Maize is a staple food and key source of income for households in Ssekamalya Village Kyankwanzi District. However, increasing climate variability characterized by prolonged sunshine, delayed rainfall, and extended dry spell is severely undermining maize production in most parts of the district. Smallholder farmers who depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture are facing rising crop losses and food insecurity.
During the current growing season, farmers experienced extreme moisture stress resulting in poor germination and early crop drying. Some households were forced to cut down immature maize for livestock feed, eliminating prospects for grain harvest or seed saving for the next season.
Residents associate worsening weather conditions with environmental degradation, particularly large-scale tree cutting for charcoal production. Community leaders acknowledge the urgency of the situation and have committed to mobilizing short-term seed support while calling for longer-term environmental protection measures.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), maize requires 500–800 mm of well-distributed rainfall per growing season. Increasing precipitation gaps in Kyankwanzi District threaten maize yields and livelihoods. Nationally, 70–90% of maize in Uganda is produced by small-scale farmers (MAAIF), making climate change a direct threat to national food security and rural economic stability.
Without timely intervention, climate-induced crop failure will continue to deepen poverty, increase dependence on food aid and accelerate environmental degradation.
Policy Gaps
Policy Recommendations
To protect maize production and strengthen community resilience, this brief calls for coordinated action by government, NGOs and development partners to:
Call to action
The experience of Ssekamalya Village demonstrates that climate change is no longer a future risk; it is a present crisis. Immediate, community-centered, and environmentally sustainable interventions are essential to safeguard food security, protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience in Kyankwanzi District and similar rural communities across Uganda.
STOTY COMPILED BY ABDUL KYAKONYI
The National Association of Professional Environmentalists, NAPE and Community Green Radio organized a media workshop on media compliance ahead of the general elections in Uganda. The workshop was held in partnership with Friends of Zoka ,Solidarity Uganda and NUMEC and was held under the theme “More strategic use of various forms of media and communication channels during the 2026 general elections in Uganda ;media compliance requirements. “
The aim of the workshop was to equip media practitioners with knowledge on media compliance requirements, particularly for the 2026 elections in Uganda.
The workshop took place on December 30th, 2025, at Atkon Hotel Kiboga central Uganda where media practitioners from various media houses, such as Community Green Radio, Kazi- Njema, FOZ, and Friends of Zoka NUMEC among others attended.
John Kibego, one of the facilitators and a media practitioner at Kazzi -Njema, urged media practitioners to observe and respect media laws.
Mr. Kibego highlighted key legal media considerations such as accuracy and verification, defamation and libel, hate speech and incitement, copyright and intellectual property, advising journalists to prioritize these aspects, particularly during the upcoming elections.
He urged them to be alert and cautious in their work, emphasizing the importance of fairness and balance while reporting and presenting.
Kagali Henry, the the Kiboga Town Council Chairperson, who officiated as chief guest, thanked NAPE for organizing the workshop in partnership with other organizations.
Kagali urged media practitioners to observe and respect the rules set by the government for their own benefit, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.
The media workshop concluded with a tour of Community Green Radio where practitioners from various media houses visited the radio station.
STORY COMPILED BY JOANNE NTEZA
The Kiboga District authorities have issued a severe warning to wetland encroachers and are appealing on encroachers to vacate immediately.
The warning comes after repeated appeals to those occupying wetlands to relocate without result.
The wetland, a vital source of water and livelihood for the local community, has been under threat from human activities such as agriculture.
The encroachers have been draining the wetland, leading to soil erosion, water scarcity and loss of biodiversity.
Authorities have identified several hotspots where encroachment is rampant, including the wetlands in Kiboga Town council plus the sub counties of Muwanga, Nakasozi and Lwamata.
The district Environmental Officer, Zainabu Nakandi says encroachers have little time to leave or face the law.
“We will not tolerate the destruction of wetlands any longer. These wetlands are a vital source of water and livelihood for our community and must be protected fully”, explained Ms.Nakandi.
Nakandi added that encroachers have been given a six-month’s period to allow farmers harvest their crops and make necessary arrangements to relocate.
Wetland restoration efforts are underway, including the planting of indigenous trees and the creation of buffer zones to protect the ecosystem.
