In December 2017, Eco Mama’s Uganda acquired 6.3 acres of land in Wakalenge Village near Jinja, Uganda, with a warm welcome from Local Chairs. Community Gardens were established immediately, and construction of the Eco-Village began. With generous support from Canadian donors, a borehole was constructed to provide access to clean water, the shipping container was dropped, and composting toilets were built.  The container and surrounding area were converted into administrative and storage offices, with an extensive covered outdoor educational space, which would become our multi-purpose classroom, member meeting, and workshop space. Decolonizing education programs commenced within three months.

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The Community Gardens were an immediate success, with two acres dedicated exclusively for education, income, and community benefit. Our wonderful team of Kenyan and Ugandan facilitators provided training to local community members, with our demonstration gardens having been built from EMU members while earning their Certificates in Biointensive Agriculture (subsidized and cost-free).  In 2019, the Payne family volunteered to design and build the round-house with sandbags and clay, and EMU was a haven for health, education, and community building in the pre-pandemic years.

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From 2018 - 2020, EMU community members received free education in bio-intensive agriculture, receiving certificates for their participation, and later forming a CBO (Community Based Organization) as a means of formally moving ahead. During the pandemic, participants had access to high-protein porridge flour grown and distributed on-site, micro-workshops and sustainability programs, including crafting, basket making and herbal medicine, with the aim for project sustainability.

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After 7 years of philanthropist investment from EMU partners in Canada, this project as has now been returned to the local community, and initiatives are being carried on by locals with limited international financial support. Community members have made lasting changes to their lifestyles, and report ongoing improvement in their overall health. 

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This project has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for its sustainability efforts.​

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Visitors and project sponsors are still welcome.

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