agriculture 16 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Pushes for Science-Led Farming to Enhance Food Security
Uganda's Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, has urged for the integration of scientific research and innovation into farming practices to bolster food security and farmer incomes. The call was made during the national World Food Day celebrations held in Mbarara. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-tumwebaze-calls-for-science-led-farming-to-boost-food-security-5635034
Minister Frank Tumwebaze emphasized the critical role of scientific research and innovation in transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector. Speaking at the national World Food Day 2026 celebrations in Mbarara, he highlighted the need for research to yield practical solutions that directly benefit farmers and contribute to the nation’s agricultural advancement.
“We need to balance the four pillars of farming: food security, income-generating crops, animal feed security crops and environmental security. Research and science come in to provide the knowledge, tools and innovations needed to achieve this balance,” Minister Tumwebaze stated. The four-day event, themed “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” convened over 3,000 stakeholders at the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI). The celebration was a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), and development partners like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Discussions and exhibitions focused on agricultural technologies, digital innovations, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart practices designed to boost productivity and food system resilience. The World Food Programme, represented by Emmanuel Rustinda, warned that climate-related threats, including the anticipated El Niño conditions, pose significant risks to food security. He noted that between 30-40% of food is lost post-harvest due to poor handling and storage, underscoring the urgency for innovative solutions.
The celebrations also marked the centenary of MBAZARDI, a key institution in Uganda’s agricultural research landscape. The institute is set to play a vital role in disseminating agricultural technologies and innovations, aligning with national development plans that prioritize rural transformation and youth employment.