USAID/Uganda Education and Research to Improve Climate Change Adaptation Activity FY16 Quarterly Report 1

The Activity will strategically deploy human, financial, and technology resources to build Ugandan capacity and proficiency to address climate adaptation and related issues. The Activity has four key results. Result 1 focuses on establishing the institutional structure of MUCCRI, which supports the Centre's objectives. This includes supporting the official establishment of MUCCRI, developing a comprehensive organizational structure, and recruiting key staff members. The Activity has made significant progress in this area, with the establishment of MUCCRI's governing council and the recruitment of a Centre Director. Result 2 aims to provide cutting-edge short- and long-term training to students, staff, and external stakeholders. The Activity has been working to develop and implement a comprehensive training program, which includes a Climate Change Boot Camp, a Climate Champions program, and a multidisciplinary dissertation research program. The Climate Change Boot Camp has been successfully conducted, and the Climate Champions program has been launched, with a total of 20 Climate Champions selected from across Uganda. Result 3 focuses on generating high-quality climate change and climate adaptation research. The Activity has been working to establish a research agenda for MUCCRI, which includes research on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and climate-resilient agriculture. The Activity has also been supporting the development of research proposals and the conduct of research studies. Result 4 aims to communicate with external stakeholders and disseminate climate change adaptation information. The Activity has been working to establish partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations. The Activity has also been supporting the development of a communication strategy, which includes social media, print media, and stakeholder engagement. The Activity has made significant progress in the first quarter of FY16, with key highlights including the presentation at COP-21, the final Climate Champions Session, and the preparation of undergraduates to conduct multidisciplinary dissertation research. The Activity is on track to meet its objectives and is expected to make significant contributions to the development of climate change adaptation capacity in Uganda. The Activity has established partnerships with key stakeholders, including Makerere University, the National Agricultural Research Organization, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. The Activity has also been working to establish a network of climate change champions across Uganda, who will serve as ambassadors for climate change adaptation and resilience. The Activity has a strong monitoring and evaluation framework in place, which includes the development of indicators, data collection, and analysis. The Activity will continue to monitor and evaluate its progress against its objectives and make adjustments as necessary. The Activity has a number of upcoming events planned, including the next Climate Change Boot Camp and the launch of the Climate Change Champions program. The Activity will also be participating in a number of international events, including the Climate Change Conference in Paris. Overall, the USAID/Uganda Education and Research to Improve Climate Change Adaptation Activity is making significant progress in its first quarter of FY16, with key highlights including the establishment of MUCCRI's institutional structure, the provision of cutting-edge training, and the generation of high-quality research. The Activity is expected to continue to make significant contributions to the development of climate change adaptation capacity in Uganda.