“Toward health equity, inclusive governance, and climate adaptation in African Informal Settlements”

Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, on 6^th March launched a new project titled: The Urban Futures Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange. The Urban Futures project is the first learning lab initiated to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange amongst the various stakeholders and inclusive decision-making process that addresses complex challenges faced by informal settlements in Kampala.

Project Partners: Makerere University, University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, Institute of Development Studies, Sierra Leon Research Centre, Training and Research Support Centre, Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Act Together Uganda, and Focus for Life Development Link.

Unveiling the Urban Heat Management Handbook

During the launch event at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Urban Heat Management Handbook was unveiled to help raise awareness and promote knowledge exchange on heat stress. The handbook covers critical topics such as understanding heat resilience, assessing heat risk, planning for heat resilience, responding to heat waves, and providing solutions for heat resilience.

The Urban Futures project will highlight the multifaceted risks faced by informal residents and workers, aiming to create South-South learning opportunities to address these inequitable threats. The study will focus on vulnerable populations in informal settlements and workers, seeking to identify equitable adaptation pathways to address climate risks that exacerbate health disparities.

Project Approach

The project will adopt a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, focusing on developing health adaptation strategies, building resilience, and fostering growth through knowledge co-generation, continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement. The research will be conducted in three large African cities on the frontlines of climate change: Kampala (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). Through interdisciplinary and participatory methods, the study will gather evidence on how climate-related risks impact the daily lives of residents and workers in these areas.

 Key Remarks

In his opening remarks, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, described the learning lab as an essential space for dialogue among stakeholders in informal settlements. “The Urban Action Lab is our space to discuss urban development challenges together as a community, to find effective solutions,” he said.

Ms. Anita Kusiima, representing the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spoke about the challenges posed by attitudes toward enforcement. “KCCA has initiated strategies like greening, skilling, and livelihood programs. However, we struggle with enforcement. Until statistics like these are shared with communities, people don’t realize how much we are destroying our environment. It’s common to wake up and find over 40 trees have been cut down overnight. In places like Nakasero, many trees are cut during the night. As a country and a city, we face not only poor attitudes toward the law but also towards the quality of life we want to achieve,” she said. “Urban farming has seen success at the household level, greening has been effective, and school programs aimed at raising awareness have also been successful.”

Dr. Robbinson Kabanda, a Veterinary Doctor at KCCA, emphasized the learning lab’s potential in addressing issues such as budget cuts and the impacts of climate change on Kampala. “With budget cuts affecting many funded activities, this is a great opportunity for Kampala, where the majority live in informal settlements and are especially vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “These collaborative spaces foster innovation and experimentation in urban contexts, bringing together various stakeholders and practitioners to address complex urban challenges through shared learning.”

Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, from the Research Urban Action Lab, highlighted the power of the urban learning lab in addressing urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, improved decision-making, and public involvement.

Issues highlighted at the Launch

1. There is a critical need for timely interventions to address heat stress and other challenges facing informal settlements.
2. Informal settlements lack sufficient space for tree planting.
3. Trees take time to mature, making them a long-term solution.
4. Reducing electricity costs and improving water access are immediate priorities.
5. Solar energy use is vital for reducing heat stress, particularly in households.
6. Strong government policies on heat stress, such as promoting the use of mosquito nets, are essential.
7. Wetland degradation and tree clearance are major contributors to heat stress.

View on CAES

Are you passionate about tackling climate-related challenges and empowering climate-affected communities in Africa? Do you aspire to complete academic research with a real-world impact? Join Climares, a groundbreaking research project that supports the climate resilience of at-risk populations in five African countries. For our work in Uganda, we are looking for 2 PhD candidates who will work with either smallholders or refugees and other stakeholders using innovative, participatory research methods. The positions are initially for one year, extended, conditional upon good performance, to a maximum of five years, on a full-time basis. The positions are based in Makerere University, Uganda, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences. If successful, the applicants will receive a joint/dual degree with Wageningen University, The Netherlands [PhD A- smallholders] or Erasmus University Rotterdam [PhD B- refugees].

Expected starting date: July 1^st – August 1^st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description – what you will do?

You will be part of an exciting new research project called Climares (www.climares.nl). Climares is a consortium of 7 African and 7 Dutch universities, along with societal partners, working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Morocco, Senegal, and Uganda. Our mission is to support at-risk populations—smallholders, fisherfolk, urban outdoor workers, pastoralists, and displaced people—by transforming weather and climate data into actionable insights that enhance resilience and enable early adaptation. Climares uses participatory digital and in person research, co-created climate storylines and advocacy methods to ensure that weather and climate information becomes accurate and actionable and integrated with local knowledge systems.

