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Shakira is growing a poultry business for a better future in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 14/01/2025
Shakira Lunyolo started with just 10 hens, inspired by her friends who raised chickens and earned money from it. She learned the basics of poultry farming from them and received help to build a chicken house. In addition to her initial efforts, Enabel supported her with 30 more hens, feeders, drinkers, protective gear, a wheelbarrow, as well as chicken feeds and medicine. With this support, Shakira gained new skills, including how to mix and administer medicine to her hens. She now monitors the hens closely and takes good care of them. Her primary focus is egg production, and she plans to sell her first batch of eggs in early 2025. Shakira already has a market in mind. She will sell trays of eggs to local vendors, including those selling street food like "rolex" and chips, as well as at a nearby market. To attract customers, she plans to sell each tray at UGX 8,000, slightly below the market price of UGX 10,000. She also expects additional income from selling her older hens for UGX 25,000 each. Currently living with her mother and raising two children, Shakira is optimistic about the future. She believes her poultry business will grow and eventually allow her to pay school fees for her children and support her family. “I see my business expanding in two years,” she says confidently, full of hope for the opportunities ahead.
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Supporting each other in healthy living and business growth in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
The Kamuli Network of People Living with HIV, formed in 2020, is a group of 25 members—17 women and 8 men—dedicated to supporting each other. In 2022, they evolved into a savings group and launched a poultry project. Each member contributed a membership fee of UGX 10,000 to kick-start the venture. Starting with just 30 birds, the group reared and sold them, restocked with 50, and later grew to 300 birds. They initially relied on limited knowledge shared by a member but soon realized the need for professional guidance. After selling off the 300 birds, MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) and Enabel stepped in to support them. The group received invaluable training in Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) skills, poultry management, and business skills. They also received practical tools and resources such as brooding pots, feeders, PPEs, two wheelbarrows, and a solar panel. Most importantly, they were given 817 chicks, of which they successfully reared and sold 801, earning UGX 9,688,000 in revenue. The poultry house they use was graciously offered by the mother of one member. Although the startup support gave the group a significant boost, they faced challenges, particularly with inadequate feed, which forced them to borrow money from their savings group. They took out loans totaling UGX 4 million to ensure the birds were well-fed. The group’s commitment is evident in their collective decision-making and willingness to contribute personal funds to sustain the project. With plans to restock another 800 birds, they aim to avoid further loans and achieve financial independence. A male member proudly stated, “Now we can see where we are going. The startup kit we were given has boosted our business a lot.”
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A young Ugandan fish farmer with big plans
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
At just 16 years old, Baraka Kintu manages a fish pond while also attending school. The pond was a gift from his father, who worked with the family to dig it. This was after their land suffered from water damage due to a nearby dam. Baraka’s mother takes care of the pond while he’s at school. The family has been attempting fish farming for 20 years but initially struggled. They collected small fish from nearby swamps, but despite feeding them, the fish didn’t grow well. Things changed when Enabel stepped in. They provided the family with 30 catfish and fish feeds. There was also a training session that Baraka’s mother attended on his behalf. The training covered proper feeding, pond management, and fish care. An extension worker now visits regularly to offer technical advice, and a vet helps treat sick fish by spraying medicine into the pond. Since the intervention, the results have been remarkable. Within just three days of receiving the new fish, eggs were spotted in the pond. The fish are thriving, thanks to better feed and improved care. Baraka’s family now plans to let the fish grow until they reach about a kilo each, ensuring a higher profit when sold. To protect the fish, the family is reinforcing the pond boundaries to prevent flooding and theft. Their neighbor, who also has a fish pond, installed security cameras, adding an extra layer of protection. The family now sells fish on the 23rd of each month but is currently holding off sales to let the fish grow bigger.The training also introduced the idea of frying unsold fish to preserve them for longer periods. With plans to fill their other dry ponds using the multiplying fish, Baraka is hopeful about expanding the fish farming business.
