Kigali, Rwanda, 4 September 2026
The Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) joined more than 5,600 delegates from over 100 countries at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, held from 31 August to 4 September 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. The event was held under the theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.”
UFAAS CEO Ms Beatrice Luzobe and Board Vice Chairperson Dr Roselline Nyamutale led the UFAAS delegation, bringing Uganda’s experience in agroecology, farmer-centred extension and agricultural innovation to continental discussions on transforming Africa’s food systems.
UFAAS CEO Beatrice Luzobe (L) and Board Vice Chairperson, Dr Roselline Nyamutale (R), at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali.
A major highlight was UFAAS’ contribution to two side events under the Global Programme for Small-scale Agroecology Producers and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (GP-SAEP), namely: i) the GP-SAEP Africa Agroecology Breakthrough Innovations Event on 1 September, and, ii) the GP-SAEP Africa Region Closing and Dissemination (Africa-ReCaD) Wrap-up Workshop on 3 September.
At the Agroecology breakthrough innovations event, Ms Luzobe joined a panel on pitching agroecology innovations (Black Soldier Fly, Azolla, and Biochar), sharing Uganda’s experience and highlighting the importance of identifying, supporting and positioning locally tested innovations for wider uptake.
Dr Nyamutale delivered remarks, emphasising the partnerships and systems required to move promising agroecological innovations from local successes towards scale.
Ms Beatrice Luzobe (second left) during the panel on agroecology breakthrough innovations, moderated by UFAAS Board member, Mr Choice Agaba (standing).
At the GP-SAEP Africa-ReCaD Wrap-up Workshop, Ms Luzobe presented highlights and lessons from Uganda’s implementation experience, including participatory Rural Advisory Services, farmer learning and innovation, capacity strengthening, digital approaches and institutional anchoring. Discussions focused on how these gains can be sustained, adapted, institutionalised and scaled beyond the programme.
She appealed to all partners to strengthen partnerships forged during the project to continue the agroecology work to reach, benefit and empower more farmers.
In her closing remarks, Dr Nyamutale called for a shift “from a project to a movement.” ,while welcoming the newly formed Africa Agroecology Innovations Consortium. She emphasised institutionalising agroecology within national agricultural systems, restoring soil health, strengthening markets for agroecological products, harnessing digital technologies to engage young people, generating evidence on impact, and keeping farmers and women at the centre of innovation.
Both Ms Luzobe and Dr Nyamutale expressed their support for the Africa Agroecology Innovations Consortium, led by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory services (AFAAS), recognising it as an important mechanism for carrying forward the knowledge, innovations, partnerships and momentum generated through GP-SAEP.
Some charter members of the Africa Agroecology Innovations Consortium
About UFAAS:
The Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) is a professional non-profit organization that coordinates and promotes agricultural extension and advisory services in Uganda. Launched in May 2011, UFAAS is the Ugandan country chapter of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS).
UFAAS brings together various actors involved in agricultural extension, including: Government ministries and public agencies, Academia and research institutions, Private companies and banks, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society, Farmer groups and cooperatives. Core objectives include: networking, capacity building, advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
About the GP-SAEP Project:
The Global Programme for Small-scale Agroecology Producers and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (GP-SAEP), Component 3: ÆRAS- Accelerating agroecological transformation through Rural Advisory Services (RAS) (2023-2026) was implemented by the Global forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (GFRAS), The Young Professionals in Agricultural Research and Development (YPARD), and Access Agriculture. In Africa, the project was implemented in Uganda and Madagascar. The project was supported by the European Union through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Contact: Ms Beatrice Luzobe, UFAAS Chief Executive Officer, ufaas2013@gmail.com
Compiled by Elizabeth Asiimwe, alizeff@yahoo.com.