Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Climate Adaptation workshop: Calls for Action to Mitigate Climate Change Threats to Agricultural Sector
Kampala, 19th December 2024: The Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, held a workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program.
The workshop, which took place on 19th December 2024, at the GIS Lab of Makerere University, focused on three key projects: Land Use Management & Artificial Intelligence for Crop Production, Land Use & Carbon Stocks, and Adaptation to Climate Change Induced Vulnerability. The goal of the workshop was to engage in-country stakeholders on interpreting the research findings and strategically applying them to mitigate the impact of climate change on Uganda’s agricultural sector across various agro-ecosystems and agro-ecological zones. Recommendations were drawn up in the form of policy briefs to guide climate adaptation efforts.
While officially opening the workshop the Dean of the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS), Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, extended a warm welcome to participants at the workshop, where he also delivered both the opening and closing remarks. In his address, Dr. Twinomuhangi commended the study’s Principal Investigator (PI) for successfully implementing the project and enhancing Makerere University‘s reputation. He expressed gratitude to the project’s partners for their collaborative efforts, as well as to the department for fostering an enabling environment for the research. Additionally, Dr. Twinomuhangi acknowledged the support of funders such as DGRT, whose contributions made the project possible.
The Dean thanked all the participants for their attendance, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work initiated by the project. He expressed optimism that the research would lead to publications in high-impact journals and be effectively packaged for policy and decision-making. As the workshop concluded, Dr. Twinomuhangi offered his well wishes for safe travels, a restful holiday, and a Merry Christmas, with hopes for a prosperous 2025.
Project PI Dr. Catherine Mulinde on Purpose of the Workshop:
Dr. Catherine Mulinde, Principal Investigator of the climate adaptation projects, addressed the workshop participants, outlining the purpose of the event. She emphasized that the workshop brings together three collaborative projects aimed at addressing climate change impacts on Uganda’s agricultural sector, with the involvement of Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and several funding institutions.
“The workshop encompasses three projects in one, and it’s a collaboration among the team members, the universities, and the donors,” Dr. Mulinde explained. She detailed the three projects, beginning with the Land Use Management and Artificial Intelligence for Crop Production project. This initiative focuses on modeling land productivity and management practices using artificial intelligence, supported by RUFORUM and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network on Climate Action in Africa (RAINCA), with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The second project, Land Use and Carbon Stocks, examines carbon sequestration practices in various districts, including Mbale, Serere, Nakapiripiri, and Palisa, and is also supported by RUFORUM and IDRC. The third project, led by Dr. Mulinde, explores adaptation strategies for regions severely impacted by climate change, covering a broader range of areas including Mbale, Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola.
Dr. Mulinde emphasized that the workshop aims to share key findings from these projects and engage stakeholders in validating and interpreting the results. “We don’t want to leave the results on the desks,” she stressed. “We want to make sure that these findings are shared with the people who can act on them in the communities.” A key goal of the workshop was to develop actionable policy recommendations, with input from local stakeholders who understand the practical aspects of implementing solutions. “You know the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ and you know where the resources are,” Dr. Mulinde said. “We want to develop recommendations that are not just theoretical, but truly implementable.”
Dr. Mulinde also acknowledged the challenge of translating complex scientific concepts like artificial intelligence into locally understood terms, highlighting the importance of making the research accessible to the community. “It’s one of the challenges in academia—translating science into language that our local communities can understand,” she noted.
She concluded with an invitation to stakeholders to provide feedback on the research findings and contribute to the development of policy briefs. These documents will be used to drive climate adaptation efforts at the local level, ensuring that the research can have a lasting impact on Uganda’s agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. “By the end of the day, we expect to validate the results, address divergences, and develop policy briefs that can be shared back with your communities for further action,” Dr. Mulinde concluded.
