Kasese, (UG):- In a bid to promote transformational agriculture, aimed at the socio-economical uplifting of the different communities in Uganda, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), has embarked on signing a host of Memoranda of Understandings (MoU) with different cultural, religious and other institutions in the Country.
The revelation was made following an event where NARO signed a MoU with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu, in Kasese town, on Friday 3rd May 2024.
The partnership with the Kingdom of Rwenzururu adds to a host of other MoUs that NARO has had with similar Institutions, including Tooro, Buganda, and Bunyoro Kingdoms.
DailyExpress understands that preparations are also underway to formalize partnerships with the Busoga Kingdom, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (URCU), and other institutions across the Country.
Under the partnership, the Kingdom of Rwenzururu will play a critical role in mobilising 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.
While witnessing the signing, the Omusinga (King) Charles Wesley Mumbere 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 laid the ground for research, technological innovation, and capacity-building initiatives that will benefit the communities for future generations.
“I am therefore filled with hope and optimism for the journey that lies ahead. Let us embark on the 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 updates, and providing necessary implementation support.
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 Museveni’s long-standing call for wealth creation”, Dr. Baguma noted.
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