Makerere University Event Highlights Youth-Led Efforts to Combat Poverty, Hunger in Africa

Summary:

The recent event at Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine addressed youth involvement in tackling poverty and hunger, featuring discussions on sustainable agriculture and human rights.

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity at Makerere University recently hosted an event that brought together various stakeholders to discuss crucial issues like poverty and hunger, with a particular focus on youth engagement. This event, organized by The Roots Africa University Clubs, featured insightful conversations and the launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for 2023, courtesy of The INNOVETS, a student-led initiative within CoVAB.

Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, Minister of State for Agriculture awards the INNOVETS a cheque worth USD 500 upon emerging the winners after pitching for their product MAKBEE during the inter-university clubs’ product pitching competitions.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, academics, human rights advocates, policymakers, law enforcement, and business professionals, gathered to address challenges aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2 – eradicating poverty and hunger.

Under the theme “The right to food: Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs changemakers,” attendees explored actionable strategies such as entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural practices. Honorable Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, Minister of State for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of commercial perennial crop agriculture in tackling food insecurity, particularly amidst challenges like climate change.

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The event also featured speakers like Prof. Frank Norbert Mwine, Principal of CoVAB, who stressed the significance of community mindset shifts for ensuring food security. Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, representing the Uganda Human Rights Commission, highlighted the collaborative effort needed across various sectors to promote and protect human rights effectively.

*Some of the judges for the inter-university pitching competition pose for a photo with the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino (3rd Left).*

Panel discussions delved into issues ranging from health rights to environmental concerns affecting food security. Notable figures like Mr. Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Wakiso District Chairperson, and representatives from civil society organizations provided valuable insights and called for increased community engagement and support for vulnerable groups.

*Some of the guests who attended the ceremony at CoVAB.*

Roots Africa, a non-profit organization focused on combating hunger and poverty in Africa, facilitated this event through academic partnerships, exemplifying their commitment to fostering change. The INNOVETS, operating within CoVAB, showcased their dedication to empowering students and driving innovation in Uganda’s livestock sector.