Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda) is a well-established NGO operating countrywide in different regions of Uganda. Founded in 1996, with a research mission and a long-term commitment to understanding the measures and drivers of poverty and its solutions, KRC-Uganda has …
Our Programs
Food Security & Agribusiness
This program plays a vital role in bolstering the efforts of farmers’ organizations by providing comprehensive support across various critical areas of agricultural development.
Information Research & Communications
Since its founding in 1996, KRC has stood by the philosophy that meaningful actionable data is the driver of successful and impactful development programs.
Environment & Energy
As our population grows, so does the pressure on our use of natural resources. Our programs are aligned to sustainable green economic development with the full participation of our communities and stakeholders.
Governance & Policy Advocacy
KRC facilitate spaces for citizens to make their voices heard and exercise their democratic and civic rights. We work with governance structures with the aim of enhancing
News Articles
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THE ROLE OF DEBATES IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS
In 2022, the Toro Sub-Region was identified as having a particularly high burden of malnutrition and child stunting (UDHS, 2022). Anthropometric measurements collected for children under the age of five revealed an alarming stunting rate of 38%, well above the national average of 26%. While Uganda’s stunting rates have steadily declined since 2016, reaching 28.9% by 2020 (Global Nutrition Report, 2020), these figures remain unacceptably high. According to UNICEF, malnutrition poses a serious threat to an entire generation of Ugandan children. Sharon addressing debate participants on the rules of engagement Several interventions have been implemented to combat malnutrition in all its forms. These include nutrition-specific interventions, such as maternal micronutrient supplementation, disease prevention, support for exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding. In addition, nutrition-sensitive approaches have been employed, such as improving access to nutritious food through agriculture, supporting small farms as a source of income, and improving access to clean water and sanitation to reduce infections and disease (Rojina, 2022). Recently, debates have emerged as a powerful tool for promoting nutrition and health education. Debates encourage students to examine their beliefs, develop non-technical skills, and serve as a valuable pedagogical approach in healthcare education. By engaging in debates, students are encouraged to take a deep approach to learning and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and oral presentation. Unlike traditional lecture-based methods, debates require students to actively participate in the learning process. They promote a structured approach to exploring topics and foster a sense of responsibility for one’s education. Additionally, debates emphasize effective teamwork and collaboration, as participants work toward a shared goal of preparing for and participating in discussions. With funding from the IDP, KRC-Uganda organized primary and secondary school debates under the theme “Balancing Health with Sustainability: Navigating the Future of Food Production and Consumption. The debates took place from August 23-25, 2024, at Nyakasura School. Through these debates, we aim to spread awareness about food security and the fight against malnutrition. We believe that children play a significant role in food choices within their households. By teaching them healthy eating habits at a young age, we ensure that they use this knowledge throughout their lives and pass it on to future generations. Food habits and choices are developed early in life and can be sustained into adulthood, making it crucial to address malnutrition in childhood. Early intervention is far more effective in preventing malnutrition’s long-term effects than attempting to address these issues in adulthood. Through debates and other initiatives, we are confident that we can help break the vicious cycle of malnutrition. By empowering children with knowledge about healthy food choices, physical activity, and other relevant interventions, we equip them to make informed decisions that will improve their health and well-being. By fostering awareness through debates, we hope to create a generation that is well-informed and capable of making healthier food choices, thereby addressing malnutrition in Uganda at its root. By Sharon Atuhaire Nutrition Officer-Kyaka II Refugee Settlement
23. Sep 2024
THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become common challenges for many. Amidst the chaos, mindfulness meditation has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being and enhancing the quality of life Caregivers practicing mindfulness meditation during a training session Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It encourages individuals to observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise, fostering a greater awareness of the present. Unlike other forms of meditation that may focus on specific goals or outcomes, mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the here and now. Starting a mindfulness meditation practice is simple. Begin by setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Pay attention to the sensations of breathing, and when your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the duration of your sessions. some of the benefits of mindfulness meditation include: Mental Health Benefits One of the most significant benefits of mindfulness meditation is its impact on mental health. Regular practice has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By becoming more aware of their thoughts and emotions, individuals can learn to manage them more effectively, preventing negative patterns from taking hold. Additionally, mindfulness meditation has been found to increase feelings of calmness and relaxation, making it an excellent tool for stress management. Physical Health Benefits: The benefits of mindfulness are not limited to mental health. Research indicates that mindfulness meditation can also have positive effects on physical health. For example, it has been associated with lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and enhanced immune function. By reducing stress, mindfulness meditation can help mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress on the body, promoting overall well-being. Improved Focus and Concentration: In an age of constant distractions, maintaining focus can be challenging. Mindfulness meditation trains the mind to concentrate on the present moment, which can enhance focus and cognitive function. Studies have shown that individuals who practice mindfulness regularly experience improvements in attention span and memory. This makes mindfulness meditation a valuable practice for anyone looking to improve their productivity and cognitive abilities. In conclusion, mindfulness meditation offers a wealth of benefits for both mental and physical health. By cultivating greater awareness of the present moment, individuals can reduce stress, improve their focus, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether you’re new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be a transformative experience. By Keneema Trashillah EASE Officer-Rhino Refugee settlement
18. Sep 2024
ENHANCING NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY OUTCOMES THROUGH INTEGRATING NUTRITION PROGRAMMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN FORT PORTAL CITY AND KABAROLE DISTRICT
In an effort to improve nutrition and food safety outcomes, Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have integrated nutrition programming into primary schools. This initiative addresses a critical issue—four in every ten children in the Tooro region are stunted. Contributing factors include limited knowledge about nutrition, inadequate dietary diversity, and insufficient care for mothers and children. Moreover, food safety concerns need urgent attention. Pupils of Karambi primary school nutrition club pose for a photo with KRC-Uganda, IDP, JESE, RCA and political and technical leaders from Fort Portal City and Kabarole district during one of the school monitoring exercises Primary schools have become pivotal in promoting sustainable food systems by educating students on proper nutrition practices and safe food production and consumption. Schools play a crucial role in developing children’s behaviours, as they are part of a larger social network that shapes eating patterns and attitudes. Children learn not only from their peers and teachers but also from their families, communities, and media. Schools are, therefore, natural hubs for nutrition education. KRC-Uganda, through the Mpanga Super Farmers Program (MSFP) and in partnership with Iles de Paix (IDP) and the Hivos Healthy Food Africa project, supports nutrition clubs in five primary schools: Karambi, Kasisi, Kahunga-Bunyonyi, Njara, and Kinyamasika. These clubs serve as a platform for disseminating vital nutrition and food safety information. The program also involves training for headteachers, club patrons, and cooks on nutrition and safe food handling practices, including the use of clean planting materials and bio-rations to manage pests and diseases. Pupils of Karambi primary school perform an educative skit on nutrition Karambi P/S nutrition club has held the flag high in disseminating nutrition and food safety messages and practices to the rest of the pupils and communities. The school has a dedicated nutrition club patron, headteacher and teachers who have integrated basic nutrition and food safety information in their science and agriculture classes. The nutrition club has reached most children through internally organized debates, drama skits and poems on nutrition during assemblies on a regular basis. The school has provided opportunities to practice healthy eating and food safety in their school feeding program, and through the sale of food on their premises. There has been “spread the effect” by involving families in their children’s nutrition education. Silver, one of the male pupils in primary five described how he is contributing to decision in the composition of meals to be consumed in their household utilizing the nutrition knowledge from Karambi primary school. Pupils of Kinyamasika primary school in one of their school gardens The nutrition clubs have also established school gardens to provide hands-on learning experiences, with a focus on diversifying crops and incorporating pest-repellent plants. These efforts aim to strengthen agroecological practices and promote sustainable farming methods in school farms. Through these programs, KRC-Uganda is empowering young students with the knowledge and tools to make healthier food choices, improve food safety, and contribute to their households and communities. By integrating nutrition education into the school environment, these initiatives are fostering long-term change and helping to combat malnutrition in the Tooro region. By: Eric Oteba Food systems and Nutrition Manager-KRC-Uganda
