Kamuli, Uganda – On April 9, 2025, Dr. Francis Owusu, the Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods at Iowa State University , conducted a comprehensive tour of various development projects implemented by Developing Lives, Livelihood and Nutrition Uganda (DLLN-Uganda) in Busoga Sub region.
The visit was aimed to assess the impact of ongoing initiatives and foster stronger collaborations between the two organizations. Dr. Owusu was accompanied by three staff fro IOWA State University Uganda Program and a deligation from Developing Lives , livelihood and Nutrition Uganda led by the Administrator Walya Peter accompanied by Margret Kisakye the Skilling Coordinator, Musigire Matayo and Mwanje Peter, the Agriculture extension officers.
The day’s itinerary began in Kasambira, where the delegation inspected the skilling center offering training in tailoring, hairdressing, and craft artisan. This center is a cornerstone of DLLN-Uganda’s efforts to empower local communities through vocational skills development, providing pathways to economic independence for many youth and young mothers.The success of these programs is evident in the growing number of graduates who have successfully established their own small businesses.
The team then proceeded to Kagulu Health Centre II, where they observed a newly installed piped water system.This critical infrastructure project significantly improves access to clean and safe drinking water for the health center and surrounding community, addressing a fundamental need for public health and sanitation. The availability of clean water is expected to reduce waterborne diseases and improve overall community well-being.
A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to Kitaidhumba Primary School in Kidera Town Council. Here, the delegation was warmly welcomed by a contingent of local leaders, including Agriculture Extension Officers Mr. Mwanje Peter and Mr. Musigile Matayo, the school headteacher, the Mayor of Kidera Town Council , and members of the school management committee. The school showcased two state-of-the-art, drainable six-stance pit latrines, which were recently commissioned. These modern sanitation facilities represent a significant upgrade, promoting hygiene and dignity for pupils and staff. Additionally, the delegation inspected a borehole constructed under the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project and a school garden being established under the Agriculture project.The school garden initiative aims to provide hands-on agricultural education and contribute to the school’s nutritional needs.
The tour also included a visit to another borehole in Kidera Town Council and interactions with three model farmers who have successfully adopted sustainable agricultural practices promoted by DLLN-Uganda. These farmers serve as examples of the positive impact of agricultural extension services on local livelihoods.
The day concluded with a high-level meeting at the DLLN-Uganda offices in Kamuli Chaired by the Executive Director of DLLN-Uganda Prince Kitimbo Daniel Joshua.This meeting provided an opportunity for Dr. Owusu, DLLN-Uganda delegation and IOWA state University Uganda Program staff to discuss future collaborations, review progress, and strategize on expanding the reach and impact of their joint initiatives in sustainable rural development. The partnership between Iowa State University and DLLN-Uganda continues to be a vital force in improving the lives of rural communities in Uganda.
