The African Center of Excellence in Agro - Ecology and Livelihood Systems
About Us
The African Centre of Excellence in Agro-ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE), is one of the twenty-four World Bank Centers of Excellence in the ACE II Project. The main objective of ACALISE is to streamline the production of high level, well-motivated and ethically conscious critical mass of Agro-ecology and Livelihood systems experts. It is funded by the World Bank through the Government of Uganda as a regional center of excellence to collaborate quality postgraduate education as well as applied research to address key development challenges facing the East and Southern Africa and beyond. Uganda Martyrs University, the World Bank Group and the Inter-University Council for East Africa are jointly responsible for overseeing the activities of ACALISE.
Leadership

Dr. Jude Ssebuwufu
Center Director
I feel very proud to be part of this great project of World Bank and Government of Uganda known as Eastern and Southern Africa Centres of Excellence Project (ACE II). I thank the Government of Uganda and indeed the governments of the eight countries within this region for having expressed interest in participating in this regional project. The Government of Uganda not only expressed interest in the project but also (unlike other governments within the region) permitted all eligible Universities within Uganda, including Private Universities, to submit their proposals so that the best proposals are competitively selected. This is how our University, a privately owned (not-for-profit University, belonging to the Uganda Episcopal Conference) was selected. The Centre is making a difference in the area of Agro-ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE)

Dr. Joseph Ssemakula
Principal Investigator
ACALISE is hosted by Uganda Martyrs University at the Faculty of Agriculture. Uganda Martyrs University is a leader in Agro-ecological solutions related to climate change and livelihood systems and has trained top-notch Agro-ecologists on the African continent and beyond through its top-rated Programmes in Organic Agriculture and Agro-ecology. ACALISE integrates Ecology into a holistic Agricultural approach with direct benefits to livelihoods in East and Central Africa. It is premised upon a system thinking approach. ACALISE applies a system thinking approach in training Agro-ecology and food systems experts who will work with other stakeholders along the value chains to bring about better livelihoods. Uganda Martyrs University, the World Bank Group and the Inter-University Council for East Africa are jointly responsible for overseeing the activities of ACALISE.
Vision
To be a Regional Centre that is nationally and internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, learning, research, advancement of knowledge and community engagement.
Mission
To provide quality higher education, training and research for the betterment of society guided by ethical values
Main Objective
To streamline the production of high level, well-motivated and ethically conscious critical mass of Agro-ecology and Livelihood systems experts.