Kabale University has awarded four competitive postgraduate scholarships under the Strengthening Smallholder Farmer Resilience to Climate Change through Joint Learning, Development, and Evaluation of Contextualised Solutions (SFR2CC) Project. The initiative is funded by the Water and Development Partnership Programme of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and seeks to empower young Ugandan scientists to develop practical, community-driven solutions to climate change challenges affecting smallholder farmers in the country’s highland regions.
The SFR2CC Project is a three-year collaborative initiative between Kabale University (KAB) and Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), implemented in partnership with Kigezi Women in Development (KWID) and Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE). The project strengthens the connection between higher education, research, and community needs, with a strong focus on water management, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient livelihoods in the Kigezi and Rwenzori highlands.
Strengthening Skills Through Competence-Based Education
As part of the project’s education and training component, Kabale University is actively reviewing the MSc Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) programme to align it with a Competence-Based Education (CBE) approach. The revised curriculum emphasizes practical skills, participatory learning, and gender-responsive research, ensuring that graduates are better prepared to address real-world environmental and climate challenges faced by rural communities.
To support this transformation, the university invited early-career Ugandan scientists to apply for scholarships to pursue the MSc ENR programme. The call attracted several highly motivated applicants with strong interests in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and climate-smart innovation.
Transparent and Merit-Based Selection Process
Following a rigorous selection process held on 16th August 2025 at the Directorate of Research and Publications, four outstanding candidates emerged successful. The selection committee, chaired by Dr. Florence Kirabo Nampijja, comprised representatives from both the SFR2CC Project and the Directorate of Postgraduate Training. The process was guided by the principles of academic merit, transparency, and gender equity, with at least 50 percent of the slots reserved for female candidates.
The successful scholarship recipients are:
- Mr. Friday Boaz – BSc Environmental Sciences
- Mr. Nshimyimana Evarist – BSc Education (Biology and Chemistry)
- Ms. Natukunda Evelyne – BSc Environmental Sciences
- Ms. Niwamanya Deborah – BSc Land Use Planning and Management
During the selection exercise, candidates were evaluated through structured oral interviews, each lasting 20 minutes. They were assessed on academic qualifications, research potential, motivation, and alignment with the objectives of the SFR2CC Project.
Building Future Climate Leaders
Commenting on the process, the Chairperson, Dr. Florence Kirabo Nampijja, commended the selection committee for upholding transparency and professionalism. She emphasized that the scholarships reflect Kabale University’s strong commitment to inclusive, gender-balanced, and impact-oriented higher education.
“The SFR2CC scholarships not only build individual capacity but also strengthen community resilience. Our goal is to produce graduates who will drive real change through science, innovation, and collaboration with local farmers,” she noted.
The scholarships cover tuition and related academic expenses for two academic years (2025–2027). Beyond formal training, the SFR2CC Project supports scholars through gender-responsive research, co-development of farm-level innovations, and engagement with policymakers and local farming communities.
Advancing Climate Research in Uganda’s Highlands
Through this initiative, Kabale University continues to position itself as a leading institution in climate resilience, sustainable development, and community-centered research in Uganda’s highland regions. By investing in young scientists, the university strengthens its contribution to climate adaptation, food security, and sustainable water and land management, while nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.
