The government of Uganda has launched the first ever agricultural research policy Centre [APRC] which is a new strategic think tank to boost research in the country’s food chain systems.
The APRC launch at Makerere University was presided over by the minister of agriculture animal industry and fisheries [MAAIF] Frank Tumwebaze who was represented by the commissioner crop protection Steven Tibeijuka Byantale who noted that the new think tank research body would go a long way in promoting research in the agricultural sector for effective and timely policy formulation which would lead to fair policies that add value to the sector which is the back born of the country’s economy.
The minister of state for agriculture, Animal industry and fisheries Bright Rwamirama who was represented by the commissioner animal health Dr.Ann Rose Okurut Ademun called on all stakeholders to support the APRC because it would be instrumental in serving as a one stop centre for all policies reacted to the promotion of the agricultural sector by way of building the capacity of the farmers to effectively benefit from the program..
The vice chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was represented by Prof. Robert Wamala said the University has been at the forefront of training more agricultural extension workers despite being few but can add value to the farming needs of the farmer population.
The principal college of agriculture and environmental science Prof. Goretti Nabonoga said the initiative launch was a strategic game changer as it will ensure that the agricultural sector policies are responsive, inclusive and capable of driving the country into sustainable growth.
She commended the government and all the development partners like the World Bank, AGRA, the apex platform secretariat office of the president, MAAIF and ANAPRI among others for the support on which they would ride on to drive the local agricultural policy research agenda of the country.
