The new leadership at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has been urged to focus on technologies and research that will lead to agricultural transformation in Uganda.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Maj Gen (rtd) Kasura-Kyomukama, told the new leadership of NARO that research must be focused towards solving the human condition but also understand the strategic goal of transforming Uganda and change society to middle income.
Kyomukama said the main goal should be commercialising Uganda’s agriculture to create income for the society.
“Money creates freedom, you can’t exchange matooke with cows in Karamoja, you need money to buy, so this is where we need to commercialize,” he said at a handover ceremony from the outgoing NARO Director General, Dr Ambrose Agona, to the new Director General, Dr Yona Baguma.
The colorful ceremony was held in Entebbe.
The PS added: “NARO must transform the imperative of commercialisation and productivity but also the strategic imperative of resilience. You should give appropriate technologies to the people. This is critical to link NARO to the solution of the weakness in the production system.”
He thanked the outgoing Director General for his role in transforming Uganda’s agriculture but also spearheading ground-breaking research.
He also tasked the incoming DG to be a team leader, open minded but also stand firm, “be courageous, don’t fear, in case of anything, come to us debate with us, let us discuss these policies, among others”.
In his speech, Dr Yona Baguma, said they will focus on contributing to agricultural transformation in the country.
“When you contribute to agricultural transformation, you are contributing to food resilience, economic resilience, improved human health and environment. That will be our focus under my leadership. Increase in productivity will also ensure sustainable agricultural transformation and human health,” he said.
Dr Baguma added: “We have a vibrant programme on breeding mangoes, among others, we hope as we go along, we should be able to roll out varieties that will penetrate the industry and by penetrating the industry, they will increase the economic base for our country.”
He further acknowledged the responsibility and task ahead of him, thanking the government of Uganda and partners for supporting NARO to ensure that the research organisation delivers on its mandate over the years.
“With combined efforts and strategic alliances, NARO is and will be taking center stage on the social transformation of Uganda,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Agona thanked all those that have walked with him throughout the leadership journey.
He gave an account of all the work done during his tenure including ground-breaking research and innovations like the anti-tick vaccine that is in its advanced stages, the Alfa-safe for aflatoxins, among others.
He also handed over financial statements, the official seal, policies, reports and land register, among other assets.
He encouraged teamwork and tasked Dr. Yona Baguma to keep the candle burning at the organization.
Who is Dr Yona Baguma.
Dr. Yona is a distinguished scientist with over 30 years of experience as a researcher and leader. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences, a Master’s degree in Agriculture from Makerere University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Makerere University.
He started as a Research Officer in NARO and rose through the ranks to the position of Deputy Director General Research Coordination, a position he held until his current appointment as the Director General of NARO.
Recognized as a leader in agricultural research, he has represented NARO in various fora and helped initiate innovative transformative approaches to agricultural research for impact. He has served as Chairperson for National Biosafety Committee (NBC), Chairperson Makerere Regional Centre for Crop Improvement and Board Member for ASARECA among others.
Dr. Yona has supported several community development initiatives. As part of his contribution to his local community, Dr. Yona supports the church, especially in the area of educational development.
