NaCRRI 75 years: The United Kingdom Government has emphasized the need for climate preparedness across Uganda’s agricultural sector to ensure long-term sustainability.
Speaking during NaCRRI’s celebration of 75 years of crop research and innovation in Namulonge, the UK Government representative warned that rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, extreme weather, and more hot days could reduce productivity or even cause crop failure if not anticipated.
He noted that Uganda’s agriculture is entering a period of major climate uncertainty.
“Many farmers are now shifting to long-term crops like coffee and cocoa as investments in their future, but these crops are likely to face a changing climate over their 50–60-year lifespan,” he said.
He added that research institutions such as NaCRRI are key to safeguarding Uganda’s future harvests by modelling climate risks and advising government, businesses, researchers, and farmers on varieties that can survive and thrive.
He explained that such guidance helps the country make the right planting and replanting decisions today, preventing heavy losses in the years ahead. He also shared insights from his visit to Namalere, where he reviewed initiatives under the Uganda Climate Innovation Fund.
“The fund attracted 1,227 applications, showing Uganda’s strong innovation capacity,” he said, although he noted that transforming laboratory ideas into market-ready solutions remains a challenge.
According to him, the UK’s support for Uganda’s research and innovation sector is a high-impact investment that boosts productivity and strengthens climate resilience.
NARO Council Reflects on NaCRRI 75 Years of Agricultural Progress
The anniversary event, held under the theme “75 Years of Impactful Crops Research: Honouring Our Legacy, Stimulating Transformative Innovations,” brought together national leaders and international partners reflecting on NaCRRI’s contributions to Uganda’s agriculture.
The Chairperson of the NARO Council, Dr. William Olaho Mukani, congratulated NaCRRI on reaching 75 years of service and thanked the British government for helping lay the early foundation for Uganda’s agricultural research system.
He shared a childhood memory of collecting cotton to pay for his school uniform, highlighting the crop’s historic role and expressing hope that the cotton value chain can be revived.
Dr. Mukani applauded NaCRRI and NARO for their sustained contributions through research, technologies, and farmer training. He thanked generations of scientists for their dedication and mentorship.
He further explained that the NARO Governing Council—established by an Act of Parliament—guides research, supports scientists, ensures responsible use of resources, and upholds accountability. He reassured partners that the council remains committed to protecting the credibility and impact of agricultural research in Uganda.
Japan Reaffirms Its Longstanding Partnership
Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Amb. Takuya Sasayama, also celebrated NaCRRI’s 75-year milestone and thanked Uganda for more than 20 years of agricultural cooperation.
He recalled the introduction of NERICA rice in 2004, which significantly improved productivity and household incomes. He noted that over 40,000 farmers have been trained through Japan’s capacity-building programs, with local leaders reporting visible improvements in livelihoods.
He commended JICA teams for their efforts and highlighted new Japanese-backed innovations such as biostimulant technology that boosts yields, uses less water, and withstands heat—an important advancement in the face of climate change.
“I can assure you that Japan remains committed to supporting Uganda’s agricultural development,” Sasayama said.
A brief about NaCRRI
The National Crops Resources Research Institute in Uganda (NaCRRI) is a leading agricultural research institute under NARO (National Agricultural Research Organisation).
NaCRRI focuses on research and innovation in crops, including improving crop yields, disease resistance, and sustainable farming practices. The Research Institute also focuses on biotechnology, crop breeding, and value addition as part of its vision to enhance Uganda’s agricultural productivity and food security.
