Masindi district, NGOs collaborate to promote climate-smart awareness among farmers
MASINDI, June 14, 2026 — The Midwestern Region Centre for Democracy and Human Rights [MICOD], in partnership with the Rotary Club of Masindi and the Masindi District Local Government, has launched an initiative to promote climate-smart awareness in Labongo Subcounty.
Scientists say Climate-smart awareness refers to knowledge and practices that enable farmers and communities to adapt to climate change, sustainably increase agricultural productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It encourages the efficient use of natural resources, including water and soil, to withstand climate-related shocks.
According to Lawrence Kangula, Executive Director of MICOD, the organisations have secured a US$30,000 [approximately Shs114 million] project aimed at reducing the heavy reliance on firewood, currently estimated at 80 per cent, while expanding access to clean energy alternatives and promoting environmental tree planting.
Kangula said the project will also be implemented in Kihungya Subcounty in Buliisa district and Kigumba Subcounty in Kiryandongo district.
He noted that the initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation through clean energy adoption and sustainable environmental practices.
“We are going to increase access to clean energy among 300 households, raise climate-smart awareness among 1,300 people, and promote conservation practices among another 300 households. This will be achieved through training 60 champions, constructing 300 improved cookstoves, and promoting solar briquettes,” Kangula said during the official launch of the one-year project in Labongo Subcounty last Wednesday.
Under the same project, tree nursery beds will be established in Buliisa, Masindi and Kiryandongo districts to produce more than 500,000 free tree seedlings.
Kangula said the project is expected to reduce dependence on forests, increase adoption of clean energy solutions, improve climate awareness and strengthen environmental restoration efforts.
“We expect to reach 1,500 direct beneficiaries and more than 2,000 indirect community members. We are using a community-driven approach through community-based organisations, village savings and loan associations, and collaboration with local government,” he explained.
Anthony Akoko, Masindi District Forest Officer, commended MICOD for intervening at a critical time, noting that the rate of deforestation driven by firewood and charcoal consumption remains alarmingly high.
“We shall provide technical support during implementation, but I encourage you to prioritise fruit trees in the nursery beds because they offer both environmental and nutritional benefits. Ensure that coffee and medicinal trees are also considered,” he said.
Akoko also urged residents to abandon traditional cookstoves and adopt energy-efficient alternatives.
Fred Kisembo, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Masindi, who officially launched the project, called on the energy champions to become agents of change in their communities.
“Use the knowledge you acquire to transform communities. Do not keep it to yourselves,” Kisembo advised.
Vincent Businge, Senior Community Development Officer for Masindi, said environmental degradation in the district has been worsened by expanding sugarcane cultivation.
“Many trees, forests and wetlands are being cleared for sugarcane growing by individuals. This is a dangerous practice. More must be done to restore our environment before the consequences become severe. We remain available to support restoration efforts,” Businge said.
Prosy Isingoma, former President of the Rotary Club of Masindi, underscored the need for local communities to adopt climate-smart technologies to ensure environmental sustainability.
“We need to embrace mechanisms that protect the environment, and this campaign must be implemented with urgency and commitment,” she said.
Residents of Labongo Subcounty pledged full support for the project and welcomed the intervention.
“The situation here is difficult. We still rely on traditional cooking methods and have little knowledge about energy-efficient cookstoves. That is why firewood consumption remains very high,” said Eparabone Emoru, Chairperson of LC I Kigaragara village.
Godfrey Kiiza, a resident of Kyabatega Village, said limited awareness remains one of the community’s biggest challenges.
“We need extensive sensitisation on climate-smart agriculture, energy-efficient cooking technologies and the dangers of carbon emissions because many people still lack this knowledge,” Kiiza said.
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