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Building a future with pig farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Joanita Nansamba started rearing pigs 8 years ago with a clear goal in mind: to save enough money to buy her own plot of land and move out of the one-roomed house she was renting. Her hard work paid off when she sold some pigs, bought land, and built a house where she now lives with her husband and children. In October 2024, Joanita received three pigs after attending a two-week training in Jinja. Through the training, she was guided on how to properly feed and care for pigs. “After the training, we were asked to return home and prepare to receive the pigs they would donate to us,” she recalls. Along with the pigs, she received 45 kilograms of pig feed, two spades, and personal protective equipment (PPE).Since receiving the pigs, Joanita’s farming has been progressing smoothly. “Even when the pigs get sick, I just call MUCOBADI, and they send a vet to check on them,” she says. She emphasizes that they were advised not to use just any vet to treat the pigs, ensuring proper care for her livestock. Joanita once earned one million shillings from selling a single pig that she and her husband raised. She believes that nurturing pigs until they grow to a significant size ensures better income. The foreign breed pigs she received from Enabel are of high quality, and she is confident they will bring good returns. Pig farming has given Joanita the financial stability to pay her children’s school fees without worry. She aspires to inspire the youth in her community by growing her farm and showing them that hard work and commitment can lead to success.
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Patricia foresees expansion of her poultry business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Patricia Baluka, a 30-year-old mother of two, used to focus on growing maize and beans. She later decided to try poultry farming, using savings she had accumulated from a women’s savings group. Patricia saved money from selling her produce and eventually borrowed from the group to buy two local chickens. By the time MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) visited her, Patricia had grown her flock to five chickens. She was then invited to a two-week training organised by Enabel in Jinja. After completing the training, Patricia received 50 chicks, which were three weeks old, along with essential items such as a wheelbarrow, a spade, drinkers, and feeders. “They asked me to prepare a place for the chickens, and by the time they brought them, I was ready,” Patricia explains. She appreciates the regular visits and veterinary services provided to ensure her poultry business is on the right track. Patricia rears the chickens for both eggs and meat. Her goal is to allow her hens to lay eggs and hatch chicks before she begins selling, ensuring she retains high-quality chickens for her business. So far, Patricia has faced minimal challenges, aside from occasional coughs among her hens. With the help of veterinary services, she has been able to treat them promptly. Patricia is optimistic about growing her poultry farm and is determined to build a sustainable business that supports her family.
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Bashir quit his job to concentrate on poultry farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Bashir used to sell electronics for someone else before deciding to venture into poultry farming. The idea came from watching his mother, who also kept chickens. To ensure the business was viable, Bashir conducted his own research and decided to use the money he had saved from a savings group to start. Starting wasn’t too difficult for Bashir since he already had a suitable space—an unfinished rental building he uses for free—and feeders and drinkers that his mother had previously used. With UGX 600,000, he bought 30 chickens, feeds, and medicine. Enabel later supported him with 60 high-quality chickens, more feeders, drinkers, and additional supplies like feeds and medicine. He now rears chickens for both eggs and meat. However, Bashir faced a major setback when 27 of his chickens died due to what he believes was food poisoning. Despite this, he is determined to keep going, with the remaining 33 chickens, including 7 cocks. Bashir plans to sell his entire stock, at a rate of UGX 25,000 per hen and UGX 45,000 to 50,000 per cock. After selling, he plans to restock and expand his business. Bashir is now confident in running his business. He has learned the importance of keeping proper records and tracking his income and expenses. “I feel my business is on the right track despite the setback,” Bashir says. He is now better prepared to handle challenges and is optimistic about growing his poultry farm.
