By Kobugabe Joanita – Communication Officer, Rubanda
Self Help Africa has successfully concluded a two-day community dialogue in Nyarurambi and Rugarambiro parishes, Muko Subcounty, Rubanda District, held from 15th to 19th August 2025. The meeting focused on assessing progress in household nutrition and strengthening collaboration between community members, farmer field schools, and key stakeholders.
During the engagement, Mr. Tumwesigye Denis, a project beneficiary, expressed gratitude to Self Help Africa for introducing improved farming practices that have boosted food production in the community. He highlighted interventions such as kitchen gardening, fruit tree growing, digging trenches and check dams, animal rearing, and mushroom growing — all of which have improved food security and family stability. However, he appealed for government support in addressing challenges such as floods, pests, and diseases that threaten farmers’ efforts.
Mr. Kuhoza Nicholas, the Project Manager Representative, explained that the meeting aimed to evaluate the progress of Self Help Africa’s “Growing Resilience and Eco-Enterprises” project. Since 2023, the initiative has been implemented in Kabale and Rubanda districts to empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth around the Lake Bunyonyi sub-catchment. Key interventions include promoting climate-smart agriculture, land restoration, natural resource governance, eco-enterprise development, and the mainstreaming of nutrition and gender. The project targets 1,000 households — reaching an estimated 4,000 individuals.
Rubanda’s Assistant District Health Officer for Environmental Health and Nutrition, Mr. Barnabas Tiwangye, applauded the project’s contribution to improving livelihoods and family cooperation. He urged community members to maintain good hygiene, eat balanced diets, plan for harvests, and ensure pregnant mothers attend antenatal visits.
Senior Probations Officer Ms. Joyce Kenganzi encouraged families to avoid domestic violence and plan for land use to reduce conflicts, particularly in polygamous households. She emphasized that peace and cooperation are key to fighting poverty.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Birungi Harriet commended Self Help Africa and assured the community that the government is committed to sustaining the project after its scheduled closure in December 2025. She also encouraged residents to actively participate in government initiatives like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Programme to further improve their quality of life.
This dialogue marks a significant step towards building resilient communities in Rubanda, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security for generations to come.
