The National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) marked an important milestone on August 7, 2025, with the official inauguration of its newly appointed Advisory Committee and the farewell of the outgoing committee members.
The ceremony was presided over by the Director of NaSARRI, Dr. David Kalule Okello, who welcomed guests, outgoing and incoming committee members, and staff to the occasion. He thanked all attendees for their continued support and participation in the institute’s growth journey.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Okello commended the outgoing committee for their dedicated service and the instrumental role they played in strengthening NaSARRI’s position as a center of agricultural research and innovation. He emphasized that the Advisory Committee serves on a voluntary basis, providing strategic guidance, technical knowledge, and leadership that supports research initiatives, technology dissemination, food security, and improved livelihoods for farming communities.
NaSARRI particularly recognized the leadership of the outgoing Chairperson, John Okinya Kalub, whose contribution to the institute spanned several years. Mr. Kalub previously served as a lecturer and worked with the former Serere Agricultural Research Institute (SARRI) under the Animal Production Programme for over 11 years. The NaSARRI administration and staff expressed gratitude for the commitment, guidance, and leadership demonstrated by him and his committee throughout their tenure.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr. Kalub encouraged the incoming committee to work diligently and collaboratively in advancing the institute’s mandate. Reflecting on his journey, he noted that he had never imagined working closely with scientists and researchers despite his extension background. He also highlighted that his committee had become one of the longest-serving teams at the institute, having served for 11 years.
He expressed confidence in the newly appointed committee, noting that it comprises highly qualified professionals, including PhD holders, livestock specialists, and extension experts whose collective scientific and practical experience would further strengthen the institute’s work.
The incoming Chairperson, Dr. Joseph Okoriot, expressed appreciation to the NARO fraternity for the trust placed in the new committee. He emphasized that the focus of the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project should go beyond infrastructure development to include effective dissemination of agricultural technologies to farmers.
Dr. Okoriot further noted that, through technical collaborations and engagements with development partners such as the World Bank, efforts are ongoing to strengthen Uganda’s seed sector by drawing lessons from successful models in countries such as Nigeria. He pointed out that early generation seed systems remain underdeveloped, contributing to limited seed availability and insufficient access to improved seed among farmers.
As a gesture of appreciation, outgoing committee members were presented with Certificates of Appreciation and commemorative plaques in recognition of their service and contribution to the institute.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing a renewed commitment to advancing NaSARRI’s mission of delivering agricultural innovations that improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience in Uganda’s semi-arid farming systems.