Breeding modernisation set to blossom further in Uganda as IBP and partners make official visit to Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

We are delighted to report a productive and pleasant visit by IBP Director Jean-Marcel Ribaut to Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Hon Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, held at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MSTI) on Thursday March 30, 2017. They were joined by the heads of the IBP’s partner institutions in Uganda: Dr Richard Edema, Director of the Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) and Dr Godfrey Asea, Director, National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI). IBP advisor Peter Ninnes was also in attendance. 

Left to right: Dr Richard Edema, Director, Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement; Hon Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Dr Jean-Marcel Ribaut, IBP Director; Dr Godfrey Asea, Director, National Crops Resources Research Institute; Peter Ninnes, IBP Advisor.

The Minister warmly endorsed the modernising of breeding and the use of new tools for data management for the benefit of the breeders, Plant Scientists and Seed extensionists of Uganda. He confirmed his support for ongoing modernisation efforts in national and university breeding programmes (NARO, National Agricultural Research Organisation, is the apex body providing guidance and coordination to the institutes making up Uganda’s national agricultural research system, including NaCRRI). He commended the quality of research conducted at both NaCRRI and Makerere as strong factors in reaching that objective. The IBP is able to facilitate this process by providing advanced tools, knowledge, and support. The synergy across the three Institutions was recognised by the Minister, who offered his backing to our shared efforts to promote modern breeding with the country desks of international donors, and to seek further financing.

We are very pleased to have the Minister’s invaluable support and recognition for the work of our partners in modernising breeding and for our role in supporting them. We thank the Minister and his team for their graceful reception, and we look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration in Uganda as we help enhance the impact of agricultural research for greater productivity and food security.

[Jean-Marcel was in Uganda for the IBP 2017 Team Meeting; see our coverage here, here, here, and here,]