Kampala, (UG):- The Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern & Central Africa (ASARECA), Dr. Enock Warinda has been dismissed from his position on allegations of sexual misconduct.
Warinda’s dismissal came after a series of allegations of sexual misconduct on a particular female staff (whose details are withheld) leading to his indefinite suspension last month.
Having begun his tenure at ASARECA in April 2021, then as interim Executive Director and substantive in January 2022, Warinda was on September 6, 2024, suspended for a month amid allegations of sexual harassment that emerged after a whistleblower reported the issue.
Sources familiar with the internal proceedings told this website that the ASARECA Board on September 27, 2024, convened a serious meeting after a thorough investigation and on September 30, the hardest decision was taken to show Warinda the exit. The hearing chaired by Dr Eliud Kireger, Director General KALRO culminated in a unanimous verdict to get rid of the embattled ED for the sanity of the organization.
An insider affirmed to this publication that Dr Warinda was allowed to defend himself but his defence is said to have fallen short as the board found the response to be insufficient and unconvincing in addressing the gravity of the allegations.
“The ASARECA board, committed to upholding ethical standards and ensuring a safe work environment, launched a thorough internal investigation after the allegations surfaced. During the hearing, which took place last week, Dr. Warinda was given an opportunity to defend himself,” said the source.
Despite Warinda’s denial of the accusations and attempts to undermine the claims, the board stressed the importance of fostering a healthy, safe, and respectful work environment for all employees.
“The ASARECA Board of Directors would like to inform our esteemed stakeholders and Partners that Dr Enock Warinda will no longer be serving as the Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). He is therefore not permitted to transact any business on behalf of ASARECA and its constituents,” reads in part a press statement dated October 04 released by the Acting ASARECA Board Chair, Dr. Kipyego Cheluget.
Dr Baguma appointed interim Executive Head
Ultimately, the board has appointed Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma as the interim Executive Director to succeed Warinda, with immediate effect. Dr Baguma will be tasked with restoring confidence in the organization and addressing any disruptions stemming from this high-profile dismissal.
Dr Baguma, currently a Member of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI) Bulindi in western Uganda, is an experienced and well-exposed Member of the Agricultural Research for Development Community in Africa
Baguma is not new to ASARECA, having participated in core teams over the last 20 years during consultations to inform priorities and drafting of ASARECA’s Strategic, Medium-Term Operational, and Programmatic Plans which have informed ASARECA’s strategic focus and impacts over the decades.
Warinda’s untimely removal from the position of ED showcases ASARECA’s bid to uphold the integrity of the organization, which is dedicated to advancing agricultural research and development in Eastern and Central Africa.
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