The Church of Uganda has taken a bold step toward sustainable agriculture by exploring aquaponics as part of its livelihoods transformation agenda.
Household and Community Transformation (HCT) coordinators from all 39 dioceses gathered at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Kajjansi for a hands-on learning tour focused on fish farming and aquaponics.
The visit was also graced by international partners, including President and Founder of Life International Kurt Dillinger; Chief Advancement Officer of Life International, Steve Biondo; and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Financial Ministries International, Chuck Bentley.
Aquaponics, an innovative farming approach that integrates fish rearing with soil-less plant cultivation, is increasingly being recognized as a solution to climate change, food insecurity, and dwindling water resources.
The system recycles water and nutrients between fish tanks and plant beds, resulting in higher yields with fewer inputs.
The Director of Household and Community Transformation of the Church of Uganda, Rev Andrew Agaba, said the initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to empowering communities with modern, climate-smart technologies.
“We want to see households across Uganda producing more food, improving their nutrition, and generating sustainable incomes,” Agaba said.
“Aquaponics is one of the innovations that will help us build resilience against climate change while reducing poverty.”
The learning visit also highlighted the role of partnerships in driving agricultural innovation. Speaking on behalf of ARDC, Papias Tibihika, the Centre’s Head, praised the Church for championing modern agricultural practices.
“The Church of Uganda’s commitment is commendable. By embracing aquaponics, you are setting a model for how faith-based institutions can contribute to food security,” Tibihika said.
“NARO remains committed to providing technical guidance, training, and access to technologies that will make this vision a reality.”
The ARDC, where the tour was hosted, operates under the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), which is part of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).
Friday’s tour builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Church of Uganda and NARO on December 7, 2022, at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe. The MoU is designed to boost the adoption of agricultural technologies across all dioceses.
Under the agreement, NARO provides technical support, organizes training sessions, and strengthens the capacity of Church leaders, while also facilitating access to modern equipment and farm inputs.
Kurt Dillinger, one of the international guests, remarked that the initiative is timely and forward-looking.
“Aquaponics is not just about farming; it’s about transforming lives. I applaud the Church of Uganda for recognizing that empowering households with innovative solutions is one of the best ways to serve communities,” Dillinger said.
With climate change and population growth placing mounting pressure on food systems, the Church of Uganda’s move into aquaponics signals a growing shift toward environmentally sustainable and economically viable farming methods.
