The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) has begun construction of a new research and management facility at the National Coffee Research Institute in Kikyusa, Mukono, as the government strengthens its support for agricultural research and innovation in Uganda.

The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who also officially handed over the construction site to the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).

Speaking at the event, Tumwebaze said the government was deliberately investing in the infrastructure needed to strengthen agricultural research and enable scientists to develop solutions to challenges affecting people's livelihoods.

“As a government, we are deliberately supporting our research system with all the requisite infrastructure, both physical and technological, to enable them work and innovate solutions for our livelihood challenges,” Tumwebaze said.

The minister emphasized that agricultural research is essential to improving production and productivity, noting that the quality of seeds and livestock breeds plays a significant role in determining farming outcomes.

He explained that poor-quality seeds and breeds can lead to low yields or failed production, while good, resilient planting materials and livestock breeds can improve productivity and support sustainable farming systems.

“The quality and quantity of any of our farm yields can only be as good as the seed (plant and livestock) we produce and plant. Bad seed/breed gives you poor or failed productivity, while good resilient seed/breed increases productivity and sustains the farming ecosystem. This is how research becomes critical,” he said.

Tumwebaze credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for consistently advocating the prioritization of scientific research and innovation in government planning and budgeting.

He also challenged agricultural scientists to focus on applied research that delivers practical results and directly improves the lives of farmers and other communities that depend on agriculture.

According to the minister, research should help farmers respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change and harsh weather conditions while building more resilient farming systems.

“We need more research that will directly impact and change the livelihoods of the people and create farming resilience in the face of climate change and harsh weather,” Tumwebaze noted.

NARO also emphasized the importance of supporting agricultural scientists, noting that improved research facilities would strengthen their capacity to develop solutions for farmers.

The construction of the research and management facility reflects the government's focus on strengthening agricultural research infrastructure and promoting scientific innovation to support Uganda's agricultural sector.

By investing in research facilities and encouraging scientists to prioritize practical, impactful solutions, the government aims to strengthen the role of agricultural research in improving farm productivity, supporting farmers' livelihoods and building resilience to changing weather conditions.