The Agribusiness Expo & Trade Symposium 2025 officially opened today at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge, marking a significant moment for Uganda’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors. The event was inaugurated by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, who underscored the critical role of research and innovation in transforming the country’s agriculture.
Held from April 11–12, the two-day expo is organized by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in partnership with the East African Grain Council (EAGC). This year’s theme “Fostering Wealth Creation, Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture through Agribusiness and Innovations”—reflects the growing emphasis on leveraging technology, market systems, and partnerships to drive agricultural development.
“This exhibition is for learning. Research institutions like NaCRRI play a pivotal role in equipping farmers with appropriate technologies that enhance productivity and meet quality standards,” said Hon. Tumwebaze.
He also highlighted the importance of involving schools in such expos and stressed the need to strengthen grain security as part of the country’s food systems.
Bridging Research with Agribusiness
Dr. Kassim Sadik, NARO’s Deputy Director General for Technology Promotion, elaborated on the organization’s efforts to develop stress-tolerant and nutrition-fortified crops, as well as agro-industrial innovations designed to meet the needs of smallholder farmers. However, he pointed to ongoing challenges, including limited funding for early generation seed multiplication and delays in the enactment of key agricultural policies like the biosafety law.
“We are grateful for the Minister’s continued support to agriculture,” Dr. Sadik noted. “But more investment is needed to strengthen our internal capacity and ensure timely delivery of innovations to farmers.”
Impactful Innovations at NaCRRI
Hosting the expo, NaCRRI’s Director of Research, Dr. Titus Alicai, described the event as “a major dissemination platform” for sharing research outputs with the wider agricultural community.
“In the last 10 years, NARO has released over 90 improved crop varieties rich in nutrients, resistant to pests and diseases, and resilient to climate change,” said Dr. Alicai, emphasizing NaCRRI’s central role in securing food and nutrition across the country.
Strengthening Market Linkages
Bringing in a regional market perspective, Gerald Masila, Country Director of the East African Grain Council, noted that the expo provides a strategic platform for stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas, and drive productivity across value chains.
“Our focus is on increasing cereal productivity and strengthening market linkages to boost agribusiness resilience,” he said.
A Platform for Change
This year’s expo highlights NARO’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world agribusiness practices. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, agripreneurs, farmers, and private sector players, the symposium aims to catalyze impactful partnerships and innovations that can drive sustainable agriculture and wealth creation in Uganda and the broader East African region.