Podcast

Welcome to Witness Radio YouTube Channel
As many countries observe the global transition to clean, renewable energy, Uganda noted a major turning point during the World Environment Day celebrations on June 5th 2026. National celebrations transpired in the West Nile region in Adjumani District under the theme “Climate action begins with you; Act now,’’ the urgent need to transition from traditional biomass to clean energy is one of the most anticipated strategies from the Ministry of Energy to limit the use of fossil fuel resources and products. 70% of households in Uganda are currently relying on biomass (firewood and charcoal); deforestation initiatives like off-grid solar and biodigesters are being rolled out nationwide. The government’s long-term strategy, backed by a $638 million financing facility to boost both on-grid and off-grid renewable access, aims at carbon neutrality by 2050 This is all intended to inspire action on commitments safeguarding nature, combating climate change, and securing a future in which environmental laws are enacted and followed. In today’s programme, we speak to Mr. Hamba Richard, a researcher and member of the Ecosystems-Based Adaptation Food Assembly, and a representative from Teens Uganda and a policy educator on energy policy, as he discusses Uganda’s state of preparedness amidst the renewable energy transition journey. Stay tuned for more.
Uganda's state of preparedness amidst the global renewable energy transition journey
The current global war conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East war between the USA and Iran have reshaped food production, causing a rise in energy costs, threats to trade routes, and farmer disruptions. This has exposed the fragile situation of the global food systems and also caused a widespread vulnerability of people to hunger. On The Farm programme today, we are privileged to host and speak to Dr. Joseph W Glauber, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), as he discusses the extent to which the current global conflicts have reshaped Food security worldwide. Dr. Glauber sheds more light on global fertilizer markets and food production, the rise in agricultural inputs, and the current rise in oil prices. He also gives an insightful picture of the future of agriculture in Africa and beyond in relation to the new global developments and changes caused by emerging conflicts. Keep on watching for more discoveries and recommendations on curbing the global food insecurity crisis.
Impacts of Global shocks on food security. An interview with Dr Joseph Glauber
Billions of dollars are being channelled into the energy transition projects as governments are pushing to transit from bad energy to clean energy and this has reshaped economic and social operations of different societies and countries. The concern for community participation is still debatable as most of them are ignored in decision making processes. In Philippines, the Tumandok people have suffered many reprisals following the construction of the Jalaur river dam project. They have suffered arrests; killings and a number of over 17,000 people are likely to be displaced by the multibillion project funded by the Korean Export-Import Bank. In this programme we speak to Jonhn Ian Alenciaga, a human rights defender and advocate for the Jalaur River People's Movement (JRPM), an advocacy network of various organizations including indigenous people, church leaders, various denominations, lawyers and other environmental human rights defenders. John and others are mobilizing the Tumandok people to defend their land. In this interview, he shares his experience in defending the Tumandok people against violation of their rights and demanding for justice. Alenciaga also calls upon governments and corporations to ensure that the principle of free, prior and informed consent is respected before the projects are established in community lands.
Human Rights Defender John Ian Alenciaga shares his experience in defending the Tumandok people
As governments across the African continent rush towards a clean renewable transition, Experts have highlighted possible pathways towards having a just and fair transition process. This discussion happened during the East and Horn of Africa Business and human rights dialogue organized by the Dan Church Aid and its partners in Nairobi, Kenya. They discussed about the escalating climate crisis which has engineered the global transition. They expressed hope in a possible drastic reduction of gas emissions after replacement of carbon intensive fossil fuels with clean, naturally replenished sources like solar, wind and hydro- power. Despite the move, experts also talked about the increasing human rights violations associated with energy transition projects. In our programme today, here on Witness Radio, we bring you a rebroadcast of the Experts, Andrew Byaruhanga, (Executive Director resource rights Africa), Eric Baeni (Coordinator for Pan African Youth Alliance on Business and Human Rights), Mahlet Merid Afeesa, (Senior gender expert from Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporter’s Association), Florence Shako (Executive Director Centre for Education Policy and Climate Justice) and Enid Muchiri Sales engineer (Business Development) East Africa, Danfoss, as they advocate for inclusivity of communities, having them participate in the decision-making processes amidst the transition. They profoundly express the human rights awareness strategies and highlight instances where these rights have been violated. The experts also draw attention to the role of the youth and technological business sectors in their participation towards the just transition process. The experts recommend the use of traditional systems and mediation programme as dispute resolution strategies helping community group inclusivity. Stay tuned for more….
