Forming Caretakers
Forming Leaders in Integral Ecology
Founded in 2012 by Father Emmanuel Katongole, Father Cornelius Ssempala, and Father Anthony Rweza, BLI is located on a 400+ acre campus in Nandere, Luweero District. We recognize the inherent connection between the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
Mary's School
A sustainable teaching farm forming Caretakers in the practices, lifestyle, and spirituality of sustainable land care and food production.
Martha's Market
The business hub of BLI enabling trainees to develop entrepreneurship skills through our savings cooperative and market initiatives.
"Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature." - Laudato Si' 139
Explore Our Programs
Our integrated education program combines sustainable agriculture, economic entrepreneurship, and spiritual formation through Mary's School, Martha's Market, and Lazarus' Trees.
Certificate in Integral Ecology
A comprehensive program focused on integral ecology, regenerative agriculture, environmental conservation, and community leadership. Integrates scientific knowledge with practical skills to address deforestation, food security, poverty, and unemployment.
Junior Certificate in Integral Ecology
A 3-year formation program for P7 candidates that combines Integral Ecology, regenerative agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community leadership through hands-on learning.
Integral Ecology Practitioners Program
A 2-year program for practitioners focused on Integral Ecology in action—deepening skills in regenerative agriculture, environmental restoration, and local entrepreneurship.
Forming Leaders in Integral Ecology for Rural Transformation
BLI offers multiple Integral Ecology programs, including 2-year and 3-year residential certificates, a 2-year practitioners program, and Outreach Programs for groups. We empower local students and communities to combat environmental degradation, food insecurity, and poverty through practical hands-on learning and spiritual formation.
400+ Acre Teaching Farm
Learn sustainable land care on our demonstration farm with livestock, soil health, herbal gardens, and seed multiplication sections.
Integral Ecology Focus
Inspired by Laudato Si', we integrate environmental care with social justice, economics, and spiritual formation.
Residential Community
Live and learn alongside fellow Caretaker Trainees in a supportive residential program on campus.
Economic Empowerment
Develop entrepreneurship skills through Martha's Market SACCO, learning to invest, borrow, and sell your harvests.
Caretaker Trainees in Action
Experience life at BLI's 400+ acre campus in Nandere, Luweero District. Our Caretaker Trainees work and learn on our sustainable teaching farm, rotating through livestock care, soil health management, herbal gardens, and seed multiplication. Each trainee also cultivates their own 10m x 10m farming plot, practicing the skills they learn in our hands-on integral ecology program.
What Our Commissioned Caretakers Say
Hear from our graduates who have completed BLI's formation programs and returned to their home villages across Uganda to start their own farms using integral ecology practices. Once BLI, always BLI.
I am grateful to get the right education about how sustainably I can use the environment to develop myself, my family, and the world at large.
BLI has empowered me. I have hope in prayer. I will go back in my community to teach other women the skills I have acquired at BLI.
Because of God's love I was able to register at BLI. The moment I reached BLI, I found great teachers and good friends who gave me hope, and I knew my future is BLI.
I only went to Kampala as I needed work. I am so much more comfortable back out here. Here you can live with your people, live with your animals, and have forever fresh air.
I like it out here best. Here you can live with your people, live with your animals, and have forever fresh air. I am excited to be back out in the village and on the land.
Meet Our Teaching Staff (Incubators)
Our experienced teaching staff, called "Incubators," guide Caretaker Trainees through hands-on learning in regenerative agriculture, animal husbandry, tree nursery management, and integral ecology. Each instructor brings years of practical expertise and a passion for transforming rural Uganda.
Harriet Mercy Alum
General Formation
Derick Kavuma
Tree Nursery & Herbal Garden
Jimmy Kato
Vegetable Section - 10 Years Experience