Ms. Nakandi is appealing to communities to participate in the restoration process and benefit from sustainable livelihood opportunities such as eco-tourism and wetland-based enterprises.
The encroachers however insist they have no other alternative and seem ready to continue occupying the wetlands
Ms. Josephine Nalwoga, the chairperson of the farmers in Lwamata Sub county farmers are poor and have no other option.
“We are poor and we have no other means of survival and we are willing to cooperate with the authorities to restore the wetlands but we need alternative land to cultivate”, she narrated.
The crackdown on wetland encroachers is part of a broader effort to restore Uganda’s wetlands, which have been degraded over the years due to human activities.
The government has set a target to restore 10% of the country’s wetlands by 2027 and Kiboga is one of the districts earmarked.
The restoration of the wetlands is expected to have numerous benefits, including improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced livelihoods for the local community.
It is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development and protecting the environment for future generations.
STORY COMPILED BY GERALD SSENKOOMI
Residents of Kiryajobyo Village, Gayaza sub –county in Kyankwanzi district are increasingly distressed by the EACOP workers’ diversion of rain water, exacerbating the area’s severe shortage.
The residents believe the workers are blocking rain water just minimize interruptions while carrying out their duties.
This situation has left most of the people worried since most of the water sources dried up and now even the rain water is being diverted.
“Our crops are withering under the scorching sun, and to make matters worse, the constant diversion of rain water has left us struggling to access even water for domestic use ‘’ Nakigozi Madrine one of the residents said .
Nakigozi urged all leaders in the community and the government to step in and address the situation before it worsens further.
Lugambagye Edward, the Kiryajobyo village chairperson pledged to support the residents after carrying out investigation into this matter.
Residents are forced to trek miles in search of water for domestic use, a grueling daily ordeal that adds immense strain to their already challenging lives.
‘’It feels like the focus is entirely on the pipeline construction, leaving our lives and basic needs an afterthought.’’ The residents stated.
Leosan Ssebalunzi says the actions of the oil pipeline workers are not only affecting the environment but also the livelihoods of the residents.
Ssebalunzi pleaded with the workers to halt the inconsiderate diversion of rain water, a move that he says is taking a dire toll on the community, exacerbating an already desperate situation.
The Gayaza sub county Community development officer Amos Byantalo Michael has promised to investigate the matter and take necessary report to the district officials and EACOP.
STORY COMPILED BY JOANNE NTEZA
The East Africa crude oil pipeline, EACOP has had a significant impact on climate change, particularly in the affected districts where the construction of the pipeline is said to have led to the destruction of numerous forests and wetlands, exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities.
The residents of Kikuube,Kyankwanzi and Hoima districts attributed the change in climate to the EACOP.
It should be noted that the during the construction of the pipeline, several forests and wetlands were affected and this might be one of the reason of change of certain climatic aspects in these areas. Forests affected include Taala forest reserve in Kyankwanzi district, Wambabya forest reserve that connects Bugoma and Budongo in Kikuube and Hoima (western Uganda) Bugoma central forest reserve in Kikuube and Hoima districts.
The residents of Hoima, particularly farmers, are grappling with hardships as the scorching sun has withered their crops.
Matovu Peter, a prominent banana farmer in Hoima district, expressed his deep sorrow as his plantation withers under the relentless sun and put the blame on the project.
“I have lost my entire banana plantation to the relentless heat, a harsh shift from the more balanced climate we had before the project”, Matovu explained.
The same hardship is also hitting Kyankwanzi as residents are struggling with water shortage due to the prolonged heat that has drained most of the water sources in the area.
Birungi Margret, a resident of Nabulembeko village, Nabulembeko Parish Wattuba Sub County, says the water crisis gripping their area.
“We are struggling to access water since most of the wells have dried up, and the EACOP officials have deployed machines that block rain water, making it tougher”, Birungi explained, seemingly worried.
The East African Crude oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a mega project intended to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oil fields to the ports of Tanga in Tanzania for export.
The project is a joint venture between total energies, the Uganda national oil company (UNOC), the Tanzania petroleum development corporation (TPDC) and the china national offshore oil company (CNOOC).
Over ten districts are being affected in Uganda and they include Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Gomba, Mubende Llwengo, Ssembabule, Kyotera and Rakai.
