By Ezra Kalule – Information & Communication Officer, PELUM Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
The Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda is celebrating a monumental milestone this month: 30 years of championing agroecology and empowering smallholder farmers across the nation. The landmark anniversary was commemorated in a special cake-cutting ceremony attended by nthe State Minister of Agriculture, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, PELUM Uganda’s visionary Board Members, and Country Coordinator Josephine Akia Luyimbazi.
The event symbolized three decades of dedication, resilience, and collective impact in transforming Uganda’s agricultural landscape. From its origins to a present-day network of 75 member organizations, PELUM Uganda has worked tirelessly to foster ecological land use management, improving livelihoods and building resilient communities.
A Week of Reflection and Forward Momentum
The anniversary forms the centerpiece of the ongoing Agroecology Week of Action (AWA) 2025, a collaborative platform with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. The weeklong event, running from October 27-31 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, has brought together over 1,500 stakeholders—from farmers and indigenous knowledge holders to private sector actors and policymakers. Key activities included the National Agroecology Actors Symposium, the Agroecological Market Systems Expo, and the Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Fair, culminating in the 30th-anniversary celebrations on October 31. This gathering provides a critical space to reflect on lessons learned and renew a shared commitment to a sustainable and resilient future for Ugandan agriculture.
Three Decades of Measurable Impact
PELUM Uganda’s 30-year journey is marked by tangible achievements. The organization has trained over 5.2 million smallholder farmers, 60% of whom are women, in participatory guarantee systems and agroecological practices. Its work has reached 120 districts of operation, supported hundreds of producer groups, and influenced national policies. A cornerstone of this success has been strategic partnership with the Ugandan government. Most recently, State Minister Fred Bwino Kyakulaga launched PELUM Uganda’s “Rooted in Diversity” project, a five-year initiative aiming to promote organic agriculture and benefit 30,000 households nationwide. The Minister emphazised that agrobiodiversity is key to promoting food and security in an era of unpredictable weather.
Guided by Visionary Leadership
The organization’s sustained impact is underpinned by strong governance. The Country Board is chaired by Dr. Christopher Kyeswa and includes Vice Chairperson Edward Mukiibi, Treasurer Jean Kafuko Kaweesa, and members representing a diverse cross-section of civil society.
This leadership, in close collaboration with the dedicated Country Secretariat staff, has steered PELUM Uganda through a significant financial and operational transformation. Through strategic financial management, the organization has built reserves, purchased land, and, importantly, developed the capacity to confidently negotiate with donors to secure terms that support long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Sustainability As PELUM Uganda steps into its next decade, the focus remains on depeening agroecological transitions.
The celebrations are not just about honoring the past but about renewing a collective vow—to continue aligning markets, policies, and finance with sustainable practice for transformative change. The cake sliced by the Minister and the Board was more than a celebratory treat; it was a testament to the seeds sown, the harvests reaped, and the fertile ground being prepared for future generations of Ugandan farmers.