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Building a successful beekeeping business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
After finishing O-levels in 2016, Jamali Lwayi could not continue with school because his parents could not afford fees for him and his siblings. Determined to make a living, he chose to engage beekeeping as an income generating activity. This is because it is relatively cheap to start compared to other projects. Secondly, he had access to land at his father's home. He also had some basic skills in making traditional hives from local materials, which gave him a starting point. Jamali faced many challenges in the beginning. He didn’t know how to attract bees to his hives, so he visited experienced beekeepers in nearby villages to learn from them. With time, he got better at preparing hives and attracting bees using beeswax and propolis. He also learned how to transfer the bees safely to his apiary. In 2024, MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) noticed Jamali’s work during a training session he attended. They connected him to Enabel, which trained him in business and entrepreneurship skills. These trainings helped him improve how he keeps records and tracks his income. Enabel also gave him a booster kit with items like harvesting baskets, honey filters, protective gear, honey buckets, and four modern hives. Three of these hives are now full. “Enabel has given me knowledge and better tools. I no longer fear bee stings, and my honey is now clear, which makes it easier to sell,” Jamali says. His biggest market comes from patients in a nearby hospital. In addition, he sells his honey to local supermarkets, traditional herbalists, and people in his village. Before getting support from Enabel and MUCOBADI, Jamali struggled with producing good-quality honey. His honey often had particles, which made it less competitive. Now, with better tools and training, his honey is clear and more attractive to buyers. A liter of honey sells for UGX 20,000–25,000, and half a liter goes for UGX 13,000–15,000, depending on the buyer. Jamali is now confident and focused on growing his business. He plans to expand his apiary and reach more customers in the future. With the skills and tools he has gained, his beekeeping business is improving every day.
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From healing to thriving through poultry farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Twegaite Youth Saving Group began as a safe space for women to address mental health challenges, focusing on psycho-social therapy for members who had experienced depression, domestic violence, and other hardships. Over time, the group evolved into a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), helping members save, borrow, and invest in small businesses like selling fruits, vegetables, and second-hand clothes. Today, the group has transitioned into a dynamic income-generating initiative, primarily focused on poultry farming.On October 10, 2024, the group received 350 one-day-old chicks from Enabel in collaboration with MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative). These were accompanied by two weeks' worth of feed, feeding equipment, and tools such as wheelbarrows, feeders, and drinkers. Vaccination, a critical aspect of poultry management, was left to the group to foster ownership and sustainability. “We don’t provide 100% support,” explains Isaac Keuber, an entrepreneurship and resilient officer from Enabel. “We intervene where the group is constrained, but we want them to take charge of their business for continuity.”The group embraced this responsibility, working under a structured schedule where six members (three during the day and three at night) manage the poultry daily. Despite losing seven birds, the group sold 353 hens—244 of high quality at UGX 12,000 each and 109 at UGX 10,000 each—earning a total of UGX 4,018,000 by November 24, 2024. The group also overcame logistical challenges like relocating from a rented space to a chicken house they constructed on a member’s land to save costs.Sara Kawudha, a group representative, shares their future plans: “We sat down, made a budget, and realized we need UGX 5,512,000 to restock with 500 chicks. We already have housing for them.” The group’s journey has been supported by tailored training in business and entrepreneurship, along with mentorship from business coaches trained by Enabel. These coaches, part of a Private Sector Model for Sustainability, ensure continuity by equipping groups with record-keeping and business monitoring skills. Twegaite is also supported by a network of extension workers and field assistants to minimize losses and maximize profits.With 27 women and 3 men, the future for Twegaite Youth Saving Group seems bright.