Within the scope of the project, you are expected to develop your own PhD research focus and thematic interest, in close collaboration with your supervisors. The supervision team consists of African and Dutch academics with a range of research areas. You will also be part of an interdisciplinary group of eleven PhD researchers, who are recruited from the five African countries and who will be the core of the Climares project. The PhD researchers will work independently and in collaboration, by sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences.

The PhD projects in Uganda centre around action-oriented research with communities and other stakeholders, such as civil society actors, private actors, and government representatives. The projects aim to support the agency and resilience of communities by creating and supporting Knowledge∞ Action (K∞A) networks. These networks are composed of all stakeholders that have an interest in the resilience of a population group, including affected communities. As a PhD researcher, you will be responsible for setting up and facilitating these networks over a five-year period, and for collecting data on the process. For the duration of the project, you will be part of the Climares Academy that meets online for one day per week for training, supervision and meetings with your peers.

1. Project A (SMALLHOLDERS) will focus on the climate-related challenges and innovation strategies of smallholders engaged in cash crop production, notably highland coffee cultivation.
2. Project B (DISPLACEMENT) will focus on refugees and other forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, and their resilience strategies in relation to their experienced climate-related threats and uncertainties.

Where you will work

These PhD positions are based in Uganda, with occasional travel to the Netherlands (or other countries) for training purposes and consortium meetings.

The PhD trajectories will start with an intensive two-month training in the Netherlands. After this, you will return to Uganda to spend significant periods of time with either smallholders or refugees and to start working on the Knowledge∞Action (K∞A) networks. During this period, you will attend online training and reflection meetings one day per week.

You will be a member of the Climares PhD school, called the Climares Academy. Training will include academic courses as well as training on skills and content required for Climares, and individual career development support. Training will be provided by members of the Climares consortium, including academic partners and societal partners such as the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, Deltares, and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. PhD candidates will receive cutting-edge teaching and mentoring from a diverse range of experts, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Supervision and degree

The supervision teams for these PhD projects will consist of scholars from Makerere University and Wageningen University for PhD -A and scholars from Makerere and Erasmus University for PhD-B. With your supervisors, you will develop a detailed PhD project plan, including research activities and milestones. You will also jointly develop and regularly monitor your own career development plan.

You will be admitted to and graduate from Makerere University, as well as – through joint/dual-degree arrangement – from Wageningen University (PhD-A] and Erasmus University [PhD-B] in the Netherlands.

Requirements

We are looking for an interdisciplinary team of PhD researchers. We therefore invite candidates with various profiles to apply.

Requirements for both candidates:

1. You have a master’s degree or an equivalent diploma in social sciences, climate sciences, geographical sciences, environmental sciences or a related field;
2. You have experience with, and a strong affinity for, research related to climate change, climate resilience, climate change impacts, or climate vulnerability;
3. You possess strong research skills, either qualitative or quantitative, and have experience working with communities, preferably using participatory methods;
4. You are motivated to develop your methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative research;
5. You are a resident of Uganda, or have extensive experience working in Uganda, preferably with either smallholders (PhD-A) or refugees (PhD-B). For participatory research with communities, it is important that you are familiar with local customs and that you speak one of the relevant local languages.
6. You are able to carry out your work independently and proactively, and you are also able to work well in a team. You support the idea of interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge sharing.
7. You have excellent academic skills (analytical thinking, scientific writing and presentation), evidenced for example by a good review of your master’s thesis and potentially some scientific publications;
8. You have excellent social skills that will allow you to work with communities, other stakeholders and other PhD candidates over a long period of time.
9. Proficiency in English is a must. Graduation at one of the Netherlands universities must be done on the basis of a dissertation in English.

What we offer

We offer you an interdisciplinary PhD position, where you will obtain academic skills with practical application, in an enthusiastic team of world-renowned scholars and organizations working on climate issues.

The expected start date of this position July 1^st – August 1^st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. You will be based at Makerere University, the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, one of the Departments within the School of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

We offer a competitive remuneration as well as research costs.

The initial contract has a duration of one year (12 months), to be extended to five years conditional upon performance.

About the Home University: Makerere University

General description

Established in 1922 as a technical college, Makerere University was affiliated to the University of London until 1963 when it became one of the three constituent colleges of the University of East Africa. It became an independent University in 1970 by Act of Parliament. This status continued until 2001 when the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act was enacted (https://mak.ac.ug/about/facts-figures). Makerere University is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs.