STORY COMPILED BY JOANNE NTEZA
Nakyanzi Madrine a resident of Kigoma village Kalagi Sub County in Kyankwanzi district has raised concerns over delayed compensation which has dragged on for four leaving them in limbo.
Nakyanzi says she was initially evaluated in 2021 with promises of payment within six months, but up-to-date no one has received compensation.
She expressed fear that some of them might miss out on the final compensation after some reports indicating that their counterparts in other districts have already been compensated.
Nakyanzi highlighted the hardships she has endured living in a makeshift house for four years due to restrictions on construction by EACOP officials. She has threatened legal action if compensation is not forthcoming.
She says many reports have been made to various authorities in the district but have seen little progress.
She called for fair compensation to cover the four years of waiting, arguing that their lives were disrupted by the project’s implementation.
Asuman Ssembatya, the parish chairperson for Nabulembeko Parish in Kyankwanzi district also the NRM secretary for Kyankwanzi said as a leader he has been following on community issues resulting from displacement arising out of the EACOP.
“We have started writing a petition and an MOU with all the affected PAPs in Kiboga and Kyankwanzi calling for President Museveni to intervene since all the local leaders have failed to help,” Ssembatya said.
Muhindo Brenda also a resident says none of the leaders in the district has help in her having the compensation since the rates were made.
“I have never received any help from the EACOP officials, i have moved from one office at the district level because it’s where i can stop but no one has given me attention. But i thank Community Green radio for standing with us because whenever the officials listen to the voice the come and talk to us giving promises,” Muhindo said.
There are increasing concerns over the increased cases and incidents of gender based violence associated with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project in Kiboga and Kyankwanzi districts in central Uganda.
Ms. Nakaweesi Juliet, a resident of Lwanda Village in Kiboga district says her relationship with the husband became sour after they were compensated.
“My husband disappeared after l repeatedly asked about the money, leaving me with so many responsibilities,” Nakaweesi told our reporter.
Ms. Nakaweesi says the grace cultivation period is almost over since construction of the pipeline is on and is worried of how she will feed the children.
“l tried to involve the local leaders about this matter, but l didn’t get the justice l hoped for,” she added.
64 year old Kunihira Edinasi, a resident of the same place says she is leaving in fear after her land title was taken by government.
Kunihira is also among those affected by EACOP and her land title was taken with a promise of a swift return, but the wait still continues.
The land title was taken to adjust the portion affected, but it’s now 4 years and still hasn’t been returned.
“I’m worried they might take all my land. I have always used my title as security to borrow money”, she explained.
Kunihira says she attempted to connect with the EACOP officials but sadly she hasn’t received any feedback yet.
She says the compensation she received back then was really minimal compared to the cost of living now since most of properties like a house, trees and other properties were undervalued.
“The government’s support has been quite lacking, leaving us feeling overlooked and uncertain about the whole process”, she added.
Like Nakaweesi and Kunihira, many more women are bearing the weight of taking care of families that they initially shared with their spouses.
Ms. Lydia Nanjere of Kigoma in Kyankwanzi district says she has now spent over a year as a sole family caretaker. He husband disappeared after receiving compensation.
“The day he got money is the last day I saw him. I last heard that he had married another woman in the trading center”, a seemingly depressed Nanjere narrated.
The women say their only hope is in the voice that they raise through the Community Green Radio. The radio has consistently amplified their voices far and wide. They have hope that well-wishers and government will come to their aid after listening to their repeated cries.
The women are appealing to government to quickly intervene and mediate for harmonious living.
COMPILED BY JOAN NTEZA
The residents of Lwabagoma Village, Gogonya Parish in Mubende District in Central Uganda have commended the National Association of Professional Environmentalists, NAPE for the organization’s support to their community particularly through bee keeping sensitization.
The residents made the remarks at the end of November when Mr. David Kureba, the NAPE’s Program Officer in Charge of Forests and Biodiversity made a visit to their area to train them on bee keeping. Mr. Kureba was accompanied by Mr. Basiima Jorum from Kiggaga Cell in oil rich Hoima District in Western Uganda. Mr. Basiima is a bee keeper who has specialized in training other bee keepers.
Mr.Basiima took the residents of Lwabagoma through key beekeeping techniques and how the community can harness the benefits of bee keeping.