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Kamukamu group: saving together and growing tomatoes for sale in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Kamukamu, is a vibrant community of youthful farmers, transforming their lives through teamwork and tomato farming. Initially started as a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), the group decided to expand their activities to increase their income. They chose to grow tomatoes because they grow quickly, offer fast returns, and have a ready market.“We used to farm individually, but now we work as a team,” says Andrew Sande, a group member. “At first, some of us didn’t even want to hold a hoe, but now we are empowered and motivated to work together.”With support from Enabel and MUCOBADI (Multi-community based development Initiative), the group rented three acres of land and began their tomato farming journey in July 2024. They received training on modern farming methods, which included using organic manure and handling farming as a business. Following the training, Enabel provided them with a start-up kit containing tomato seeds, spraying pumps, watering cans, a water pump, a solar panel, and other essential tools. “The seeds we received are of high quality and weather-resistant, unlike what we’ve seen in the community,” Andrew adds.Every member contributes to the group’s success, whether through labor or financial support. Some members focus solely on saving, while others participate in both savings and farming. The group assigns specific garden tasks to individuals and tracks contributions, ensuring fairness in sharing profits. Enabel also assigned an agricultural extension worker to assist the group. “Initially, we did horticulture haphazardly, but now we have expert guidance,” says Andrew. The extension worker visits twice a week, offering technical advice and helping them tackle challenges.Tomatoes take 75 days to mature. The group estimates earning at least 60 million UGX from their harvest. They have invested 12 million UGX in the project, including 900,000 UGX for land rent.“We are confident because this tomato variety is high-yielding and expensive. It’s in high demand,” Andrew explains.Isaac Keuber, an entrepreneurship and resilient officer from Enabel highlights the importance of using organic manure.“It’s safer for the environment and more affordable,” he says. The group’s location near a swamp means they can easily practice irrigation, and thanks to the water pump and solar panel they received, it is now easier. “I am really happy with this group,” Isaac adds. “They are organized, cooperative, and committed. I am confident they will succeed.”
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Enabel strengthens road safety in Rwenzori and Busoga through defensive driving training for ambulance drivers- Uganda
Claire BALUNGI | 12/12/2024
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is at the forefront of coordinating emergency medical evacuations through the National Ambulance fleet, managed by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. This critical service is deployed at regional referral hubs, health facilities, and health sub-districts to ensure communities have access to emergency care. However, alongside the expansion of Uganda’s National Ambulance fleet, significant challenges have been identified, including a gap in the capacity of ambulance drivers to safely and efficiently manage these specialized vehicles. Ambulances are not just modes of transport; they are vital, life-saving assets equipped to provide care during patient transfers. Recognizing this gap, Enabel has partnered with MoH to optimize the skills of ambulance drivers through a comprehensive two-week defensive driving training program. This initiative, focusing on practical skill-building, aims to strengthen the capacity of drivers to ensure patient, crew, and vehicle safety during transit. Dr. Marion Nakyeyune, Principal Medical Officer of the EMS Department at MoH, highlighted how this training directly aligns with Strategic Objective 2 of the EMS Strategic Plan 2020/21 – 2024/25, which seeks to increase the proportion of emergency patients receiving ambulance response within one hour while maintaining the highest safety standards. “Ambulance drivers play a critical role in road safety and patient outcomes during transit. By equipping them with defensive driving skills, we are safeguarding a substantial investment made by the Government of Uganda and its partners. This training ensures timely and safe patient transport, protects lives, and preserves valuable ambulance resources,” emphasized Dr. Nakyeyune.The initiative also underscores Enabel’s commitment to improving the overall functionality of ambulance services. Beyond safe driving practices, the training includes modules on vehicle maintenance, equipment management, and infection prevention through proper cleaning and handling protocols. These skills ensure that ambulances remain operational, reliable, and effective for their life-saving purpose. Reflecting on the program, Lillian Barungi, Public Health Officer in charge of EMS at Enabel, remarked, “The loss of a Type B ambulance in Omoro shortly after its deployment during our completed Enhancing Health in Acholi project highlighted the critical need for defensive driving training. Such incidents not only jeopardize patient care but also lead to significant resource losses. By empowering drivers with these skills, we are preserving lives, safeguarding assets, and advancing Uganda’s emergency medical services.” The impact of the training was evident in the reflections of Mirengo Nua, an ambulance driver from Kamuli General Hospital. “This training has taught me how to prioritize safety while on the road. I now understand the importance of speed control and defending the lives of my crew, my patients, and other road users. Maintaining the ambulance and ensuring it’s in the best condition for emergencies is also a responsibility I take seriously. I feel better prepared to drive responsibly and help save lives,” he shared. Through this collaboration, ambulance drivers across Rwenzori, Busoga, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area are now better equipped to navigate the demands of emergency medical evacuations. With a clear understanding of road safety, vehicle maintenance and patient care during transit, these drivers are integral to achieving MoH’s goal of timely and safe emergency responses. Enabel remains dedicated to building sustainable health systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accountability in emergency medical services.
