The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country has signed a “Host Country Agreement” with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). This pact formally grants the organization a permanent institutional presence in Uganda, a move expected to spark a significant transformation in the nation’s agricultural productivity and export potential. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, and Morris Akiri, the CABI Executive Director for Africa.
The signing ceremony was attended by Regional Director Dr. Monica Kansiime, Christine Alokit, and Dr. Nasib Mugwanya representing the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
Although Uganda has been a member of CABI since 1995, the relationship has historically been project-based. However, following Uganda’s formal ratification of the CABI Instrument in 2025, the organization has now completed the legal processes required to establish a permanent Country Office within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
During the meeting, Gen. Odongo emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that it is vital for addressing long-standing constraints in Uganda’s agricultural sector. He specifically highlighted that this collaboration will help Ugandan agricultural products regain and expand access to major international markets, such as the European Union.
The Minister further stressed that ensuring Ugandan produce meets global Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements is a matter of national importance. CABI is expected to play a leading role in this regard by strengthening farmer guidance systems and modernizing value chains.
Morris Akiri, CABI’s Executive Director for Africa, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with Uganda. He pointed to an ongoing €8 million program funded by the European Union aimed at strengthening regulatory systems, building capacity for plant health, and establishing a Centre of Excellence at Entebbe International Airport. Additionally, the introduction of “cold chain” logistics technology was highlighted as a priority to help farmers preserve produce quality for export markets.
CABI is a science-based, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization established in 1928 under a United Nations treaty framework, with recognition from both the UN and the Commonwealth.
The new office in Uganda is expected to achieve several key goals: enhancing food security through programs like PlantwisePlus, facilitating the transfer of global scientific expertise to local research institutions, and protecting the environment through nature-based solutions to help agriculture adapt to climate change. Furthermore, the mandate focuses on inclusive value chains that specifically target the involvement and benefit of women and youth.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the establishment of a permanent CABI office will unlock new investment opportunities for Uganda. Working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and NARO, the organization will ensure that the country’s agricultural policies are informed by scientific data.
