In a major step towards revolutionizing Uganda’s agriculture industry, Makerere University has opened the Agricultural Policy Research Center (APRC). The new center falls under the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and will bridge the gap between policy-making and research, as well as make sure that Uganda’s agriculture policies are data and evidence-based. The launch ceremony, which was recently held, had government officials, researchers, and development partners present, all of whom were bound together by their commitment to expanding the country’s agricultural sector. Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing about 24% of the country’s GDP, employing nearly 68% of the country’s population, and generating over 35% of export earnings.

As fundamental as they are, the industry is plagued with numerous challenges such as climate change, low productivity, restrictions of market access, and inadequate access to finance. All these have largely been catalyzed by policy choices missing sufficient research and data. APRC should come in and turn the tide around by providing decision-makers with access to timely information and scientific research. Making a statement on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, Commissioner for Crop Protection Mr. Stephen Byantwale termed the center as a game-changer.
“For too long, policy decisions in the agricultural sector have been made without proper use of empirical data.”.

This has led to inefficient use of resources, low uptake of new farming technologies, and weak implementation of key development programs,” he added. Byantwale emphasized that the APRC will be vital in ensuring that Uganda’s agricultural policies are timely, responsive, and transformative. The APRC is a collaboration between Makerere University and other development actors. It will seek to deliver quality research, conduct policy analysis, and engage stakeholders to guarantee that research outputs are translated into actionable policies. Byantwale commended the APRC for its commitment to quality research and multi-sectoral collaboration, stating that it will help the government and other stakeholders develop efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agriculture policies. Dr. Robert Wamala, Makerere University Director of Research and Graduate Training, represented Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the event. He stressed the need for evidence-based policy to transform the agriculture sector.

“For decades, we have witnessed policy decisions being made with very little application of empirical evidence, and the consequence has been inefficiency in implementation, use of resources, and performance of programs.”.

The launch of the APRC is a timely and forward-looking initiative in filling this gap,” said Dr. Wamala. The APRC will serve as a hub of cutting-edge policy research, leveraging the expertise of Makerere’s staff, researchers, graduate students, and other actors. It will also work hand-in-hand with government ministries, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations to facilitate use of research findings. Dr. Wamala especially noted the partnership with the Apex Platform of the Office of the President as being central to the success of the initiative. Preparing the next generation of agricultural policy researchers and leaders is one of the key missions of the APRC.

Through internships, mentorship programs, and policy debates, the centre will empower students and young researchers with required skills and expertise to shape the future of agriculture in Uganda and the rest of the world. “APRC provides a unique learning and training platform for our students and young researchers who seek to shape the future of agriculture policy,” Dr. Wamala said. Establishing the APRC is timely in Uganda’s agriculture sector. Global warming, pressures of population and economic issues have put pressure on farmers and the policymakers. Evidence-based interventions are what the center will use in order to provide solutions to all these issues as well as attain Uganda’s agricultural sector to the maximum level it can reach. The government has already demonstrated its willingness to support the APRC and its vision. “The government of Uganda remains committed to agricultural transformation, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable national development,” Byantwale said. With the APRC now in place, there is renewed hope that Uganda’s agriculture sector will overcome its current setbacks and thrive in the next few years.

The launch of the Agricultural Policy Research Center is a ray of hope for Makerere University and the nation at large. It is a move into the future where not only are policies being formulated, but they are also being informed by serious research and evidence. For farmers, agribusiness companies, and the economy at large, the APRC is a ray of hope and a promise of better days ahead. When the center gets its operations underway, everyone’s eyes will be on how the center will transform the image of Uganda’s agricultural industry and that of millions depending on it.

In an age of globalization where choices are increasingly based on evidence, the APRC is a shining example of how policy and research can be merged to result in concrete change. With this inauguration, Makerere University re-committed itself to academic excellence, research, and public outreach. The future of Uganda’s agricultural sector has never looked brighter, thanks to the optimistic efforts of the Agricultural Policy Research Center.