On 25th April 2025, Friday, members and partners of AEFJN Uganda Antenna gathered for their monthly meeting at John Paul II Justice 
and Peace Centre in Kampala – Uganda. The meeting was a moment for reflection, project updates, and strategic planning, leaning toward the pilot Land and Food Security Project in Adjumani District. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in reaffirming the importance of community-driven initiatives.
Review of the Pilot Project on Food and Land Security
One of the main agenda items was the review of the Land and Food Security Project in Adjumani District, which aims to develop indigenous food systems and land rights for vulnerable groups, especially refugees and host communities. A baseline survey report was presented, which answered several questions about the area’s social, economic, and environmental status. The report recommended, among other interventions, that there be further study on indigenous seeds and pathways to correct misconceptions about indigenous crops as well as the development of a policy brief supporting their promotion. This was seen as an opportunity to enrich local agriculture practices and support resilience.
Emphasizing Collective Involvement
As per emphasis from the meeting, there should be more involvement from members in the upcoming projects, especially when it comes to deciding on the allocation of funds. It was agreed that all partners shall be formally updated before funds on this project are disbursed and they should also be part of the actual project implementation phase. New project ideas should also be presented by the members while they actively look for funding from the Antenna, among others. This discussion emphasized the need for collective ownership in project success.
Leadership Reflection
AEFJN Executive Secretary remarked on the need for independence and togetherness among its membership in the Uganda Antenna. He traced the successes from other AEFJN antennas like those in Cameroon and Ireland, urging Uganda’s antenna to put first African-led initiatives. He went on to emphasize that the continent’s future should be owned by members, a future with focus on self-sufficiency and local solutions. This vision echoed the growing sentiment for African ownership and leadership in tackling the continent’s unique challenges.
Key Issues for Future Action
The meeting also served as a platform to identify several key issues requiring intervention:
1. Food Wastage in Kampala: Addressing food loss across the supply chain to combat hunger and environmental damage.
2. Clean Energy: Promoting affordable and sustainable energy solutions, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
3. Urban Farming and Food Security: Supporting urban farming to enhance food production and strengthen local food systems.
4. Youth and Women Livelihoods: Improving economic opportunities for youth and women, with a focus on entrepreneurship and capacity-building.
5. Agroecology in Kampala: Promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure environmentally friendly food production.
6. Land Rights in Kampala: Advocating for equitable land access and addressing urban land injustices.
7. Food and Land Security in Adjumani District: Protecting land rights and strengthening food systems, especially for refugees and host communities.
8. Climate Change, Migration, and Urbanization: Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, migration, and urbanization, including poor infrastructure and inadequate housing in urban areas.
Call to Action
Members were invited to read through the list of identified issues, prioritize them, and propose any additional concerns that they felt ought to be addressed. The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative actions designed to ensure the long-term viability of the Antenna’s work. With a shared vision and mutual commitment, AEFJN Uganda Antenna stands ready to make great strides toward just and sustainable development. The heart of the Antenna’s work shall always remain in partnerships development, projects implementation, and advocacy for land justice, food security, and environmental sustainability.
