In an effort to foster stronger collaboration between policymakers and agricultural researchers, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) hosted a delegation from the Parliamentary Agricultural Committee in March 2025. Led by Chairperson Hon. Linda Auma Agnes, the team engaged with key research institutes, including the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), and the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), to explore ongoing innovations aimed at improving Uganda’s agricultural sector.
During the visit, Hon. Auma commended NARO’s significant role in transforming Uganda’s agricultural landscape through scientific research and innovation. She expressed appreciation for NARO’s transparency and commitment to enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, particularly through the development of improved crop varieties that ensure food security. “Every time we conduct a field oversight visit to NARO, we return fully equipped and satisfied. We commend you for your patriotism and for improving the agricultural sector,” she stated.
Despite the progress showcased, NARO’s Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma, emphasized the urgent need for increased government investment in agricultural research. He highlighted the institution’s financial challenges, pointing out that although NaCRRI has a workforce of 300 staff members, only 73 are on the government payroll, making research sustainability a challenge. “We require additional support to enhance our capacity, invest in research infrastructure, and strengthen seed production facilities. Agro-industrialization remains a key focus, but without adequate funding, scaling up these projects will be difficult,” he noted.
Dr. Baguma outlined key areas in need of financial support, including a UGX 13 billion investment to establish potato seed hubs across three zonal research centers in KaZARDI, Zombo, and Buginyanya. These hubs are expected to boost national self-sufficiency in potato production. Additionally, he stressed the need for funding to accelerate research on cocoa production, anti-tick vaccines for livestock health, and soil fertility management at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) in Kawanda.
In response, Hon. Auma reassured NARO of the committee’s commitment to advocating for increased funding, particularly for agro-engineering, soil mapping, and digitalized agricultural information systems to enhance farm productivity. “We pledge to support agricultural research, particularly zonal agricultural research programs, to ensure stable and high-quality agricultural production across the country,” she affirmed.
The visit concluded with a strong commitment from the Parliamentary Agricultural Committee to push for enhanced financial support for NARO. By ensuring that research initiatives receive adequate resources, Uganda’s agricultural sector can benefit from scientific advancements that will drive productivity, food security, and economic growth.
