Staff Member Reflects on Journey, Sees BLI as Integral to the Future of Uganda

On August 16th, 2017, Mike Ssegalunyo walked onto BLI's Kiwumpa campus, changing his entire life's trajectory. His uncle, the late Father Anthony Rweza (one of the three BLI founders) had invited him. Mike remembers Father Anthony telling him BLI was building a farm based on an entirely new model, using only organic principles. Mike said this sparked some curiosity inside of him: "I just had to go see how that could be possible."

Nearly seven years later, Mike has dedicated his life to BLI's model of integral ecology. He currently manages the animal department at BLI, giving lessons to caretaker trainees and producing products for local markets. He says this hands-on experience at BLI, and the institute's willingness to help with his formal education, has changed his life for the better. "When I joined BLI, I was just a high school senior with no other skills or technical know-how, but through BLI, I now have a national certification in agriculture, a certificate in integral ecology, and very soon will be enrolling to receive a diploma in animal husbandry." This constant learning is something Mike loves about his job. As he says, "My favorite part of working at BLI is that it keeps giving me more chances to learn about animal integration and husbandry."

Not only has Mike grown in the past seven years, but he has watched BLI blossom as well. When he joined, it was just a 20-acre farm with a few crops, cows, goats, and ducks. Now, BLI sits on over 350 acres of land; has various birds, fish, rabbits, cows, goats, and pigs; actively sells its organic harvests to local markets; has commissioned two cohorts of Caretakers who are starting their own integral ecology farms; and hosts visitors from around the world. Mike thinks this international interest is one of the most exciting parts for him, saying, "It is so exciting that people all over the world have started embracing the message that BLI is sharing, especially because when we started, it felt like no one knew about integral ecology."

Mike also believes that BLI is key at home in Uganda. In a country ripe for agricultural output, but struggling due to devastating environmental degradation, he sees integral ecology as a key to restoring flourishing communities in the country. Within twenty years, he hopes to see a mindset change across the country–spurred by BLI's teachings–to care for Mother Earth in a way that benefits the whole country. As he says, "The future of Uganda is not only agriculture, but regenerative agriculture. And the origin of regenerative agriculture? That's BLI. This model will help us fight poverty and care for our Earth."

Mike has already seen the way BLI has inspired him, inspired the local community, and inspired campus visitors. He has no doubt that it will one day inspire the world.