Champions
During the workshop, RUFS champions alongside several farmers from Kasese Municipality shared their success stories, highlighting the positive impact their initiatives have had on the community. Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion, emphasized the need to integrate urban farming into wider infrastructure development plans. She highlighted the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization, which continues to consume valuable land and reduce green spaces. “It is vital that we implement innovative planning strategies to make the most of even the smallest plots of land.” To set a practical example, she personally practices urban farming at her home, demonstrating that it is both feasible and beneficial to cultivate crops within city environments.
Mr. Juma Wephukhulu, a dedicated urban farmer in Mbale City credits the support of the RUFS Project for his transformative journey from a small-scale backyard gardener to a prominent agricultural entrepreneur and community mobilizer. In 2012, inspired by the story of a Kenyan woman who turned her backyard garden into a thriving vegetable supply business for Nairobi’s hotels, Juma made a life-changing decision. He resigned from his job of managing a guest house and embarked on a mission to replicate similar success through urban farming. With only 45,000 Ugandan shillings and a family of six in a rented home, his resolve to succeed was unwavering. “I was driven by the idea that wealth and opportunity can be right on your doorstep,” Juma said.
Starting in 2014, Juma laid out a detailed plan to establish a demonstration farm and training centre, supply fresh vegetables to neighbours, sell seedlings and mature plants, produce organic manure, and train local farmers. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, his enterprise thrived, gaining traction through media appearances and community workshops.
A significant turning point came in 2021 when Juma was selected to participate in RUFS activities in Mbale. With the involvement of RUFS, Juma’s farm and leadership abilities gained greater recognition. He was elected Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform (MCFS), further amplifying his impact in the region. The project support went beyond training and resources; they sponsored Juma and his colleague Mary to attend the prestigious Harvest Money Expo in Kololo, providing funds for food, transport, accommodation, and allowances. The project also facilitated media documentation of Juma’s success story through NBS and Salt TV, helping share his inspiring journey widely.
With RUFS assistance, Juma and his team registered their platform as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in August 2022, gaining official recognition and access to wider partnerships. He recently completed a book chronicling his farming experiences, supported by RUFS, to inspire and educate others. “The RUFS Project has been instrumental in my growth, not just financially but in exposure, training, and networking. Their support has enabled me to dream bigger, including plans to establish a 10-acre incubator farm integrating crops, fish farming, poultry, and more,” he narrated.
Ms. Eunice Mutooro Sunday, an urban farmer in Kasese and lead smallholder on the RUFS Project, has become a passionate advocate for urban and kitchen farming in her district. Through her active participation in the RUFS Project, Ms. Mutooro gained invaluable exposure to innovative urban farming models and acquired advanced agricultural techniques that have significantly enhanced her farming practices. This experience not only deepened her knowledge but also ignited a strong passion to empower others around her. As a respected leader within her local church, she leverages her influential position to mobilize community members and champion sustainable agricultural practices. She has become the primary ambassador of the RUFS initiative in her congregation, where she leads training sessions focused on kitchen gardening and sanitation. To foster enthusiasm and engagement, she introduced friendly competitions among households, encouraging them to cultivate and consume a minimum of three different types of vegetables from their own gardens. This innovative approach has successfully motivated many families to embrace home-grown produce as part of their daily diet. Through her tireless efforts, she encourages everyone to become proactive agents of change.
Mr. Edrick Bwambale, a smallholder farmer based in Kasese Municipality explained how the RUFS Project inspired him to mobilise fellow youth to establish an organization focused on promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The organization, known as ‘Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI)’, is now working to address key challenges in food systems within Kasese District.
Remarks by the district officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Mayor of Kasese Municipality, Mr. Mapungo Rabson, together with the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Kambasu Zedekiah Kayiri, expressed appreciation for the RUFS project. They commended its forward-thinking and strategic approach in addressing the complex challenges facing the district, particularly those arising from rapid urbanization. Both officials emphasized that initiatives like RUFS are essential for promoting sustainable development, enhancing food security, and building the resilience of urban communities amidst increasing environmental and socio-economic pressures. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the need for a sustainability plan to ensure that the benefits of such initiatives are maintained and enhanced over time.
Assessment of the progress of RUFS Phase II
At the end of the workshop, the RUFS team conducted site visits to assess the progress of Phase I initiatives. One such visit was to Mobuku II Cooperative Society, a farmer group established during Phase I that now includes 385 members, many of them women and youth. The cooperative has successfully secured fair contract farming deals, embraced agribusiness, and adopted climate-smart practices.
During the visit, in-depth discussions were held with cooperative leaders to identify opportunities for RUFS to continue strengthening support for smallholder farmers in Kasese. The dialogue focused on scaling sustainable farming techniques, improving market access, and enhancing the cooperative’s capacity to build resilience against climate-related challenges.
Way forward to ensure sustainability of the RUFS Project
Participants proposed that the municipality allocates land for community demonstration projects. Moving forward, Phase II of the project will focus on establishing and developing local demonstration sites. These sites will serve as key platforms to showcase tangible progress, innovative approaches, and best practices to stakeholders and the broader community. This strategy aims to encourage greater engagement, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote the replication of successful models, thereby ensuring scalability and sustainability of the RUFS Project.
The project team held a similar engagement in Mbale City from 24th-27th August 2025.
Pictorial of the RUFS Project stakeholder engagement in Kasese Municipality –
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XM64I-bKTvGb-uN_w9jIxaAuOWJwFSZX?usp=sharing
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