Uganda, ranked as the 49th least ready country in terms of climate change adaptation
Uganda, ranked as the 49th least ready country in terms of climate change adaptation, faces immense challenges in securing its agricultural sector from the impacts of climate change. MAAIF Commissioner Freddie Kabango, who was present at the workshop, emphasized the pivotal role agriculture plays in Uganda’s economy, livelihoods, and national GDP. He stated, “Agriculture is at the center of Uganda’s climate change discussions because it directly impacts the livelihoods of many Ugandans. With agriculture heavily dependent on natural resources, it is highly vulnerable to climate change.”
In his presentation, Commissioner Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Freddie Kabango discussed the diverse impacts of climate change on Uganda’s agricultural sub-sectors—crop production, livestock, and fisheries. He outlined how climate variability, manifested in extreme droughts, floods, and landslides, has already led to reduced productivity, crop destruction, and livestock losses. He further highlighted the critical importance of adaptation strategies in response to these challenges.
“Uganda is experiencing climate change variability, which is evident in extreme weather patterns. Our agriculture sector, which is primarily rain-fed, is one of the most vulnerable to these changes,” Kabango added. “Climate adaptation is crucial, and we need to protect our natural resources to secure the future of agriculture.”
The workshop also featured a series of discussions on the strategies Uganda is pursuing to enhance climate resilience, including research and development, sustainable land management practices, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural technologies. Kabango mentioned initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation systems and breeding for pest and disease-tolerant varieties to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Despite Uganda’s low ranking in climate adaptation, Kabango expressed optimism that through research, policy development, and collaborative efforts, the country could strengthen its climate resilience. “While we are currently ranked as the 49th least ready country in adaptation, we are not without solutions. We are committed to increasing research and development efforts to improve the country’s preparedness,” he said.
RUFORUM Representative Hails Student AI Innovations in Predicting Crop Yields and Livestock Carbon Emissions
RUFORUM Representative Mr. Yamungu Alongo Boniface highlighted the innovative contributions of AI to climate action during his remarks at the workshop. He began by introducing RUFORUM (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), a network of 180 universities in 40 African countries, with its headquarters based in Makerere University, Uganda. “RUFORUM started as a project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation,” he explained, recounting how it began with just 10 universities in five African countries and has since expanded significantly. “Uganda, and particularly Makerere University, has benefited greatly from the network’s growth, with many funding opportunities directed here,” he noted.
The evolution of RUFORUM was discussed, with Mr. Alongo explaining that in 2004, following the end of the Rockefeller Foundation-funded Forum for Agriculture project, the network formalized its mission as the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture. “From 10 founding universities, we now have 180 universities, covering all regions of Africa,” he shared. This growth has allowed for collaboration on numerous research projects, such as the AI for Climate Action initiative.
He described the partnership among RUFORUM, WASCAL, and Academia 2063, which secured funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to launch a research hub focused on artificial intelligence for climate action. “Makerere University applied for several grants, and though they were eligible for four, only two were granted to ensure broader continental representation,” Mr. Alongo explained.
In addition to the IDRC funding, Mr. Alongo noted that RUFORUM has been involved in other projects under the Global Research Alliance (GRA), funded by the government of New Zealand, which focuses on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and related research. “Prof. Mkwaya and other departments at Makerere, as well as universities in Kenya and Tanzania, have also benefited from GRA funding,” he said.
Highlighting the impact of the AI projects, Mr. Alongo celebrated the success of a student who developed a crop yield prediction model that outperformed international systems. “The model was more accurate than even DISSAT, a widely recognized tool for agro-technology transfer,” he pointed out. In livestock, students developed amodel which can launch a drone to count animals and the amount of carbon stocks emitted by the animals. He stressed the importance of sharing such findings with local communities and policymakers to ensure the research is implemented effectively. “We need to make sure our findings are used by those who can take action—farmers, policymakers, and ministries,” he said.
Mr. Alongo concluded with a call to action for further collaboration. “We need to mobilize resources to bring these innovations to the field and ensure they are implemented for sustainable change,” he urged. “This workshop is just the beginning, and we must work together to make a real difference.” He also passed greetings from RUFORUM’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Patrick Okori, emphasizing his support for the project and the ongoing efforts to disseminate the findings.
