To protect biodiversity and ensure agricultural sustainability, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), and the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), recently convened a five-day (3rd-7th March 2025) workshop on invasive alien species management. The event focused primarily on controlling the spread of the golden dodder and parthenium weed, two highly invasive alien species threatening Uganda’s ecosystem and agricultural productivity.
The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) is an Inter-Governmental Organisation created in 1994 and owned by the Governments of 15 Member States in Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) through their National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).
The overall aim of the workshop was to promote biodiversity conservation by equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage invasive alien species effectively. The specific objectives included assessing the current status and best practices in the management of invasive species, documenting innovative and ecological approaches to invasive species control, establishing a multi-stakeholder technical working group to enhance public awareness of the threats posed by invasive species, and developing a joint action plan for managing invasive species in Uganda.
The intensive workshop yielded several significant results, including the development of a draft joint action plan for invasive species management, the formation of a multi-sectoral technical working group to drive coordinated efforts, documentation of innovations and ecological control methods, comprehensive assessment of existing best practices and gaps in Uganda’s approach to invasive species control.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration in combating the spread of invasive alien species, often referred to as “silent invaders.”
Discussions during the workshop emphasised the necessity of Strengthening engagement and sensitisation efforts among all stakeholders, enhancing collaborative efforts between government bodies, researchers, and farmers, mobilising resources to implement policies aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species, and participants called for urgent implementation of the action plan, increased stakeholder engagement, and continuous public awareness campaigns.
One of the workshop’s focal points was Parthenium, an aggressive weed that severely impacts agricultural productivity. Its harmful characteristics include rapid growth and widespread distribution, stunting the growth of crops and depleting soil fertility, and Resistance to chemical control, making eradication extremely challenging.
According to the District Agricultural Officer for Kayunga District, Ann Bulya, several initiatives have been introduced to support farmers in tackling invasive species, including Awareness campaigns through radio and TV broadcasts, community training programs in schools and local communities, provision of herbicides to farmers for weed control.
The State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Kyakulaga Fred Bwino, warned that invasive alien species pose a grave threat to Uganda’s biodiversity, food security, and economy. He highlighted that species such as the golden dodder and even the Nile Perch have disrupted ecosystems and harmed native species.
“The government is stepping up efforts to raise awareness and strengthen policies,” Minister Bwino stated. “Invasive species kill native plants and animals, reduce agricultural productivity, and cost millions to control.”
In response to the growing threat, the government with the relevant stakeholders is forming a task force dedicated to assessing the extent of the invasive species problem, enforcing policies to curb their spread, and promoting collaborative actions among key stakeholders.
The workshop’s conclusion reinforced the urgent need for immediate action. Participants stressed that the successful implementation of the action plan will require a multi-pronged approach, including continuous engagement with all relevant stakeholders, public awareness and education campaigns, strengthened policies, and enforcement measures.
The fight against invasive alien species in Uganda is far from over. However, with strengthened collaboration, policy implementation, and stakeholder involvement, significant progress can be made toward preserving biodiversity and protecting agricultural productivity. Uganda’s commitment to tackling these threats head-on is a testament to the country’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
