Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices
Overview
Following stakeholder engagements in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality to introduce Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, it became evident that farmers in both regions face a range of challenges that significantly impact agricultural productivity. Among the most pressing issues are frequent floods, landslides, waterlogging, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which threaten food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
In response, the RUFS Project team has designed a series of targeted interventions aimed at addressing these climate-related challenges. Central to these efforts is the provision of specialized training to enhance farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental stressors. Through these trainings, smallholder farmers in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills in climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainability and resilience. Smart Agronomic Practices, as promoted in the training, focus on techniques that improve yield while conserving natural resources. This includes composting, pest control using natural extracts, crop rotation, intercropping, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource efficiency, the RUFS project aims to protect urban communities from the effects of climate change, price volatility, and food insecurity.
Training on smart agronomic practices in Mbale City
As part of this initiative, over 20 smallholder farmers in Mbale City recently received extensive training on Smart Agronomic Practices. The training, conducted from 6th to 7th October 2025 at Emilna Royal Mixed Farm in Industrial City Division, Mbale City, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen urban food systems by empowering farmers with sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective farming techniques tailored to the realities of a changing climate.
Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the RUFS project aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, particularly in informal and peri-urban communities where agriculture remains both a livelihood and a cornerstone for food security. Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Mbale and Kasese, 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.
Training in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides
During the two-day training, farmers were introduced to practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials. Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, the training venue, and home of one of the project beneficiaries, Ms. Emily Namalwa, served as a practical learning hub where theory met practice. Led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project, and backed by the Mbale City technical team, the hands-on sessions demystified the process of creating environmentally friendly agricultural inputs such as compost and bio-pesticides.
Step by step, the enthusiastic farmers were trained to formulate effective organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials such as cow dung, animal and human urine, ash, onions, pawpaw leaves, pepper, tobacco, luwoko (Phytolacca dodecandra), and muluuku (Tephrosia vogelii). These natural alternatives provide a sustainable response to the rising cost and environmental impact of synthetic inputs. They not only enhance soil health and increase crop productivity, but also reduce chemical residues in food, promoting safer and more resilient farming practices.
While conducting the hands-on sessions, Mr. Mbowa emphasized that these solutions are not only effective but scalable. “These are techniques that require no expensive inputs. Farmers can adopt them right away using the resources they already have at their disposal,” he said.
As part of the training, Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Drawing from his experience, Mr. Whepukulu highlighted the significance of proper soil preparation, emphasizing soil health and nutrient management as foundational to successful seedling development. He also stressed the importance of selecting high-quality seeds suited to local conditions and demonstrated effective maintenance techniques such as regular watering, timely weeding, and shading to protect young seedlings from excessive sun or rain.
According to Prof. Mugagga, the trainings that will be conducted over the next 18 months are a response to the urgent need for cities to reimagine their food systems amid rapid urbanization. “Urban agriculture is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge that makes their practices not only productive but also sustainable and adaptive to climate stress,” Prof. Mugagga stated.
Farmers’ views on the Training
- Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, expressed appreciation for the training. Her farm, located within Mbale City, produces a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), eggplants, matooke (plantains), and passion fruit, alongside poultry farming.
- Reflecting on the impact of the training, Ms. Namalwa said: “This has been eye-opening. I have learned that many of the resources we need to feed and protect our crops are readily available in our surroundings. What we once considered as waste can actually be transformed into valuable inputs for farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability.”
- She further narrated how the RUFS training reshaped her perspective on land use for farming: “Before this, I focused solely on cultivating coffee on a one-acre piece of land located far from my home. I never imagined that I could turn the small 100 by 100 plot around my house into a productive farm. Thanks to the training on urban agriculture, I now understand how to make the most of even limited space for food production.”
- Citing the benefits, Ms. Namalwa expressed gratitude for the continued support RUFS extends to smallholder farmers. “RUFS has given us the knowledge and tools to make urban farming not just possible, but profitable. I am truly grateful for their efforts in empowering farmers like me in Mbale City.”
- According to Mr. Mudoma Cassim, Chairman of the Nabuyonga Horticulture Farmers’ Association in Industrial City Division, Busamaga, Mbale, the training provided by the RUFS project was both timely and impactful. “For a long time, our farmers have heavily depended on inorganic fertilizers purchased from commercial outlets. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are not only expensive but also contribute to the degradation of soil health over time, leading to reduced productivity in the long run. The training we received on the production and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides has opened our eyes to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By learning how to produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally, we can significantly reduce the cost of inputs while improving soil fertility and overall yields.”
- “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the RUFS project team and their funders for this valuable initiative. It is my earnest appeal that such trainings continue, not only on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides but also on other important aspects of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, I humbly request that the project considers supporting farmer groups like ours with irrigation equipment, such as spray pumps. This would greatly enhance our capacity to maintain consistent production even during dry spells, ensuring food security and stable incomes for our members.”
- Mr. Ssenkoto Julius, a dedicated farmer from Industrial City, Masaba in Mbale District, is equally grateful for the support provided by the RUFS Project. He specifically commended the hands-on training he received on producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials, a skill he believes is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. “I primarily grow tomatoes, but I also cultivate sukuma wiki (collard greens),” he stated. “The knowledge imparted during the training was incredibly valuable. I have already begun applying the organic methods on my farm, and I am keen to observe the difference in performance between these natural products and the conventional ones purchased from agro-shops.” Mr. Ssenkoto also appealed to the RUFS Project to consider extending similar training opportunities in animal husbandry. “Many of us are mixed farmers,” he explained. “Equipping us with skills in livestock management would greatly enhance our productivity and improve our livelihoods.”
- Ms. Nekesa Josephine, a horticulture farmer from Northern City in Nkoma, Mbale District, appreciated the RUFS Project team for the training, highlighting its potential to transform farming practices in the region. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The training has opened my eyes to more sustainable and cost-effective methods of farming. I have already started experimenting with the production of organic fertilizer using cow dung, a practice I had not considered seriously before. If it proves successful, it will greatly reduce our dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers bought from agro-vet shops, which many of us struggle to afford. This kind of knowledge is not only practical but empowering, especially for smallholder farmers like myself. I sincerely hope that these trainings can be scaled up and extended to cover livestock management. Training in animal husbandry would go a long way in helping us improve both crop and animal productivity, ultimately boosting our incomes and food security.
During the training programme, participants were tasked to document the current status of their farms and agricultural activities. Coordinated by Mr. Peter Kasaija, a member of the RUFS Project, the exercise was intended to support monitoring and assessment of the impact of the RUFS Project initiatives.
The team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.
More photos from the training
Pictorial on the training:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17NeSVJvLn6wJjtzodL25XtN5arnXXNdz?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
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