Agriculture & Environment
EfD-Mak Holds Second Regional Training on Environmental Policy Tools for District Officials in Fort Portal
Capacity building focuses on natural resource evaluation, valuation, accounting, climate change mitigation and adaptation
Over 30 district environmental officers from 11 districts gathered in Fort Portal for a high-level training focused on environmental evaluation, valuation, accounting, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The first was held in Entebbe.
The training, held at Mofort Hotel, was organized by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) and funded by the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF). It brought together officers from Mubende, Hoima, Ntoroko, Kiryandongo, Kyenjojo, Fort Portal, Masindi, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, and Buliisa districts.
Facilitated by Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda, Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, and Dr. Nick Kilimani, the program aimed to equip district officers with the tools and skills to accurately value natural resources and integrate findings into local and national development planning.
“We Don’t Know the Value of Our Natural Resource” — Dr. Peter Babyenda Calls for Data-Driven Conservation
Dr. Peter Babyenda, EfD-Mak’s Policy Engagement Specialist, who also represented the Centre Director, underscored the strategic importance of natural resources under Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
“This training has come at a time when our country… expects sectors like agriculture, tourism, and minerals to contribute almost 75% of projected growth to UGX 500 billion by 2040,” said Dr. Babyenda.
He expressed concern over the lack of economic valuation for key ecosystems such as Mabira Forest, Bugoma Forest, Lubigi Wetland, and even Lake Victoria and the Source of the Nile.
“We don’t know the value of most of these forests and wetlands. Who knows the value of Lubigi? Who knows the value of Lake Victoria?” he asked.
Dr. Babyenda emphasized that district officers are best placed to collect this critical data due to their close proximity to the ecosystems.
UGX 150 Million Invested in Training to Fill Valuation Gaps
The EfD-Mak Centre secured approximately UGX 150 million from MakRIF to conduct the regional trainings.
“We decided to train district officials on how to collect information on environmental issues, value it, and analyze it — so that we know the real worth of these natural assets,” Dr. Babyenda explained.
He emphasized that the training would help officers understand how to evaluate development options, especially when faced with controversial land-use proposals such as constructing factories on wetlands.
In line with its research agenda, the EfD-Mak Centre has developed a Natural Capital Policy Assessment Model, which depends heavily on reliable, grassroots-level environmental data.
“This model requires data, and that’s why we’re training district officers — so they can supply what’s needed to inform national policies and contribute to the debate on conservation versus development,” he said.
Dr. Babyenda highlighted the challenge of balancing job creation for Uganda’s growing population with the urgency of environmental conservation.
“We must develop, yes — but we also need to conserve our environment for future generations,” he stressed.
He called for longer, field-based training sessions, stating that a comprehensive course should span two weeks, including hands-on site visits for practical learning
Next Steps: Jinja, Sembabule, and Post-Training Follow-Ups
Following earlier sessions in Entebbe and the current one in Fort Portal, the training will continue in Jinja and Sembabule. The EfD-Mak Centre plans to follow up with trained officers to assess how effectively they are applying new skills in the field.
Dr. Babyenda also encouraged officers to develop proposals for site-specific environmental valuation projects.
“If someone came up with a proposal to value Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls or Mabere ga Nyina Mwiru, they can find funding,” he said. “That’s what we are trying to ignite through this training.”
Training Addresses a Critical Capacity Gap
Dr. John Sseruyange, one of the lead facilitators, reflected on the disconnect between environmental laws and actual implementation due to limited training at the local government level.
“We found a gap among environmental experts at local governments. This training addresses that gap by focusing on evaluation, accounting, and climate change,” he said.
Dr. Sseruyange added that environmental impact assessments require on-site visits, public interviews, and technical studies, which demand resources beyond just staffing — including transportation, time, and access to data.
“These aren’t tasks you can do sitting in the office. It requires serious commitment, and that’s what we’re trying to build through this program.”
Dr. Sseruyange outlined how EfD-Mak moves from research to practice, conducting regional outreach, policy dialogues, and monitoring visits to ensure that training translates into real-world impact.
“We don’t stop at training. We organize dialogues with local governments, document their insights, and take findings to the national level to inform policymakers,” he explained.
EfD-Mak also uses multiple dissemination platforms including TVs, radios, journal articles, and policy briefs to ensure broader public engagement and visibility.
“We Must Help Communities Understand the Value of Nature” — Forestry Officer from Ntoroko
Jeremaya Munobi, a Forestry Officer from Ntoroko District Local Government, said the training was timely, especially for frontline natural resource managers.
“Communities graze in wetlands and engage in sand mining because they don’t understand the value of these resources in monetary terms,” Munobi said.
He emphasized the need for valuation data to make it easier to communicate the importance of environmental protection, design community-driven policies, and advocate for strategic conservation plans.
“When we lose wetlands like Kiyanja, what are we actually losing in shillings? That’s the question we need to answer, and this training is helping us do that.”
Munobi also pointed out that logistical challenges—including inadequate transport and limited funds—hinder local governments from fully executing their environmental responsibilities.
“There haven’t been consistent efforts to help communities understand what they lose when they degrade wetlands. That’s a major gap. If the government closed those gaps, we’d ensure much more effective management of our natural resources,” he concluded.
As Uganda grapples with the dual goals of economic growth and environmental protection, initiatives like the EfD-Mak training program are empowering local actors to become catalysts of evidence-based environmental governance. The Centre’s efforts demonstrate a long-term commitment to ensuring that local knowledge informs national policy, and that natural resources are preserved not just for beauty — but for their true, measurable value to Uganda’s future.
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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