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Enabel takes action against Gender-Based Violence with health camp in Kamuli, Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 11/12/2024
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 9GBV), Enabel, in collaboration with the Government of Uganda, has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against GBV through a series of impactful activities in Kamuli District. This event, held on 29th -1st December was a significant milestone in the campaign to raise awareness, empower communities, and promote health as part of the global effort to end gender-based violence. The activities in Kamuli were designed not only to highlight the importance of addressing GBV but also to provide tangible benefits to the community. A key focus of the event was on improving access to essential health services, which are critical in addressing some of the underlying factors that perpetuate gender-based violence. It combined a range of impactful activities aimed at empowering the community and promoting health. These included cervical cancer screening, a blood donation drive, immunizations, and sensitization on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). By addressing both immediate health needs and long-term awareness, the campaign provided tangible benefits while fostering a culture of resilience and advocacy against GBV. During the event, the assistant district health officer, Mr. Moses Lyagoba, shared worrying statistics that highlight the urgent need to address gender-based violence and its related challenges. In the 2023/24 period alone, Kamuli has recorded: 5,428 teenage pregnancies, 1,200 unsafe abortions and 18 cases of gender-based violence against teenagers. These numbers are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young girls in the community. Mr. Lyagoba emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “We must protect our girls by educating them on reproductive health and rights, speaking up against gender-based violence, and ensuring they have access to healthcare and support.” Enabel’s efforts reflect its unwavering commitment to ending GBV through collaboration with communities, partners, and stakeholders. Speaking at the event, Ms. Janepher Taaka, a gender expert at Enabel, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing GBV. “Ending gender-based violence requires more than just awareness—it demands bold, coordinated efforts to address the root causes and empower communities to take a stand.” “At Enabel, we believe that every individual has a role to play in creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from violence and discrimination.” Ms. Taaka said.As the 16 Days of Activism draw to a close, Enabel remains steadfast in its mission to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable society. While the fight against GBV is far from over, initiatives like these demonstrate that progress is possible through collaboration, education, and community empowerment.
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Enabel functionalises emergency corners in Uganda’s health facilities
Claire BALUNGI | 09/12/2024
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a critical role in providing timely and efficient medical care to individuals in emergency situations in the first 1 hour. The inability to respond immediately and effectively to an emergency medical crisis has remained a major deficiency of the health care system in Uganda. The state of emergency medical services has in the recent past suffered numerous shortfalls ranging from financing to human resources availability, poor infrastructure and poor coordination. The recent baseline needs assessment for EMS services in selected Busoga and Rwenzori facilities indicated that out of all the health facilities assessed, none scored well in emergency readiness. Issues identified included non-functional emergency units at the respective facilities, lack of basic equipment, medicines and supplies to support emergency services, limited human resource available to support emergencies coupled with major knowledge gaps in terms of emergency assessment and care.Dr. Joseph Oumo, Senior Medical Officer for EMS at the Ministry of Health, shared the alarming results, “We discovered that 50% of Health Centers IVs (HC IVs) lacked essential emergency infrastructure. In the Busoga region, for example, out of ten health centers assessed, only three had dedicated emergency beds.” He further noted that many health centers lacked designated emergency areas in their outpatient departments, and when such spaces were available, they were often understaffed and poorly equipped. In some cases, emergency protocols were not consistently followed, leading to potentially life-threatening delays in care. The World Health Organization recommends that every facility should possess a functional resuscitation area to be able to give timely quality care needed at any one moment. Enabel under the WeCare project, has a mandate to contribute towards improvement of the quality of emergency medical services and one of its envisioned outcomes is to functionalize the emergency referral system from the community to the facilities. This entails establishment of emergency resuscitation areas at Health Centers IVs, General Hospitals and Regional Referral Hospitals. Following the baseline and support supervision visits, recommendations were drafted to create a functional resuscitation space at some of the health facilities. At