Key Insights and Policy Recommendations
The workshop brought together members of academia, policy makers from government ministries and agencies and representatives from research implementing districts. Participants delved into key issues affecting the region, offering insights and recommendations that could shape future policies and research in environmental management.
Group I: Land Use and Cover
One of the major discussions in the first group focused on the changing land use patterns and their impacts on soil fertility. As communities in the region expand their agricultural activities, they face the challenge of soil degradation, which reduces crop yields. Experts emphasized the need for sustainable land management (SLM) practices to restore soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity. Agroforestry, particularly in lowland areas, was identified as a key solution, alongside wetland restoration, which has been proven to store more carbon.
Participants also suggested that promoting plant diversity in agricultural areas could help increase carbon stocks. This would contribute to the region’s efforts to combat climate change and improve environmental resilience.
Policy recommendations from the group included prioritizing wetland restoration, promoting afforestation and forestation efforts, and enforcing stricter water management regulations. They also stressed the importance of effective urban planning and the establishment of disaster management committees at the local level to respond to climate-related challenges. Additionally, there was a call to compensate district extension workers for their role in promoting sustainable land practices.
Research topics highlighted for future manuscripts included environmental pollution, carbon stock modeling, the impacts of gender on land use and carbon stocks, and the relationship between migration, land use, and carbon storage.
Group II: Adaptation to Climate Change and Vulnerability
The second group focused on the vulnerability of communities to climate change and the need for effective adaptation strategies. A key takeaway was the importance of promoting climate-smart agriculture across all sectors, ensuring that agricultural practices are both sustainable and resilient to climate impacts. The group also called for the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into all sector work plans and budgets, urging governments to operationalize existing policies, which have often remained underutilized.
Community sensitization was identified as a major challenge, with many local stakeholders unaware of existing climate change policies. The group recommended that efforts be made to build the capacity of both policy implementers and communities to ensure that adaptation strategies are understood and implemented effectively. Affirmative action for the most vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and children, was also proposed to ensure that their specific needs are addressed in climate policies.
The group identified five key areas where local governments can influence policy design and implementation. These include promoting multi-stakeholder engagement, basing policies on evidence-driven research, integrating new technologies like AI into policy frameworks, and ensuring gender responsiveness and social inclusivity in national adaptation policies.
Group III: Land Management and Agricultural Practices
The third group discussed land management practices and the potential of technology to improve agricultural productivity. The group stressed the need for region-specific land management approaches, tailored to the unique challenges of different areas. They also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing decision-making processes, particularly in precision agriculture and irrigation management. AI can provide more accurate data and predictions, helping farmers make informed decisions and optimize resource use.
Another key message was the importance of education and knowledge sharing to improve the implementation of sustainable land management practices. Participants noted that many farmers lack access to essential information, which hinders their ability to adopt better practices. Ensuring that agricultural extension services are equipped with the knowledge and tools to train farmers in new technologies was seen as a crucial step toward improving productivity.
Policy recommendations from this group included enhancing the existing National Agriculture Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) to make them more region-specific and improving the integration of AI into agricultural extension services. There was also a call for the establishment of a national agriculture data infrastructure policy to support real-time data collection and forecasting, which would enable better agricultural planning and response.
Moving forward, the workshop concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to implement the recommendations discussed. The importance of evidence-based policies, the integration of new technologies like AI, and the prioritization of vulnerable communities were central themes throughout the discussions. As Makerere University continues to play a critical role in addressing climate change and land management issues, the insights gained from this workshop will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable policies for the future.
About the three Research projects
Dr. Catherine Mulinde presented three important research projects focused on addressing climate change, land use management, and agricultural productivity in Uganda.
