Kampala, Uganda — The Government of Uganda has formally signed a Host Country Agreement with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, expand export competitiveness, and deepen scientific collaboration in the agriculture sector. The agreement, signed by Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Mr. Morris Akiri, Executive Director for Africa at CABI, establishes a permanent institutional presence of the organisation in Uganda. Mr. Akiri was accompanied by Dr. Monica Kansiime, Regional Director; Mrs. Christine Alokit; and Dr. Nasib Mugwanya of the National Agricultural Research Organisation. CABI is a science-driven, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organisation founded in 1928 under a United Nations treaty framework. It is recognised by both the United Nations system and the Commonwealth as a leading global institution in agricultural knowledge, plant health, and bioscience innovation. Uganda has been a member since 1995, engaging the organisation through the Ministry responsible for agriculture and NARO in various research and development programmes.
The newly signed agreement follows Uganda’s ratification of the CABI Instrument in 2025 and the completion of all domestic legal processes, including clearance by the Attorney General. It now provides the legal and operational basis for CABI to establish a fully-fledged country office in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This transition represents a shift from a project-based engagement model to a permanent institutional footprint within Uganda’s scientific and agricultural ecosystem. At the signing ceremony, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar underscored the strategic importance of the partnership in addressing structural challenges within Uganda’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the persistent need to improve compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, particularly as Uganda seeks to regain and expand access to high-value export markets, including the European Union.
He noted that agriculture remains a central pillar of Uganda’s economy, employing a significant proportion of the population, and that partnerships such as this are essential in modernising production systems. Strengthening value chains, improving extension services, and equipping farmers with science-based knowledge were identified as key priorities under the collaboration.
CABI’s mandate aligns closely with Uganda’s national development objectives, particularly in areas of poverty reduction through agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability through nature-based solutions, and inclusive value chain development targeting women and youth. The partnership also places strong emphasis on knowledge transfer between global experts and local institutions, ensuring that scientific innovations are translated into practical solutions for farmers.
Mr. Akiri reaffirmed CABI’s long-term commitment to Uganda, highlighting ongoing and planned programmes designed to strengthen agricultural systems. He referenced an €8 million European Union-funded initiative aimed at improving regulatory frameworks, enhancing plant health systems, and building technical capacity within national institutions. A key component of this collaboration includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at Entebbe International Airport, which is expected to support phytosanitary inspections and improve export readiness. In addition, the introduction of cold chain logistics systems was highlighted as a critical intervention to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain product quality for international markets.
One of the flagship programmes under CABI’s global portfolio, PlantwisePlus, is also expected to play a central role in Uganda’s agricultural transformation agenda. The initiative supports plant health management by strengthening advisory services for farmers and extension workers, thereby improving productivity and reducing crop losses caused by pests and diseases. Both parties expressed optimism that the establishment of CABI’s permanent office will significantly enhance Uganda’s agricultural research capacity and export competitiveness. The agreement is also expected to foster stronger linkages between Ugandan scientists and global research networks, opening up new opportunities for innovation, investment, and technical cooperation.
Beyond its technical dimensions, the partnership reflects a broader policy direction within Uganda’s development strategy one that prioritises science, innovation, and international collaboration as drivers of economic transformation. By embedding a globally recognised scientific institution within its national framework, Uganda positions itself to better respond to emerging challenges in food security, climate resilience, and global trade compliance. As implementation begins, attention will now turn to translating the agreement into tangible outcomes for farmers, exporters, and research institutions. If effectively executed, the partnership has the potential to redefine Uganda’s agricultural trajectory shifting it from a largely subsistence-based system toward a more competitive, knowledge-driven, and export-oriented sector.
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