Namwendwa Outpatient Department, for instance, a focal person was identified at the facility to support EMS activities. Some of the interventions highlighted included immediate removal of building materials from the designated emergency room and setting up using available equipment in the facility. The focal person at the emergency area was taken through general triage protocols and practices which were also provided and displayed at the triage area. The current emergency staff were also scheduled for upcoming emergency trainings, but are meanwhile being supported through Continuous Medical Education engagements. Data collection tools were scheduled for dissemination, however, in the interim, an improvised emergency register in the form of a book was created, allowing registration at emergency corners to start immediately. While Enabel’s primary focus in health is on maternal and childcare, these EMS corners are designed to handle a wide range of emergencies, benefiting not only mothers in critical conditions but also other patients in urgent need of care. “The national health system does not segregate maternal care from the rest of the emergency services,” explained Lillian Barungi, the Public Health officer in charge of EMS at Enabel. “The reason we had to set up these well-organized emergency corners, equipped with the necessary supplies and staff, is to ensure that all emergency cases are managed effectively,” she added.Creating dedicated spaces for emergencies is important, but Dr. Marion Nakyeyune, Principal Medical officer EMS at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the real key to saving lives is “ensuring that staff are properly trained and that the right protocols are in place.” This was highlighted by an incident at Nankandulo HC IV. Dr. Anita Nanswenze, the health center’s in-charge, recalled a case in which a mother with severe pneumonia arrived struggling to breathe. Thanks to the EMS corner, the mother was quickly stabilized with oxygen before being transferred to the ward for further care. “We've also treated many cases of snake bites and trauma injuries where the EMS corner made a life-saving difference,” Dr. Nanswenze added. The EMS corners have proven invaluable in responding to emergencies, particularly in cases of respiratory distress in infants, severe bleeding in mothers, and traumatic injuries. With essential equipment like oxygen concentrators and emergency medications, health workers will be able to provide immediate care when every second counts. “These corners are not just physical spaces; they are life-saving units,” Dr. Nanswenze emphasized. Looking toward the future, Dr. Oumo shared the Ministry of Health's plan to integrate EMS into the national health strategy. “Our goal is to ensure that every health facility, from HC IIIs to regional referral hospitals, is equipped to provide emergency care,” he said, assuring that the EMS corners will continue to be a crucial part of the healthcare system’s long-term success.
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Enabel distributes modern stretchers to saving-for-health groups in Rwenzori region, Uganda
Claire BALUNGI | 09/12/2024
A healthy community is a happy community. Since July 2023, Enabel has been working with communities in the Rwenzori region to promote Saving for Health, an innovative initiative designed to help communities take control of their health expenses. Enabel distributed 58 modern stretchers to 21 community groups in Ntoroko (Nombe Sub-county), Kasese (Bugoye Sub-county) and Bundibugyo’s Ngamba Subcounty. This intervention is part of our Decent Work and Social Protection project, and one of the hopes is to make an impact on how health services are accessed in hard-to-reach areas. “When we first introduced the Saving for Health initiative, many people in the region were skeptical. The idea of saving specifically for health was new, and some were hesitant, unsure of how it would work or whether their contributions would be safe. There were concerns that this was just another program that would take away their money without any real benefit. But through extensive sensitization and community awareness campaigns, we worked alongside local leaders and ambassadors to shift mindsets, educating people about the importance of saving for their health and assuring them that the savings were secure and would directly benefit their well-being,” recalls Sharon Kensita, the Sector Expert, Social Protection. Since then, 300 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across Rwenzori region have embraced this model, collectively saving over UGX 305 million as of September 2024. These funds are placed into the Saving for Health Bottle Fund at group level, which allows families to access money when they need it most, whether it is for a hospital visit or emergency treatment. During Enabel’s work with the groups and the ambassadors for Saving for Health, it was brought to Enabel’s attention that some communities were finding it hard to reach the health facilities using the motorcycle and automobile transport. This was when the idea of distributing modern stretchers to the communities through the saving groups came to life. In areas like Ngamba Subcounty, many people live on remote hillsides, where roads are either impassable or non-existent. For these communities, transporting the sick to health facilities has been a daunting challenge. In the past, people resorted to makeshift stretchers made of stick and bedsheet to carry patients