Experts discussion on the pathways to a Just Energy Transition across Africa
African countries are on a journey of shifting from traditional, fossil fuel-based energy systems to sustainable renewable resources. Many countries have embraced this call which is embarking on closing the region’s massive energy access gap while driving industrial growth. African countries are therefore part of the collective international goal (net zero) which aims at balancing greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by human activities by 2050. Welcome to eyes on a just transition programme where we take you on an informative journey of energy transition across Africa. In our programme today, we look at the influence and role of colonialism towards the economic struggle of Africa’s transition. Witness radio draws attention to the challenges that African countries and their governments face in the bid to adjust to this forthcoming new normal. The programme centers on the solutions that can help to overcome these challenges. These are highlighted through the pan Africanism ideology and collective responsibility of the African leaders to negotiate for a colonial free transition. This particular programme questions Africa’s readiness for the transition and measures that have been put in place to ensure its success. We bring to you an exclusive interview with an expert and economist from Tunisia, Mr. Fadhel Kabhoub. As an expert, he gives an over view on the economic progress and struggle of the African countries towards achieving a successful energy transition. He also highlights some of the challenges and obstacles delaying the transition journey. Stay tuned for more …..…
The Fight for a Fair Energy Transition in Africa
Agriculture remains the backbone of East Africa’s economy, contributing between 25–40% of GDP and employing over 80% of the region’s population. Yet despite this dependence on farming, millions across the East African Community continue to face food insecurity due to climate change, poor access to quality inputs, post-harvest losses, and restrictive market systems. In this episode of On The Farm, Witness Radio Uganda examines the controversial East African Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill 2025, a proposed regional law aimed at harmonizing seed certification, plant variety registration, and seed trade across East Africa. The discussion features Counsel Ruben Kiiru, a Kenyan lawyer and seed rights advocate, who breaks down the bill’s objectives, opportunities, and potential dangers for smallholder farmers.
Dissecting the EAC seeds and plant varieties bill and its implications
Agriculture continues to shape livelihoods, food security, and economies across Africa every single day. In Uganda, farmers are currently in the middle of the first rainy season a critical period as crops grow and key decisions made determine yields, incomes, and food availability in the months ahead. In today’s episode of On the Farm, we unpack a major development in the region’s agricultural policy landscape. The East African Legislative Assembly (@eastafricanlegislativeasse7264) has taken an important step toward introducing the EAC Agroecology Bill, 2026. The Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Gideon Gatpan, has officially been granted leave by the House to draft and table the proposed law marking its formal entry into the legislative process. But what exactly is the Agroecology Bill? What does it mean for farmers, especially smallholder farmers? And how could it reshape food systems, farming practices, and agricultural governance in East Africa? In this episode, we explore these critical questions and more...
Agroecology bill moves to East African Legislative Assembly EALA
Countries around the world are transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy. For decades, fossil fuels have powered economic growth, but their impact has led to serious environmental damage and threats to human well-being. Today, global efforts are focused on accelerating a shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources that protect both people and the planet. Achieving this transition is essential for countries aiming to reach Net Zero emissions. In this episode, we host Sandrine Dixson-Declève, who shares insights on how nations are navigating the shift to renewable energy and what it means for our collective future.
GLOBAL JOURNEY TO CLEAN ENERGY.
Today, we turn our attention to the new draft Bill that has sparked wide debate among farmers, civil society, and policy experts across East Africa, the East African Community Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill 2025. Across East Africa, farming has always been more than just a livelihood. For generations, farmers have saved seeds from one harvest to plant the next. They have shared seeds with neighbors, exchanged them across communities, and carefully selected the varieties that survive drought, pests, and changing seasons. But now, a new draft bill is stirring debate across the agricultural sector. The East African Community Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill 2025 seeks to harmonize seed regulations among member states including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Supporters of the bill say it will help improve seed quality, strengthen plant breeding research, and make it easier to trade seeds across borders within the East African Community. They argue that a unified system could boost agricultural productivity and support the development of improved seed varieties. However, critics including farmers’ groups, activists, and civil society organizations say parts of bill raises serious concerns. Some fear that certain provisions could limit farmers’ traditional practices such as saving, exchanging, and replanting seeds. Others worry that stricter certification requirements may favor commercial plant breeders and large seed companies over smallholder farmers. At the center of the debate is a key question: how can the region balance innovation in agriculture with the protection of farmers’ rights and indigenous seed systems that have sustained communities for decades? In today’s conversation on On The Farm, we explore what this proposed law means, why it matters to farmers, and what it could mean for the future of seeds and food security in East Africa
East African Community SEEDS AND PLANT VARIETIES BILL 2025
Subscribe