Project 1: Carbon Stocks and Climate Change The first project, titled Effect of Changes in Land Use, Cover, and Climate on Carbon Stocks in Selected Agricultural Zones of Uganda, was led by Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, with Dr. Catherine Mulinde and Dr. Geoffrey Gabiri collaborating from Makerere and Kyambogo Universities, respectively. The project’s primary objective was to assess carbon stocks in vegetation and soils in two agroecological zones, Nakapiripirit and Manafwa in Mount Elgon. The team focused on evaluating soil carbon fluxes, the impact of land cover and climate change, and the heterogeneity of environmental factors on carbon levels. Additionally, they projected future changes in carbon stocks and land use scenarios. The research team included students Elizabeth Ahumuza and Vincent Wabwire, who explored the relationship between land use, soil carbon, and meteorological drought in Karamoja. The findings from this project were shared with the community and presented at international platforms.
Project 2: Responsible AI for Agricultural Productivity The second project focused on the application of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in modeling land productivity and crop yields in the face of changing climate and land use. Led by Dr. Mulinde, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, and Dr. Geoffrey Gabiri, the project aimed to explore how AI can assist smallholder farmers who are struggling with decreasing yields due to climate change. The project was conducted in the Lake Kyoga Basin, covering both the highlands (Mbale) and lowlands (Pallisa). The team used machine learning to quantify the relationship between climate change, land management practices, and crop yields, offering insights into how farmers can improve productivity. The project’s students, Irene Nekesa (Kyambogo University) and Kisakye Angela, conducted household interviews and community outreach, presenting findings at international forums, including the RUFORUM conference in Namibia. Angela’s poster was awarded the best presentation at the conference. The project highlighted the need for greater awareness and knowledge of AI in agricultural communities, as many local stakeholders struggled to interpret its potential.
Project 3: Climate Change Adaptation in Coffee Farming Systems The third project was a postdoctoral research initiative supported by Makerere University‘s Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, focused on adaptation to climate change-induced vulnerability in coffee farming systems. Dr. Mulinde was the principal investigator, with Associate Professor Revocatus Twinomuhangi serving as the research mentor. This study, part of the CECAP program funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aimed to identify the most effective adaptation practices to improve household welfare and agricultural productivity in coffee farming. The research focused on Arabica coffee in the Mount Elgon region (Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Mbale) and Robusta coffee in the central region (Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola). It identified agroforestry, soil conservation methods, and the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as effective practices for increasing productivity. The findings were disseminated at both community and international levels, with a focus on cross-sectional surveys, farmer interviews, and data analysis. Amina Twaha, and Margaret Annet Nabirye masters student, contributed significantly to the study by examining household vulnerability to climate shocks.
Agriculture & Environment
Policy Brief: Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in Uganda’s Refugee and Host Communities
Uganda’s refugee-hosting and vulnerable communities in Kyangwali (Kikuube district, part of former greater Hoima district) and Kasese district face severe risks from climate change, population pressure, and resource dependence, undermining livelihoods, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes. The Makerere-Cambridge project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) engaged communities through participatory research to identify adaptive practices, infrastructure gaps, and actionable strategies to address these issues.
Our findings are that integrated interventions including community training hubs for capacity building, climate-resilient infrastructure, and participatory resource governance can strengthen resilience, protect livelihoods, prevent potential conflicts, and support sustainable development.
More information: https://chart-cr.org/.
Key Messages for Policy
- In Hoima District: Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells are significantly affecting agricultural productivity and water availability, thereby threatening food security among refugees and vulnerable host communities.
- In Kasese District: Frequent floods and landslides are causing widespread disruption to agriculture, damaging infrastructure, and compromising food security and WASH services, especially for refugees and vulnerable host populations.
- Strengthening climate resilience requires combining infrastructure investments, community training, participatory governance, and livelihood support to address interconnected risks in food security, water, and sanitation.
- Refugee and host communities already demonstrate adaptive practices such as soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming which can be scaled and reinforced through participatory learning platforms.
- Women and children bear the brunt of water collection and household labor; inclusive strategies and equitable decision-making in WASH, agriculture, and resource management enhance both resilience and social equity.
- Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated community hubs for knowledge exchange and capacity building, and participatory governance could strengthen adaptive capacity, secure livelihoods, prevent societal conflicts between communities and protect health, education, and sustainable development outcomes.
1. Background
Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations under a progressive policy framework that promotes inclusion and self-reliance. Within this context, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Hoima District accommodates approximately 155,000 residents, of whom 99.7% are refugees. Women and children constitute nearly 80% of the population, underscoring significant demographic vulnerabilities. Increasing population density, coupled with declining land availability per household, has intensified pressure on natural resources. This has contributed to environmental degradation and heightened exposure to recurrent droughts, thereby constraining agricultural productivity, worsening food insecurity, and increasing dependence on humanitarian assistance. The host communities suffer from the same environmental changes, and the fact that the refugee and host communities are managed separately add to suspiciousness between them that might lead to rising tensions and potential conflicts.
Similarly, Kasese District has an estimated 750,000 people who rely heavily on rain-fed subsistence agriculture, with over 85% of the population dependent on this livelihood system. The district is highly susceptible to climate-related hazards, including recurrent flooding, landslides, and droughts. These risks are particularly pronounced along River Nyamwamba and within the Kilembe mining areas, where environmental instability continues to undermine water and sanitation, infrastructure, disrupt livelihoods, and pose significant public health challenges. The convergence of climate variability, rapid population growth, and high dependence on natural resources creates a complex and reinforcing cycle of vulnerability affecting both refugee and host communities.
2. Methodology
The project Communities of Hosts and Refugees Transitioning to Climate Resilience (CHART-CR) through workshops was designed to generate evidence to these challenges and inform integrated policy and programming. The project focused on the interlinked dimensions of climate variability, food security, livelihoods, and water availability across diverse ecological contexts, including lowland refugee-hosting areas and mountainous, flood-prone regions. Implementation was undertaken through a collaborative partnership between Makerere University, the University of Cambridge, and the Cambridge-Africa Programme, with financial support from the Mastercard Foundation and Cambridge-Africa.
The CHART-CR Project adopted a participatory and inclusive research approach, engaging stakeholders comprising refugees, host community members, representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and local government officials. Stakeholder selection prioritized gender balance, age diversity, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Data collection employed included workshop discussions, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations. This approach enabled the systematic capture of community perspectives alongside expert insights, generating context-specific, actionable evidence to inform policy and interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience, food security, WASH systems, and sustainable livelihoods.
3. Climate Variability and Environmental Pressures Key Policy Issues
In Kyangwali, rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic, with delayed rainy seasons and prolonged dry spells disrupting traditional planting and harvest cycles and significantly reducing yields. Deforestation associated with refugee settlement expansion has reduced soil moisture retention, biodiversity, and microclimate regulation, further undermining agricultural productivity.
In Kasese, floods from River Nyamwamba and recurring droughts threaten homes, crops, and infrastructure, displacing households and reducing agricultural yields. Both districts experience environmental degradation that exacerbates vulnerability to climate shocks.
Food Security and Livelihood Constraints
Shrinking per capita land provision, declining seed quality, limited access to farm inputs, and weak storage infrastructure constrain crop diversification and household self-reliance in both districts. Post-harvest losses and limited market access reduce household income, heightening vulnerability. Refugee-host interactions, including land rental, knowledge exchange, and market engagement, enhance resilience but might also create perceptions of inequality due to differences in institutional support.
Water Access and availability Challenges
Communities face water scarcity and contamination from communal usage, poor sanitation, and agricultural runoff. Women and children bear the primary burden of water collection, often traveling long distances, which reduces labor productivity and school attendance. In Kasese district, low latrine coverage, open defecation, and inadequate waste management increase exposure to waterborne diseases. Floods and landslides on Kasese further compromise water quality and availability and thus increase health risks.
