In the face of climate change, St Charles Lwanga Centre has found an innovative way of mitigating some of its devastating effects.
Situated in Lumbika Village of Chief Chamuka, the centre has embraced organic farming as a sustainable solution to promote environmental conservation and healthy living.
The story of the centre began in 2008 with what Sr. MaryAnne Katiti described as a gift from God. After learning that she was a daughter of Mr Katiti, Chief Chamuka offered to donate land to the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate Sisters.
“This started like a gift from God. Chief Chamuka, after learning that I was a daughter of Mr Katiti, was very happy and wanted to say thank you for all the things my father did for the people around. He said, ‘Sr. Katiti, I would like to give you land. How many hectares do you want?’ Then at random I said 48 hectares,” she recalled.
That donation laid the foundation for what would become St Charles Lwanga Centre, a project dedicated to environmental conservation, healthy living and community development.
Full Documentary Video
Sr. MaryAnne Katiti said she hoped the vision for the centre would continue to grow and benefit future generations.
“I would like to ask the Almighty God to continue blessing the Sisters so that the mission for this place, the vision on this place, comes to realisation because I can see a full-blown school where boys and girls will have access to fresh food and quality education,” she said.
Assistant Farm Manager Sr. Gloria Kamoto said the decision to move from inorganic to organic farming was aimed at promoting healthy living among the people.
“As a community we thought of branching off from inorganic farming to organic farming. All our farming activities in this place are organic farming,” she said.
The centre combines crop production, livestock rearing and fish farming while producing its own organic inputs and sharing knowledge with surrounding communities.
Farm worker Gift Lielela said villagers had been trained in organic farming practices using locally available materials.
“We invited villagers to come and learn with us. They gained new ideas and learned that the materials they need are readily available to them,” he said.
Community members say the project has improved livelihoods through employment opportunities, increased food availability and improved access to education.
The headman described the impact as significant.
“The benefits we have experienced are immense. People are employed and able to earn a living. We no longer struggle to find food and our village is developing,” he said.
Beneficiaries also commended the initiative for bringing food production, employment and educational opportunities closer to the community.
Despite its successes, Sr. Kamoto said organic farming remains labour-intensive and requires commitment and hard work.
The Little Servants of Mary Immaculate Sisters continue to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices as part of their mission to serve communities and protect creation.
To learn more about how the project is transforming lives and conserving the environment, watch the full documentary below.
Full Documentary Video