The successful PhD candidates will be hosted at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, one of the Departments within the School of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/colleges-departments). The Department offers crosscutting academic programmes and research, combining the aspects of Human, Physical and Environmental Geography. Our research foci spans climate science, climate change and earth observation; Coupled human-environment systems, demography and development; disaster risk management and reduction and Urban and regional systems, transformations and sustainability.

About the Host universities

A) Wageningen University

Position A, focusing on smallholders, will be co-supervised by Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Wageningen University is the most renowned life science university in the Netherlands, hosting high quality research and training on biodiversity, climate change, food security, health, and society. The mission of the University is ‘ to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’. The university contributes with impact-oriented often interdisciplinary research and hosts a strongly international community of staff and students. https://www.wur.nl/en.htm

The PhD research on smallholders is interdisciplinary in nature. The supervision team from Wageningen University will combine social science (from the chairgroup Sociology of Development and Change, SDC, part of the Social Science Department) and environmental science (from the chairgroup Soil Physics and land management, SLM). SDC hosts expertise on rural and urban development, natural resource governance and conflict, vulnerability and resilience; and a strong tradition of fieldwork and collaborative methodologies. SLM hosts expertise on sustainable land management, soil and water conservation, and farmer-led adaptation and innovation.

B) Erasmus University

Position B, focusing on refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, will be co-supervised by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), part of Erasmus University, in the Netherlands. ISS is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social science. Established over 60 years ago, ISS brings together academics and students from the Global South and North to study political, economic, and social developments in transition economies. It has a long tradition in action-oriented research and a wide range of expertise working on and with African societies.

The PhD candidate will be embedded in The Hague Humanitarian Studies Centre, a research centre for academic and applied research, teaching and training, and networking and impact in the field of humanitarian studies that focuses on the impact of humanitarian crises, including climate-related disasters and displacement.

Application process

The deadline for applications is 25 March 2025. You can apply by emailing your application to:

Position A: climares-phdapplication@wur.nl PLUS frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug
Position B: climares-phdapplication@wur.nl PLUS paul.mukwaya@mak.ac.ug

Clearly indicate whether you are applying for position A (smallholders) or position B (refugees).

The application must be in English. Please note: We strongly discourage the use of generative AI in your application.

Please include the following documents:

1. A motivation letter (max. two pages)
2. A curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Names and contact details of two referents
4. A concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the intended focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus
5. publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

After reviewing all applications, we will make a shortlist of candidates who are invited for an interview. There might be a second interview before a final selection is made.
Interviews will be online and are to be scheduled for April 9, 10, and 11.

Further information

For more information on Climares, please visit: www.climares.nl

For specific questions, please contact:

1. Prof Frank Mugagga; Email: fmugagga@gmail.com or frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug for the position on smallholders (position A)
   or
2. Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya; Email: pmukwaya@gmail.com or paul.mukwaya@mak.ac.ug for the position on refugees (position B)

Uganda’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, with the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote agro-industrialization. The government has set ambitious targets, including increasing agriculture’s contribution to the GDP, ensuring food and nutrition security by 2030, and creating decent employment opportunities for women and youth, with the goal of halving poverty levels by that same year.

To support the realization of the National Agro-industrialization Agenda and Uganda’s Vision 2040, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), with the support of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) and the APEX platform, officially launched the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) on 24 February 2025. The APRC aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that Uganda’s agricultural policies are grounded in solid empirical data and research. By employing analytical methods and using nationally representative data, the Centre will provide valuable insights into Uganda’s agri-food systems’ challenges and opportunities. Its goal is to contribute to the creation of sustainable, impactful agricultural policies that enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of Uganda’s farming communities.

Objectives of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre

The primary goal of the APRC is to promote increased use of research evidence in policy-making, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in objective, data-driven analysis. The key objectives of the Centre include:

1. Supporting the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of national development plans, programmes, projects, and policies.
2. Generating analytical outputs from major datasets, such as the Uganda National Household Survey and the Annual Agricultural Survey, to inform national policy.
3. Building the capacity of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in monitoring and evaluation, data management, and analytics.
4. Strengthening collaborations between CAES and development partners to enhance sustainable agricultural policies.
5. Advancing the employability of Applied Economics students through training in data analytics.
6. Ensuring effective integration of research outcomes into executive decision-making processes.

