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#AgroecologyWeekAction25 #30YearsOfPELUMUganda
Closing Remarks by Ms. Josephine Akia, Country Coordinator, PELUM Uganda: A Call for Continued Collaboration and Innovation in Agroecology.
Ms.
@AkiaPhiona, the Country Coordinator of
@pelum_uganda, delivered her closing remarks at the 4TH Agroecological Market and Systems Expo (AMASE) with appreciation and reflection on the progress made since the first edition.
She began by thanking all participants - guests, farmers, innovators, and partners - for investing their time and effort in the event, noting that the day was filled with gratitude, pride, and renewed hope for the future of agroecology in Uganda.
She shared that during the morning exhibition tour with the Guest of Honour, she observed significant progress in product development, branding, and labeling compared to previous expos. She noted that many exhibitors had now incorporated nutritional information, expiry dates, and consumer-focused packaging signs of growth in product quality and professionalism.
Ms. Akia emphasized that the Expo’s theme, “Promoting Youth and Women-led Agroecological Innovations and Technologies for Improved Incomes in Uganda,” was reflected in the strong participation of young people and women among the exhibitors. She reaffirmed PELUM Uganda’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality, saying that the organization values creating spaces where women and youth can meaningfully engage and lead in agroecological transformation.
She acknowledged farmers as the foundation of agroecology and commended entrepreneurs who turn ideas into innovative products that promote health, safety, and sustainability. She also recognized the role of research, policymaker engagement, and fairness in shaping resilient food systems. Referring to an earlier discussion led by Dr. Sekandi, she echoed the need for mutual visibility between the youth and stakeholders encouraging both sides to seek and support one another.
Ms. Akia highlighted key outcomes from the side sessions, which focused on improving the quality and standards of agroecological products and expanding opportunities in renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. She stated that agroecology offers solutions to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
As she concluded, she urged participants to carry forward the energy and lessons from the Expo into their work and communities. She reminded them that every agroecological product represents a story of quality, fairness, and sustainability, and that renewable energy solutions like solar, biogas, and biodigesters are integral to sustainable farming and food systems.
She called on everyone to continue promoting participation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing - principles that define PELUM Uganda’s work. Ms. Akia expressed deep appreciation to the organizing committee led by Mr. Tayebwa, the PELUM Uganda Board, and all partners and sponsors including
@brot_furdiewelt,
@snvworld,
@broederlijkdele,
@humundi_ong,
@Afsafrica,
@ssnc_global ,
@noradno, PELUM Association, the Ministries of
@mtic_uganda,
@MAAIF_Uganda, Rootical,
@nogamu , UGOCERT,
@housingfinanceU and @SanlamUganda .
She also thanked facilitators, exhibitors, and participants for their creativity, insights, and contributions, adding that the next Expo would be bigger and shaped by the ideas shared at this year’s event.
In her closing appeal, she said the Expo should not mark an end, but a launch pad for continued collaboration, market linkages, and innovation. She encouraged everyone to translate what they learned into practice - in fields, factories, and markets - and to keep harvesting not only food but also hope, values, and a sustainable future where people, the planet, and prosperity thrive together.
She ended by inviting participants to support exhibitors by purchasing their products and networking, before wishing everyone safe travels and reaffirming PELUM Uganda’s vision for a greener Africa.