Rivers of Resilience: Centenary Foundation’s Impact on Kasese’s Environmental Crisis
By Martha Namugga | 7 February 2025
In Kasese District, Uganda, the fierce waters of Rivers Nyamwamba and Nyamugasani have wreaked havoc, displacing thousands and disrupting lives with devastating annual floods. The most recent flood in May 2024 left 20 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in already hard-to-reach areas. Father Mbusa Nyansio, Executive Director of CARITAS Kasese, poignantly describes this ongoing disaster as a “war of rivers,” highlighting the severe challenges faced by the community.
In response, the Centenary Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization, has been tirelessly working to support vulnerable communities across Uganda. By focusing on interventions in education, health, and the environment, the Foundation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between poverty and prosperity. Their efforts in Kasese have been instrumental in empowering women, youth, and farmers to navigate the challenges posed by the relentless flooding.
Providing Hope in the Face of Adversity
The impact of the floods has been tragic, with many community members forced to endure life in IDP camps for extended periods. Father Mbusa reflects on the plight of residents in Muhokya, stating, “Imagine living in an IDP camp for three years, in the same place where many of them were born.” Thankfully, with the Centenary Foundation’s intervention, these residents have received non-food items, including clothing, which has restored a sense of dignity to their lives. Father Mbusa emphasizes this positive change, stating, “Thanks to Centenary Foundation, residents received clothes that returned to them a sense of dignity.”
At the Muhokya IDP camp, the Foundation has been delivering essential aid, including food, clothing, and other necessities, providing comfort and support to those most in need. Their commitment goes beyond immediate relief; it extends to environmental preservation.
Fostering Environmental Stewardship
Recognizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, the Centenary Foundation has prioritized environmental conservation through its agroforestry initiatives. They have distributed fruit trees—such as jackfruit, avocados, and mangoes—among local households, aiming to promote agroforestry and household afforestation. “We provided 10 fruit trees for every household, knowing they could help combat malnutrition,” Father Mbusa explains. This initiative not only aids in nutrition but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Moreover, the Foundation aligns its mission with the Rome directive from the Holy Pope, which emphasizes the protection of our planet. This commitment to environmental stewardship is woven into Centenary Foundation’s strategic plan, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable development.
Greening the Future Through Education
The Foundation’s impact also extends into education, particularly through its Greening of Schools initiative. Partnering with CARITAS, Centenary Foundation has encouraged students and teachers to engage in tree planting within their communities. Kasese Secondary School benefitted greatly, receiving over 400 tree seedlings, including fruit and shade trees. Headteacher Mr. Nzukwa Joseph expresses gratitude, stating, “We thank Centenary Foundation for the trees. They will provide shade, fruit, and timber necessary for our school kitchen.”
Through this initiative, the Headteacher and dedicated teachers are training students in tree planting and management, creating a ripple effect of environmental awareness that spreads throughout the community. The resulting trees will yield sustenance and shade, benefiting both the school and its surrounding neighborhood.
Empowering Women and Youth
In addition to environmental efforts, the Centenary Foundation has been instrumental in promoting economic empowerment in Kasese. By supporting farmers in developing a robust coffee value chain, the Foundation provides high-yielding coffee seedlings that can transform livelihoods. Fr. Mbusa shares, “With the aid from Centenary Foundation, coffee farmers receive seedlings that they can nurture. Just 100 high-yielding seedlings can produce substantial coffee, sustaining a profitable value chain.” Beyond coffee production, the Foundation empowers farmers to explore additional income-generating activities such as poultry farming and vegetable cultivation.
Centenary Foundation’s collaboration with CARITAS KASESE has also focused on empowering women and youth. Through training and financial literacy programs, vulnerable groups, such as the Kituti Thulibughuma Women’s Group from Karambi Sub-county, have flourished. Armed with new skills and access to loans, these group members have launched a successful pig-rearing business, developed individual vegetable gardens to enhance household nutrition, and even started basket-weaving initiatives.
The transformative work of the Centenary Foundation in Kasese District exemplifies resilience and hope amidst adversity. By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term sustainability, the Foundation is truly making a lasting impact in the community, empowering individuals, and promoting a brighter future for all.