Anticipated Outcomes

The launch of the APRC is expected to yield several key outcomes, including:

1. Strengthened integration of research into the national policy-making process.
2. Increased awareness and engagement with the Centre’s mandate by stakeholders.
3. The establishment of networks among government entities, academic institutions, donors, and research partners.
4. Enhanced capacity for MDAs through specialized training in data management and analytics.
5. Improved employability for students and researchers in Applied Economics.

The Inaugural Launch Event

The APRC was officially launched by Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), represented by Mr. Steven Byantwale, the Commissioner for Crop Protection, on 24^th February 2025. The launch ceremony was attended by prominent scholars and practitioners from the agricultural sector, who engaged in discussions on the role of academia and think tanks in shaping national policies.

 Remarks by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries

In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze highlighted the importance of the APRC, emphasizing its role in improving agricultural policies through research, data, and stakeholder engagement. The Minister noted that past agricultural policies often lacked empirical data, leading to inefficiencies and poor implementation. “The APRC’s focus on rigorous research and collaboration with various sectors will ensure that policies are data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable,” he noted.

The Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security in line with Uganda’s strategic priorities. “APRC’s work will be closely aligned with the Ministry, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery, promote agricultural innovation, and improve value chains.”

He urged all stakeholders to actively engage with APRC, stressing the need for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. The Minister extended appreciation to all development partners for their support in funding research and policy development. He encouraged researchers and academics to use APRC as a platform for innovative and impactful solutions.

 On behalf of the Minister of State for Animal Industry at MAAIF, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Dr Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, the Commissioner for Animal Health, underscored the importance of connecting research with policy. “For a nation to progress, its actions must be rooted in research,” she emphasized, calling for the creation of policies that can effectively promote the adoption of research findings.

Former Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Victoria Ssekitoleko, highlighted the need for research that tackles the real challenges faced by local communities. She suggested revisions to the Bachelor of Agriculture programme to better align with the evolving demands of the industry. “It’s essential to equip individuals in Agricultural Extension and Agribusiness with skills in public speaking,” she emphasized. Additionally, Hon. Ssekitoleko called for the implementation of policies to regulate the real estate sector, which is believed to be rapidly consuming agricultural land.

Vice Chancellor’s address

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Prof. Robert Wamala, Director Research and Graduate Training emphasized the significance of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) in advancing evidence-based policy for Uganda’s agricultural sector. “Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support evidence-based policy processes in Uganda’s agricultural sector, and as the host institution, we take immense pride in this achievement,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the APRC will bridge the gap between academic research and policy-making. “This Centre will complement existing efforts and will serve as a hub for cutting-edge policy research, drawing on the expertise of our renowned faculty, researchers, and graduate students. By working closely with government ministries, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations, APRC will translate research findings into actionable policies that benefit farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader economy. Additionally, APRC provides a unique learning and training platform for students and young researchers who aspire to shape the future of agricultural policy in Uganda and beyond. I specifically commend the strategic partnership with the APEX platform of the Office of the President in this initiative,” he explained.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for recognizing the importance of the APRC by providing the necessary support for its establishment. He also acknowledged the financial and technical support of the Centre’s development partners, whose contributions are expected to leave a lasting impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector.

In a special way, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Principal of CAES and the leadership of the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (DANRE) for their dedication to guiding the initiative.

Principal, CAES

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Principal of CAES, described the launch of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) as a significant step in transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector. She explained that the Centre seeks to tackle ongoing challenges, such as low productivity, the impacts of climate change, market inefficiencies, and gaps in policy implementation. “The APRC is designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making, ensuring that agricultural policies are grounded in credible, data-driven insights,” she said. “Its main objective is to provide empirical evidence that will guide decision-making, monitor agricultural trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies. The Centre is also committed to building the capacity of future agricultural policy analysts and promoting collaboration among academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.”

The Principal explained that the Centre will host policy roundtables, stakeholder forums, and consultations to foster dialogue among government agencies, private sector leaders, farmer organizations, and development partners. “These platforms will drive solutions to Uganda’s agricultural challenges.”

She acknowledged the invaluable support from the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) in establishing the APRC. Prof. Nabanoga invited stakeholders, including researchers, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to engage with the APRC in generating relevant research and advocating for policy reforms that will shape the future of Uganda’s agriculture.

The workshop featured a panel discussion with experts from both the government and private sectors, exploring the crucial role that academic institutions and think tanks play in shaping national policies. Additionally, the event featured presentations on Uganda’s value chains and the development of its livestock infrastructure.

The APRC is coordinated by Prof. Bernard Bashaasha under the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (DANRE), School of Agricultural Sciences at CAES.

Video of the launch proceedings: 

Additional Photos from the event

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