Adaptive Capacities
Despite these challenges, communities demonstrate strong local knowledge and adaptive practices, including informal water management, soil conservation, intercropping, and water-efficient farming techniques. Participatory approaches, joint training in climate-smart agriculture, and collaborative livelihood initiatives foster social cohesion and knowledge sharing between refugees and host communities. Existing leadership structures, community awareness, and partial infrastructure provide a foundation for scaling resilience interventions.
4. Conclusions and Policy Directions
Climate variability, population pressure, and resource dependence significantly undermine livelihoods, food security, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) outcomes in Kyangwali and Kasese. Communities possess valuable experiential knowledge, adaptive practices, and social cohesion; however, structural constraints including weak infrastructure, limited financing, low technical capacity, and fragmented coordination – limit the effectiveness of local strategies.
To strengthen resilience, integrated interventions are required that bridge humanitarian response and long-term development, institutionalize participatory and gender-sensitive approaches, build human, social, and institutional capital, and align local priorities with technical expertise and policy frameworks. Key policy measures include:
- Establish and strengthen integrated community resilience centers that serve as hubs for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and practical training in climate-smart agriculture, environmental conservation, food storage, water management, and market access. These centers should also promote inclusive learning, skills development, and cooperative enterprises that support both refugee and host communities in developing sustainable livelihoods.
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Upgrade WASH systems, construct protected wells, boreholes, piped water networks, and communal storage facilities, and restore riverbanks through tree planting and drainage maintenance to reduce soil erosion and contamination.
- Promote Community-Led Resource Governance: Support participatory water, sanitation, and agricultural management, including monitoring systems for adaptive learning, equitable resource allocation, and gender-sensitive decision-making.
These combined strategies will enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
5. Call to Action
The experiences and lessons learnt from Hoima (Kyangwali Refugee Settlement and adjacent host communities) and Kasese (refugee and host communities living around River Nyamwamba) under the CHART-CR project highlight the urgent need for integrated, locally informed, and coordinated resilience strategies. By aligning technical expertise, policy frameworks, and community knowledge, stakeholders can enhance adaptive capacity, secure sustainable development outcomes, and protect livelihoods, food security, health, and education for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. Further details about the CHART-CR project, its research, and outcomes can be accessed at https://chart-cr.org/
About the Authors
 Dr. Gabriel Karubanga Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda |  Dr Irit Katz, Assoc. Prof. of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK |  Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Makerere University, Uganda |
Important Contacts
- Dr. Gabriel Karubanga, Lecturer, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256782929971; email: gabriel.karubanga@mak.ac.ug
- Dr Irit Katz, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge; email: ik300@cam.ac.uk
- Mr. Frank Mafumo, PhD student, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel. +256774171519; email: mafumofrank2020@gmail.com
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Agriculture & Environment
Prof. Isa Kabenge Officially Hands Over Leadership of DABE to Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Isa Kabenge has officially handed over leadership of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to Prof. Joshua Wanyama. Prof. Kabenge has served as Head of Department since 2021, providing four years of leadership marked by institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded academic output. Prof. Wanyama will serve as Head of Department for a four-year term, effective 6th May 2026.
The handover ceremony, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) on 4th June 2026, was attended by key university officials and members of staff from the department. These included the Director of Human Resources, Makerere University, represented by the CAES Principal Human Resource Officer, Mr. Julius Lebo; the Dean of SFTNB, Dr. Julia Kigozi; and the Head of Internal Audit, represented by the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi.
Remarks and Appreciation by the Dean
In her remarks, Dr. Julia Kigozi commended Prof. Kabenge for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership. She appreciated him for the cordial working relationship, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to institutional development. She particularly acknowledged his efforts in initiating and strengthening partnerships with both local and international partners, which have significantly enhanced the department’s academic and research profile.
Dr. Kigozi congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would build on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Reflections from Prof. Kabenge
Prof. Kabenge expressed gratitude to the University Management, as well as the staff of DABE, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department over the past four years. He also acknowledged the support extended to him by the College and School leadership throughout his tenure.