down treacherous hillsides and to carry the deceased from hospitals back home. This method was not only difficult but also unsafe and often, many got accidents as they carried or were being carried to the health facilities, as Dr George Gizamba, the incharge at Kikyo Health Centre IV notes. Recognizing this urgent need, Enabel acted among the saving groups, distributing 58 modern stretchers to 21 groups and health facilities in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko. Local leaders and healthcare workers were particularly excited about the positive impact this would have on maternal and child health. In areas where transportation was a major barrier, pregnant women and children suffering from severe illness would now have a safer, more efficient way to reach health facilities for medical attention. “These stretchers are user-friendly and do not use fuel, we are hopeful that transportation of patients will be more reliable and our health indicators especially maternal indicators will improve,” said Musoki Owen, a representative from the Chief Administrative Officer’s, Bundibugyo district. Godfrey Bagonza, Assistant District Health Officer of Bundibugyo also recalled the devastating loss of lives in the mountains due to fear of the difficulty to move down to health facilities. “We believe that now the death rate is going to lower,” he said. Leaders in the savings groups, like Mumbere Eria, Chairman Kikyo 2 Savings Group and Bwambale Kalimiri, Secretary Ngamba United Caterers Association expressed their gratitude and are confident that actions such as these will encourage community members to prioritize health.
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Enabel promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in Uganda through Fair Trade Tourism certification
John CANDIGA | 06/12/2024
As global tourism continues to grow, it is crucial to balance the economic benefits with the need to protect the environment, preserve cultural traditions, and uplift local communities through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The Uganda National Development Plan III identifies tourism and hospitality as an important sector for increasing forex earnings, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty.In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Enabel through the Social Protection and Decent Work project is promoting responsible and sustainable practices among tourism operators through Fair Trade Tourism certification. From March 2024, eligible tourism businesses were invited to register as an expression of interest to be among the first 50 in Uganda to be supported in pioneering Fair Trade Tourism in the destination, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, and ultimately accessing new market opportunities.Adrift River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge have as a result become the first tourism businesses in Uganda to achieve a significant milestone in their Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) journey after successfully passing an independent audit of their operations. The tour operators earned the “FTT-Engaged” award, a prestigious recognition for meeting over 50 rigorous criteria designed to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices in Uganda.The FTT-Engaged award is an entry-level certification that recognizes businesses that demonstrate strong commitments to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. To achieve the status, businesses undergo an audit of their operational areas including; fair wages, working conditions, environmental impact management, community involvement, and the promotion of local cultural heritage. The award also emphasizes the active engagement of both guests and staff in sustainable tourism practices.Rebecca Phillips, Guest Experience Manager of Lemala Camps and Lodges, expressed her excitement about achieving the FTT-engaged status. She said that they aim to be ahead of the curve in all they do. “FTT has been an incredible partner in guiding us to achieve this milestone in Uganda”, said Rebecca.The Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board, Lilly Ajarova emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism for the future of the country’s tourism sector. She said that the “FTT-engaged” recognition is to the two tourism operators is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and environmentally friendly practices.Lilly Ajarova added that with the increasing market demand for travel experiences aligned with sustainability principles, now is the time for the tourism sector to come together and position destination Uganda accordingly. She commended River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge for the FTT-engaged achievement as pioneers of the award in Uganda. “This should inspire other tourism businesses to follow suit”, said Lilly.The Project Manager for Enabel’s Social Protection and Decent Work Project, Lucie Carlier commended Adrift River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge for their practices that contributed to the achievement. “Enabel is proud to support Uganda's Fair Trade Tourism initiative which not only safeguards the rich natural and cultural heritage but also ensures that local communities reap the socio-economic benefits of tourism”, said Lucie.Lucie Carlier added that the milestone achieved by tourism operators demonstrates the positive impact that sustainable tourism can have. “We are excited to continue working together to position Uganda as a leader in sustainable tourism within Africa and beyond”, she said.The FTT-Uganda certification scheme provides guidance and independent verification of a tourism business' commitment to fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, equitable distribution of benefits, and respect for human rights, culture, and the environment.Photos by Fair Trade Tourism - Uganda
