The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO)
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu to promote
transformational agriculture, aimed at the socio-economical uplifting communities in the
Rwenzori region. The partnership is a strategic alliance focused on enhancing the dissemination
and adoption of technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs) generated by
NARO.
The Omusinga (King) Charles Wesley Mumbere, while witnessing the signing event held at
Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese town, described the partnership as a significant
milestone in the journey towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and development of the
communities in Rwenzori sub region and beyond.
“To NARO, thank you for recognizing the potential and aspirations of our people. The
Memorandum signifies a new chapter in our commitment to advancing knowledge, technology,
and sustainable development in our region” the King remarked.
He observed that the partnership was laying ground for research, technological innovation and
capacity-building initiatives that will benefit the communities for generations to come.
“I am therefore filled with hope and optimism for the journey that lies ahead. Let us embark on
this path together, with determination and unity of purpose, knowing that through our collective
efforts, we can achieve transformative change.” He said.
Over the years, NARO has developed over 1,000 technologies, innovations, and management
practices geared towards sustainable agricultural transformation, aligning with the agro-
industrialization goal of increasing commercialization and competitiveness of agricultural
production and agro-processing.
In his remarks, the Director General of NARO, Dr. Yona Baguma, observed that through the
partnership, the two organizations commit to collaborating in mobilizing communities,
facilitating technology uptake, and providing necessary support for implementation.
He emphasized that the endeavor aligns seamlessly with the directives of President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni, who has emphasized the importance of mobilizing the masses for wealth
creation in Uganda and ensuring that agriculture engages in the money economy.
"By working in synergy with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, other
Agencies of government, Local Governments, Religious and Cultural Institutions, Civil Society,
Private Sector, and other stakeholders, NARO aims to amplify the impact of its initiatives and
drive sustainable agricultural growth, delivering on President Yoweri Museveni's long-standing
call for wealth creation," Dr. Baguma noted.
Under the partnership, the Kingdom of Rwenzururu will play a critical role in mobilizing the
masses to embrace these advancements, while also offering land for the establishment of
demonstration sites and model farms. This approach is poised to accelerate the adoption and
utilization of improved technologies, fostering increased production and productivity throughout
the region.
The partnership with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu adds to a host of other Memoranda of
Understanding that NARO has with similar Institutions, including Tooro, Buganda, and Bunyoro
Kingdoms. Preparations are also underway to formalize partnerships with the Busoga Kingdom,
the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (URCU), and other institutions across the country.
Dr. Baguma said the partnerships allow the leveraging of each entity’s strength to benefit
farmers and all players along the agricultural value chain. He noted that the persistence of
poverty among players in the agricultural sector is a result of low uptake and utilization of
technologies that have been developed to support agriculture as an engine of economic growth.
"There is great potential to change the situation and improve livelihoods in the sector through the
utilization of the developed technologies—from improved seeds to value-added prototypes to
machinery that reduces human drudgery—transformation can be swift with adaptability," he
said.
