The African Centre of Excellence in Agro-ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE) on Thursday, 20th June 2024 launched and handed over six outstanding enterprises/facilities to the Management of Uganda Martyrs University. The event took place at main campus Nkozi.
With funds from World Bank, ACALISE was able to put in place six facilities and these include:
1. UMU-ACE Radio: A platform for disseminating knowledge, research findings, and best practices in agroecology and livelihood systems while fostering community engagement.
2. Postgraduate Students Hostel: A dedicated residence for postgraduate students, providing a conducive living and learning environment.
3. Feed Mill Facility: Enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting local farmers with cost-effective animal feed solutions.
4. Agriculture Mechanization Facilities: The multi-purpose tractor and its implements to improve farming efficiency and productivity.
5. State-of-the-Art Soil Laboratory: Facilitating advanced soil analysis and research to support sustainable agricultural practices.
6. Seminar Room for Short Course Trainings: A venue for training and capacity-building programs in agroecology and related fields.
The function was graced by, among others Mr. Moses Watasa (Commissioner for Information Dissemination, Monitoring and Inspection) who represented the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance (Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo), Mr. Tadeo Muhindo who represented the Governing Council, UMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, Deputy VC Rev. Dr. Christopher B. MUkidi, the Executive Secretary of IUCEA, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, and the World Bank’s TTL for ACE II project, Mr. Shawn Powers.
Others were former Vice Chancellor Prof. John Crysostom Maviiri, ACALISE historical Prof. JW Muwanga Zaake, Dr. Jude Ssebuwufu the Project Director, and Dr. Joseph Ssemakula the Project Principal Investigator.
The ministries; of Education and Agriculture and the Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) were also represented.
In her remarks minister Ssebugwawo hailed ACALISE/UMU for being transparent in implementing the World Bank Project. She noted “You have performed so well and your Centre ranks among the best in Eastern and Southern African”. She added that the Centre diligently and satisfactorily used Government funds and surpassed most of the targets which is quite rare in Uganda.
The UMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa said that UMU is the only private university that qualified to host the Centre and thanked the government for its consideration. It has taken five years and a lot has been achieved including PhD and Masters graduates plus state-of-the-art infrastructure. He added that the project promotes sustainable regenerative techniques that increase yields without degrading and damaging the environment. That way, humans and animals are protected.
Prof. Zaake and Dr. Ssebuwufu narrated the treacherous journey of the project from inception to implementation, saying that it was fraught with problems but resilience, diligence, hard work and determination saw them through.
Prof. Maviiri, the former Patron of the Project applauded the implementation team and called for more successor projects to help conserve the environment.