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Enabel contributes to the transformation of health education and training in Uganda with the SPICES Model
Claire BALUNGI | 26/11/2024
In medical practice, health workers encounter patients with different conditions amongst which are high fevers, persistent coughing, or even those who can't speak about their pain. Health workers ought to have the ability to interpret and solve these problems easily, especially in emergencies. However, it starts with their training. This is why the Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with Enabel in Uganda is rolling out the training on the SPICES model of education and training for health in the partner health training institutions of Fort Portal College of Health Sciences, Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery and Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery. The Student-centered, Problem-based, Integrated, Community-based, Elective, and Systematic learning (SPICES) model was developed by Professor Harden in the 1940s. The model reshapes how health professionals are trained, replacing traditional lecture-heavy methods with a dynamic, hands-on approach that mirrors real-world scenarios as it trains students to think critically, innovate, and collaborate effectively. Nakaggwa Mary, the Principal Health Tutor at Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery believes that it is going to give every student a chance to participate and help tutors use diverse methods to deliver content. “We’re not just creating competent nurses for Uganda but for the world," said Mary who highlighted how the model fosters self-directed learning, ensuring that students take charge of their education while tutors guide them to refine and clarify their findings. Mbubi Joiner Stella, a Senior Health Tutor in Midwifery, wanted to experiment with the SPICES model. She told her students to prepare a presentation within 15 minutes on a topic. By the end of the day, they had practiced ten skills. Everyone participated, and no one was left behind. This hands-on, participatory approach demands more from both students and tutors as compared to the traditional lecture method of teaching. However, such a transformation isn’t without its challenges. Christopher Isabirye, the Principal Tutor and Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the Health Tutors College Mulago, a tutor trainer, pointed out that instructors are juggling packed curricula and demanding workloads. "This requires more planning and preparation. Tutors need to guide students closely, which takes time and commitment. There’s also the issue of resources, learning by doing often calls for financial investments that schools may not readily have," explained Isabirye. Despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm among tutors is evident, with many appreciating the impact that the new approach will have on student learning outcomes. One of the unique aspects of the SPICES model is its emphasis on community-based learning. In our partner health training institutions in Hoima, Fort Portal and Jinja, students don’t just learn within hospital walls, they step into communities to address real health challenges. "We take them to rural places like Kidera, Buyende where they work on environmental sanitation, teach people how to construct tippy taps for handwashing, and even help communities improve hygiene using locally available materials," said Nakaggwa. This immersion not only benefits the students but also creates tangible change in the communities they serve. Moreover, the model aligns perfectly with Enabel’s vision for health education. "The SPICES model ensures holistic learning, connecting community needs with real-life applications. It’s not just about knowledge but about creating professionals who can apply it effectively," said George Eyunu, a Nursing School Pedagogy Officer at Enabel. Yasin Mukibi, Senior Health Education Training Officer at Ministry of Education and Sports sees the SPICES model as a critical step forward in health training. As the Ministry is currently reviewing and developing curricula to address the changing demands of healthcare, the SPICES model complements these efforts by producing professionals suited to the world of work. He also noted how the model’s focus on integration and systematic learning ensures that graduates are prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare. Even as challenges like resistance to change and limited resources arise, the SPICES model continues to inspire those involved. "Medicine is a dynamic field, and so is health education," said Isabirye. "If we don’t upgrade our practices, we risk becoming irrelevant, therefore we should stay ahead, ensuring our students are ready for the future," he added. As Uganda embraces this innovative model, Enabel’s hope is that the collective effort of Ministry of Education and Sports, tutors and students in health training institutions will foster a sense of ownership and accountability for learning and teaching, and strengthen the larger health system of Uganda.