“You have to select suitable locations for bee keeping, identifying prime areas for apiaries and the flora resources that support profitable bee keeping ventures”, Mr. Basiima explained to the attentive residents.
He also stressed the critical need for ensuring the safety and security of bee keepers and neighboring communities, highlighting the importance of responsible bee keeping practices and harmonious coexistence.
Mr. Katumba Julius, the area village chairperson and a prominent bee keeper expressed gratitude to NAPE for their tireless efforts in promoting beekeeping in the community.
He also emphasized the importance of putting the skills and knowledge gained into practice and appealed to community members to not only adopt beekeeping but also to teach and mentor others.
Mr. Kureba presented the community members with bee hives, symbolizing commitment to empowering local beekeeping initiatives.
STORY COMPILED BY JOANE NTEZA
Community Green Radio, through the National Association of Professional Environmentalists-NAPE has joined a partnership with other media Organizations, Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) and Diplo brief Kenya aimed at strengthening community media, digital safety and civic engagements ahead of the 2026 general elections in Uganda. The project was orfficially launched on Monday October 13 2025 in Gulu city and is supported by American Jewish World Service -AJWS.
“The community Green radio and NAPE will ensure that partners are acquitted with the legal and compliance requirements for media houses and civic society organization to ensure total compliance during and after elections. The Green radio will also broadcast civic education messages from partners to ensure that citizens front salient issues of environmental justice, land and human rights as campaign demands”, says Mr. Rajab Bwengye Yusufu, the NAPE Ag. Executive Director.
He thanked American Jewish World Service (AJWS), who were represented by Ms.Sheila Muwanga at the launch, for the support to the project. –Ms. Muwanga is the AJWS Uganda Country Representative.
Mr.Bwengye says the project has come as a timely response to the ever deteriorating media freedoms and civic liberties in Uganda calling it a right moment to beef up media digital safety, legal compliance and ensuring that the voice of the voiceless on issues of human and environmental rights abuse find space in the upcoming national election agendas in Uganda.
NAPE was represented at the launch by Kyamanywa Julius the Station Manager of the Community Green Radio.
Other partners in this project include Solidarity Uganda and Friends of Zoka.
The launch was president over by Mr. Onoria Ambrose, the Resident City Commissioner, RCC Gulu city.
Mr.Onoria appealed to partners for cooperation with government during the implementation and assured them of support.
“As government, we are ready to work with you for a free and fair election. We shall provide you with all the necessary support during the implementation”, the RCC stressed.
Mr. Alfred Oryem of NUMEC appealed to partners to try and implement what was stipulated in the project documents and as per the agreements signed. He noted that time has moved but called on partners to try and implement.
The project has five components that include Community Digital Ambassadors Program, Secure Media Hub at NUMEC, “Silent No More” Digital Campaign, Compliance and Amplification and Reporting Grants and Safety Support.
Mrs.Annastinzia Kakooza, a resident of Kaseeta village, Buseruka Sub County in Hoima district is concerned about the growing numbers of people in the area.
She claims this is to due to the East African Crude Oil Pipe line project (EACOP) that attracts so many people to work in the area.
During a community outreach by Community Green radio journalists to this area this month, Mrs. Explained that cases of intermarriages, high cost of living, insecurity and land grabbing are so rampant.
Mrs.Kakooza says the situation has been escalating ever since the discovery of oil with many locals losing their land to the powerful individuals in government who had intention in the EACOP earmarked area.
“Girls nolonger want to go to school since the EACOP workers promise them heaven and earth in exchange for sexual favors and boys prefer working to schooling thus leading to increased cases of school drop outs”, Mrs.Kakooza said.
“We were so much delighted upon hearing the discovery of oil our area because we thought our lives would change, but now we regret”, she added.
Mrs.Kakooza further explained that workers usually trespass in their gardens and take their food sometimes causing damages to the plantations which has resulted into food insecurity in the area with local leaders doing nothing to help the masses.
“The pain of betrayal cuts deep when leaders entrusted to safeguard our well being, appear to side with those causing harm”, she said
She expressed gratitude to the National Association of Professional Environmentalists for their tireless efforts in championing justice and ensuring that the rights of the affected communities are protected.
Story compiled by Joanne Nteza
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