The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Busitema University and Ndejje University.
The agreements, finalised today at NARO’s headquarters in Entebbe, are aimed at enhancing collaboration in research, training, and resource-sharing, with a focus on developing sustainable agricultural innovations for national development.
Dr Yona Baguma, NARO’s director general, and university representatives – Prof Olivia Nassaka Banja, vice-chancellor of Ndejje University, and Rev Can Prof Paul Waako, vice-chancellor of Busitema University – signed the agreements, which will help to foster multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in Uganda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Baguma highlighted the critical role of universities in research and innovation.
"These partnerships with Ndejje and Busitema universities will allow us to leverage the combined expertise of academia and NARO's research capabilities," said Dr. Baguma.
"Together, we can create the tools and solutions necessary for transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development."
The MoUs will enable the universities’ students to gain hands-on experiences through joint activities, including research and innovation projects, training programs, community outreach, technology transfer, and student supervision.
These collaborations aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in agriculture, thus bolstering Uganda’s agricultural research and training capacity.
Frank Mugabi, the public relations manager at NARO, also spoke on the significance of the new partnerships.
"This agreement marks a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s agricultural research and training landscape," Mugabi remarked.
"For NARO, these partnerships provide an excellent platform to not only expand the scope of our research but also to train the next generation of agricultural scientists and professionals. We are excited to offer these opportunities to students, as they will gain hands-on exposure to the latest research and innovations in agriculture."
Mugabi further emphasised that this collaboration aligns with Uganda's Vision 2040, which aims to transform agriculture into a knowledge-driven, market-oriented sector.
"We believe this collaboration will significantly contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in Uganda. When universities and research institutions work together, we can harness our collective strengths to bring about sustainable agricultural innovations and enhance the livelihoods of many Ugandans."
Prof Olivia Nassaka Banja of Ndejje University echoed this sentiment, expressing her university’s enthusiasm for the partnership.
"This collaboration will allow our students and researchers to gain access to world-class agricultural technologies and deepen their understanding of the sector’s real-world challenges," Prof. Banja said.
"The hands-on experiences provided through NARO will equip our students with the skills needed to tackle the agricultural issues facing Uganda today."
Similarly, Prof Paul Waako from Busitema University highlighted the importance of such partnerships in expanding educational opportunities for students.
"Busitema University is thrilled to join forces with NARO in this partnership," Prof. Waako remarked.
"Our university is growing rapidly, and this collaboration will help us provide our students with valuable practical experiences, preparing them to become leaders in the agricultural field."
In addition to research and training activities, the MoUs also focus on developing joint research proposals and securing donor funding for shared programs, as well as facilitating staff exchange programs and intellectual property protection.
The institutions will share resources such as research facilities, technical information, and library resources to maximize the impact of their collective work.
The agreements take effect immediately, with both universities and NARO set to develop implementation plans. Regular progress reviews will be conducted to ensure that the objectives of the collaboration are met.
This partnership is expected to drive the transformation of Uganda's agricultural sector by providing new opportunities for innovation and education, ultimately contributing to the country's Vision 2040 goals.