“My time in office coincided with particularly challenging circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, I commend the resilience, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated by staff, which enabled the department to continue progressing. This experience has affirmed that DABE has an exceptional team with immense potential that can be leveraged to elevate the department to even greater heights,” he said. “It has been an honour to serve as Head of Department. As I step down, I do so with full confidence in the direction the department is taking.”
Prof. Kabenge encouraged staff to continue strengthening the culture of collaboration that has become a hallmark of the department, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary engagement. “Many of the issues the department addresses, such as water security and climate-smart agriculture, are complex and require diverse expertise and collaborative approaches,” he noted.
Prof. Kabenge pledged to continue supporting the department, particularly in the areas of research and collaboration.
Achievements registered
The overarching goal of DABE is to remain a leading center of excellence in agro-production and food systems within the region and across East Africa. The Department currently hosts approximately 315 students and offers a range of academic programmes, including the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Water and Irrigation Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Bioprocessing Engineering, Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering, and a PhD in Agricultural Engineering.
Strengthened Research Profile
Prof. Kabenge leaves office at a time when the department has established a strong research profile, with academic staff producing more than 40 publications annually. Research within the department spans a wide range of thematic areas, including soil, water and irrigation engineering; bioprocess engineering; food processing, preservation and bio-based materials; nanotechnology and bioprocessing technologies for agriculture; artificial intelligence and engineering modelling; and power and machinery for sustainable agriculture. This growing research output has been complemented by an expanding network of collaborations that has strengthened the department’s capacity for innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical impact.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building
In addition, DABE has developed several practical training and research facilities, including a fabrication workshop at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), aquaculture ponds, irrigation demonstration and experimental systems, post-harvest handling facilities such as refractive window dryers and hybrid solar dryers, and a water science laboratory currently under development. Many of these facilities have been established through research projects funded by both local and international partners.
The Department also hosts the Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship, a capacity-building programme implemented in partnership with the Aquaya Institute. The fellowship trains students and early-career professionals in water quality monitoring, testing, and management through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and field-based research. It aims to strengthen Africa’s water workforce, improve access to reliable water quality data, and support safer drinking water systems. The programme is part of a five-year regional initiative (2021-2026) operating through universities in Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Welcoming the New Head
Prof. Kabenge congratulated Prof. Wanyama on his appointment and encouraged him to sustain and further strengthen the department’s local and international partnerships. He specifically encouraged the revival of visiting professorships and deeper engagement with the department’s expanding and well-connected alumni network.
Remarks by the University Officials and Incoming Head
The Director of Human Resources, represented by Mr. Julius Lebo, commended the outgoing head for his dedicated service and welcomed the incoming head, appreciating his willingness to take on the leadership role.
Similarly, the College Bursar, Ms. Susan Kyamulabi, praised Prof. Kabenge for his professionalism, strong administrative organization, and prudent management of departmental funds.
In his remarks, Prof. Joshua Wanyama expressed gratitude to University Management for his appointment, and to Prof. Kabenge, for his exemplary servant leadership and mentorship. He acknowledged the department’s steady growth under the outgoing head and thanked staff for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead them.
“I pledge my full commitment to serve. DABE is known for excellence and delivery, and I intend to uphold and strengthen that legacy. We shall continue working as a team to pursue excellence and further develop our department,” he said.
Brief about Prof. Joshua Wanyama
Prof. Joshua Wanyama is a Ugandan academic and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), a Master of Science in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University.
With over twenty years of experience in teaching, research, and academic mentorship, he specializes in irrigation engineering, water resources management, watershed systems, and climate-smart agriculture. His work focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural water systems and strengthening climate resilience in Uganda and the wider region.
He has supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributed to curriculum development, and served as an external examiner for a number of universities across Africa. He is a registered professional engineer and an active member of professional bodies including the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
In recognition of his academic excellence, he was named among the top-performing mid-career researchers and lecturers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards.
Pictorial of the handover ceremony:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjIS9_8mPM5HVr7UAFP7ik43kkpj-WOY?usp=sharing
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