Agric. Minister Tumwebaze applauds scientists for advancing crop research & innovation as NaCRRI celebrates 75 years.

The National Crop Resource Research Institute (NaCRRI) Namulonge, Uganda’s premier crops resources research & dev’t institute under the policy guidance and co-ordination of National Agricultural Research Organics (NARO) on Friday 14th November 2025 celebrated 75 years of carrying out crop research of different varieties. 

During the celebration held at Namulonge, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Hon . Frank Tumwebaze who was represented by the State minister Hon. Fred Bwino, commended the work of res

During the celebration held at Namulonge, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Hon . Frank Tumwebaze who was represented by the State minister Hon. Fred Bwino, commended the work of the crop scientists for contributing to Uganda’s economic growth through research and innovation in different crop varieties that he said have served locally and globally.

“75 years, NaCRRI has been feeding nations, building the economy, with resilient, and disease resistant crop varieties for growth in yields and contributing to national development” he said.

The minister congratulated the scientists behind crop research for making agriculture easier, predictable and affordable while building a strong and resilient agriculture sector.

In his part Hon. Fred Bwino expressed happiness for NaCRRI for moving the journey aligned with Uganda’s economic development agenda.

He narrated the history of Agriculture which he said that in the 1940s, Uganda was under the British government characterised by the 3 Cs and 3 Ts including coffee, cotton and coper and others saying that the money economy was only 9% with farmers engaged in traditional production until 1986 which introduced phrases of economic recovery, expansion of agriculture products, diversifying agriculture products, value addition, knowledge economy among others.

The theme was; “75 Years of Impactful Crops research: Honouring Our Legacy Stimulating Transformative Innovations.”

Thee Chairperson, NARO Council, Dr William Olaho Mukani while congratulating NaCRRI on 75 years thanked the British government for laying the foundation for Uganda’s agricultural research system.

He noted that NaCRRI under NARO have played a major role in transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods through research, technologies, and training.

 He thanked generations of scientists both past and present for their dedication, mentorship, and contributions.

The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda Mr. Takuya Sasayama pictured above, applauded NaCRRI on its 75-year milestone and thanked Uganda for the long-standing partnership. 

He stated that Japan has trained over 40,000 farmers through capacity-building programs, and local leaders confirm improved livelihoods among rice farmers, while acknowledging the strong work of JICA teams in Uganda and their continued support to NaCRRI.

The event featured an exhibition of different crop varieties ad innovations products in the agriculture sector.

Different research scientists, Technicians and administration staff were recognized with a special recognition to Dr. Ambrose Agona former Director General for mentoring and guiding the new parasitoid named “Encasia Agona” after him that fights cassava green mites through attacking and controlling it.

The Minister and guests planted a 10 trees in commemoration of the 75 years milestone.