25. Aug 2024
Gender Discrimination against Women and Girls
Gender discrimination occurs when one sex is favoured over the other, leading to disadvantages for the opposite gender. In our society, we frequently encounter such discriminatory situations between women/girls and men/boys. Globally, it is estimated that 736 million women—nearly one in three—have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at least once in their lives, with 30% of women aged 15 and older affected (UN Women, 2023). In the same report, most violence against women is perpetrated by current and or former or intimate partners. More than 640 million or 26 % of women aged 15 years and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence. Of those who have been in a relationship, almost one in four adolescent girls aged 15-19 years (24%) have experienced physical and or sexual violence from an intimate partner or husband. While 16% of young women aged 15-24 years have experienced this violence in the past 12 months. It’s important to note that, 56% of married women aged 15-49 years reported suffering physical and sexual violence by a husband (UBOS, 2021). Saddening to note is that, our communities have held in high esteem some traditional beliefs and practices that seem to discriminate against a girl child. Unconsciously or consciously families, workplaces, leaderships, communities, and societies have promoted discrimination tendencies in the name of protecting, disciplining, nurturing, and preserving the dignity of a woman or girl-child. There are still many cases of battering, sexual harassment & exploitation/trade, defilement, rape and teenager pregnancies, early marriages, denial of provision & basic needs of life, denial of expression, limited or no control and power over family resources, limited decision- making and manipulation, micro representation, denial on succession opportunities and assaults/insults. Women/girls have been left homeless, with many ending up in refugee camps, broken marriage relationships and sometimes with disability. The rate of depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), and HIV is high in women who have experienced violence compared to those who haven’t. Most of the affected women/girls have never recovered from such a brutal, cruel, unkind, self-seeking vindictive, and arrogant mentality. They have suffered everlasting effects like; traumas, grief, hatred, revenge, isolation, sadness, suicide attempts, bed wetting, and sleeping disorders, Despite the numerous interventions and investment of resources by activists in advocacy work to highlight the status of women/girls. Gender-Based Violence(GBV) 42% are women and 41% men and on average 42 gender-based violence rank as the top women’s -rights issue that Ugandans want Government and Society to address (Afrobarometer Dispatch n. 792, April, 2024). In the four Sub Counties of Kabonero & Rwimi (Bunyangabu District) and Kasenda & Harugongo (Kabarole District) respectively, the situation is no different! During the Men- Engage training of 40 model men about ‘Gender Equality in Decision Making among Women and Girls, in June 2024 organized & funded by KRC- Uganda and facilitated by Rwenzori Women’s Forum (RWOF), domestic violence was ranked the highest community issues that needs attention. School dropouts & low levels of education, high consumption of alcohol, non-joint money savings, and imbalances in handling domestic chores among men and women spouses. Among the actions, awareness of the communities was considered important across the two Districts to raise awareness within the communities of farmers as championed by the Model Men under the Men-Engage Approach taking the lead in influencing mindset change among men in their communities. We have all, at some point, contributed to acts of discrimination against women and girls, whether in the workplace (such as in leadership or management roles and among peers), at home, in schools, marriages, businesses, or religious institutions. Therefore, it is crucial to reflect on the impact of the pain we have caused, whether intentionally or unintentionally, through our actions and attitudes. It is our collective responsibility to stand up for gender justice! By: Murungi Jackline MpakaGender Focal Person KRC-Uganda & Coordinator RWOF
21. Aug 2024
Kabarole Research and Resource Center – Uganda
KRC-UGANDA, established in 1996, is a dedicated research, advocacy, and community development organization. At the heart of our mission lies the steadfast belief that meaningful, actionable data serves as the cornerstone for driving impactful development programs. With a proven commitment to fostering positive change and progress within communities, we strive to provide valuable insights that empower informed decision-making, ensuring sustainable and effective development initiatives. Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for Uganda and beyond.
