Sustainable Agriculture Trainers Network (SATNET) was registered as an NGO in 2000 under the National Non Governmental Organization’s Board and as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

The Network membership has grown from 11 founding members in 2000 to 20 Member Organisations (MO’s) in 2002, 28 in 2003, 35 in 2004, 44 in 2006 and 55 by the AGM of March 2008 covering nearly all the sub counties of all the five Districts of the Rwenzori region.

Management and Structure of SATNET

- The membership makes up the general assembly. The annual general assembly (AGM) is the policy making body of the network. The AGM receives and discusses financial and activity reports, budgets and work plans every financial year. The AGM elects members to the executive committee, which is charged with the management of the network.

- The executive committee made up of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer and one representative for each district. The Executive committee evaluates applications for membership to the network, recruits and contracts staff, reviews quarterly reports, work plans and budget of the network.

- The Secretariat is charged with the day-to-day implementation of the network activities and liaises with the executive committee on policy issues.

Geographical Location

SATNET operational area covers Kabarole, Kasese, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge and Bundibugyo districts in Western Uganda that comprise the Rwenzori Region.

The region derives its name from the Rwenzori Mountains which is the highest mountain in Uganda with its highest peak at 5,110 m above sea level. Being a block mountain, it gives the area a fascinating scenery characterized by the snow-capped mountain tops, the Western arm of East African Rift Valley, the rolling hills and flatlands.

The Rwenzori Region borders the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Mubende district in the East, Kibaale district in the North and Mbarara district in the South.

Population of the Region

The 2002 Uganda Population and Housing Population census estimated the population of the Rwenzori Region to 1,730,826 with an estimated growth rate of 4.6%, the regions population is projected to reach 2,071,953 people by 2005.

Bundibugyo is the least populated district and Kasese is the most populated district of the region. The table below shows population figures for districts that make Rwenzori Region.

Population Spread in the 5 Districts of Rwenzori Region

District	Total population	Male	Female
Bundibugyo	209,978	101,326	108,652
Kabarole	356,914	178,354	178,560
Kasese	523,033	252,792	270,241
Kamwenge	263,730	126,819	136,911
Kyenjojo	377,171	186,571	190,600
Regional total	1,730,826	845,862	884,964

Source: 2002 Uganda population and housing census

Climatic Conditions

The Rwenzori Region lies astride the equator and therefore it has an equatorial climate characterized by high rainfall totals and high temperature conditions. However, the terrain of the area has given the region varying climatic conditions ranging from temperate to semi arid.

Some parts of Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibugyo, especially in the mountain areas, receive more than 2,250 mm as mean annual rainfall while the low lands receive about 1,200mm as mean annual rainfall.