STEPUP Standard Limited

01/10/2026

The Youth Mentorship Program in Climate Smart Agriculture, implemented under the ongoing Co-monitoring of the Effectiveness of Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies, Innovations, Management Practices and Strategies (CSA-TIMPS) Project, convened a five-day residential youth capacity-building workshop from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September 2026 at Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

The workshop brought together 46 shortlisted young graduates who were equipped with knowledge and practical skills on the role of youth in global and national development, climate-smart agriculture along the sorghum value chain, ethical conduct in data collection, and research and monitoring practices. The sessions incorporated interactive discussions, presentations, simulations, practical exercises and daily reflective journaling, providing participants with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and perspectives.
The workshop also served as a key selection stage for the mentorship program, with 30 participants to be selected to continue as youth monitors based on their performance throughout the training.

A key objective of the project is to mentor young people to actively contribute to agricultural transformation through data collection, research and monitoring, while strengthening their knowledge, skills and perspectives on agriculture and climate-smart practices. The project is implemented by STEPUP Standard Limited in collaboration with Uganda Christian University (UCU), the Center for Ecosystems Research & Development (CERD-UG), and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).

23/09/2026

Music is a powerful behaviour change communication tool and an especially effective medium for delivering transformational messages to young people. Under the Youths and Arts for Agroecological Food Systems Transitioning (YOUFS) Project, we partnered with Etefen Okello (popularly known as Steve Liz), a music activist based in the Teso Sub-region, to promote agroecology through creative expression. As a sorghum processor himself, Etefen authentically weaves agroecological messages into his music. Together, we produced Emududu, a vibrant new single that encourages listeners to reflect on a time when food was healthier while highlighting the practices that are making today’s food systems increasingly toxic. The song has resonated strongly with young audiences because of its catchy rhythm and relatable message. Etefen is currently finalising the accompanying music video, which is expected to combine high-energy entertainment with compelling educational content on agroecology and healthy food systems.

23/09/2026

Young people have been challenged to take on a more active role in promoting sustainable food systems, as the Teso Youth Quiz Challenge brought together university students and out of school youths for an engaging competition on agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Read more here https://tesoadvancednews.com/teso-youth-quiz-challenge-uses-fun-and-competition-to-promote-sustainable-food-systems/


https://tesoadvancednews.com/teso-youth-quiz-challenge-uses-fun-and-competition-to-promote-sustainable-food-systems/

By Our Reporter. Young people in the Teso sub-region have been challenged to take a more active role in promoting sustainable food systems as the Teso Youth Quiz...

23/09/2026

STEPUP, in partnership with Ateker Transformation and Sustainability Initiatives (ATSI), recently launched the Teso Youth Quiz Challenge in the Teso subregion. The activity aimed to inspire young people in an engaging and fun way to care about food systems and build their capacity to ably and actively participate in food systems transformation.
The call for applications drew 44 expressions of interest from university students and graduates, including representatives from Busitema, Gulu, and Kyambogo universities. Over the course of the exciting two-day event, 12 teams of three competed before a panel of five judges. Ultimately, three winning teams emerged, with the majority of the top contestants hailing from Busitema University. Those who missed out on the top prizes expressed enthusiasm for next year’s challenge, promising to return with an even bigger, stronger and more competitive game.

23/09/2026

The Uganda Women Writers’ Association (FEMRITE) launched a poetry competition in April, inviting the public, especially those in the Teso sub-region, to submit entries for a chance to win prizes. The contest drew widespread interest, attracting participants from as far away as Kasese. In total, FEMRITE received 309 poems from over 90 poets. These entries underwent a rigorous four-step evaluation by a panel of seven judges.
The event culminated on a clear Wednesday afternoon during an awards ceremony at Busitema University’s Arapai campus. Attendees listened to beautiful recitations centered on food systems. Several poets shared how the competition transformed their perspectives. One participant admitted to knowing nothing about food systems or agroecology initially, but noted that the required research increased their awareness on food production and quality. Another poet used the opportunity to highlight indigenous, nature-friendly farming knowledge that is fast disappearing due to the increased use of synthetic agricultural inputs.
Following the recitations, the four competition winners were announced, which included a tie for third place. While all winners received cash prizes, only the first-place winner took home the official FEMRITE trophy. It is important to note that all of the top spots were claimed by university students or graduates, though the competition had also attracted submissions from secondary school students. The day concluded with a lively performance by Etefen Okello (also known as Steve Liz), a rising musician who champions agroecology. He energized the crowd with his new single, “EMUDUDU.” Overall, the ceremony was a successful celebration of language, music, and community.

14/09/2026

Through the Youths and Arts for Agroecological Food Systems Transitioning (YOUFS) Project, STEPUP partnered with music activist Etefen Okello and Ateker Transformation and Sustainability Initiatives (ATSI) to deliver the Agroecology Music Schools Outreach, an engaging initiative that introduced learners to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and healthy food systems through music, quizzes, and interactive participation. The outreach reached 724 learners across the Teso Sub-region at Agirigiroi Seed Secondary School in Ngora District, Awaliwal Primary School in Soroti District, and Teso College Aloet in Soroti City. The enthusiasm from the learners reaffirmed that schools are a powerful platform for nurturing informed, environmentally conscious young people who can shape more sustainable food systems.

08/08/2026

We are looking for 30 Youth Monitors for a year-long mentorship program co-monitoring the effectiveness of climate smart agriculture technologies, innovations and management practices (CSA TIMPS) along the sorghum value chain in Teso. Submit your CVs to [email protected] by August 16, 2026.
Only apply if you’re unemployed & out of school.

05/08/2026

During a meeting with patron teachers supporting learners in the STEPUP Essay Competition, participants explored ways to strengthen partnerships with schools and better support patrons in guiding students.

Key reflections included:
- Patron teachers encouraged greater collaboration within schools, for example, literature teachers working alongside agriculture or science teachers to provide students with both strong writing skills and technical knowledge.
- Teachers observed that incorporating multiple creative avenues increases student interest and participation. They cited last year’s competition, delivered in partnership with NREP, which combined essay writing with skits and clean cooking demonstrations, as a particularly successful model.
- Beyond essay writing, teachers identified debates as another engaging platform for promoting learning and dialogue on clean cooking and sustainable food systems among learners.

05/08/2026

In 2020, two STEPUP staff went from school to school introducing the organization and the Essay Competition, meeting teachers who were curious, and sometimes skeptical.

Today, many of those same teachers have become the backbone of this initiative. They organize workshops to help students understand the competition themes and essay writing, review drafts when requested, and even lend their personal devices so learners can research and submit their entries. Their commitment extends far beyond the classroom.

The trust we've built with these dedicated educators has also opened doors to deeper partnerships with their schools.

To every teacher who has walked this journey with us, thank you. Your belief in young people continues to make this competition possible.

04/08/2026

Watch our Executive Director, Dr Sara Namirembe, talk about our ongoing research on sorghum CSA technologies and why we’re working with youths.

https://youtu.be/8PcY6DhrlJs?si=Tslp5qDGP3CXq5fM

Why are young people still avoiding agriculture despite the massive...