NARO Partners with Rwenzururu Kingdom to Boost Agricultural Transformation

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has taken a significant step towards agricultural transformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu.

The partnership aims to promote transformative agriculture, with a focus on uplifting communities in the Rwenzori region socioeconomically.

The signing event, held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese town, was witnessed by Omusinga (King) Charles Wesley Mumbere, who hailed the partnership as a milestone in fostering collaboration, innovation, and development in the region and beyond.

Omusinga Mumbere expressed gratitude to NARO for recognizing the potential of the Rwenzururu people and emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing knowledge, technology, and sustainable development.

“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. 

He underscored the significance of research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives in benefiting generations to come.

Dr. Yona Baguma, Director-General of NARO, highlighted the commitment of both organizations to collaborating in mobilizing communities, facilitating technology uptake, and providing necessary support for implementation.

He emphasized the alignment of the partnership with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's directives on wealth creation through agriculture.

The partnership entails the Kingdom of Rwenzururu playing a critical role in mobilizing communities and offering land for demonstration sites and model farms.

"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.

This approach is expected to accelerate the adoption and utilization of improved agricultural technologies, leading to increased production and productivity in the region.

Dr. Baguma noted that the partnership with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu builds upon similar collaborations with other institutions, including Tooro, Buganda, and Bunyoro Kingdoms. Plans are underway to formalize partnerships with the Busoga Kingdom, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (URCU), and other institutions across the country.

He emphasized the importance of leveraging each entity's strengths to benefit farmers and players along the agricultural value chain. Dr. Baguma highlighted the potential for swift transformation in the agricultural sector through the utilization of developed technologies, including improved seeds, value-added prototypes, and machinery.