The newly recruited directors in a group photo with NARO Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma (Centre)
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has officially unveiled its new management. On August 1, 2023, the staff at the NARO secretariat witnessed the change of guard for four (4) newly appointed Directors to positions of leadership.
It is the day that the newly appointed directors officially took over office and duty, automatically making them part of NARO’s Top Management (TPM) under the leadership of the Director General.
The newly appointed Directors are: Dr. Swidiq Mugerwa, the Deputy Director of Research Coordination and replaces Dr. George Lukwago; Dr. Steven Kisaka is Director of Corporate Services and replaces Professor Justus Rutaisaire; Mark Serembe is the Director of Human Resources and replaces Robert Bagonza; and CPA Tegiike Julius Mununuzi is Director Finance and Accounts and replaces Mrs. Mary Kiggundu.
Background
In April 2023, the NARO Governing Council (NGC) advertised the job openings for six directors, four of whom were to be based at the Secretariat and two at the Institutes.
As part of good succession planning, management started the process of recruiting replacements early to avoid operational gaps because the above positions were to fall vacant on June 30, 2023.
The job positions available at the secretariat were for the Deputy Director General for Research Coordination, Director(s) of Corporate Services, Human Resources, and Finance. After a rigorous shortlisting and interview process, six people emerged successful for the positions advertised. After accepting the terms and conditions of the jobs, they were to start work on August 1, 2023.
The newly appointed directors to be based at Secretariat were received by Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General NARO, at the secretariat, who congratulated them upon joining the NARO family and tasked them with keeping the brand shining even brighter than they found it.
Dr. Baguma acknowledged the strong leadership that was able to move NARO forward in the last three decades. He recognized the service of the outgoing directors, under whose tenure NARO grew tremendously. “We are all proud to serve NARO because of their dedicated service. All their energy and professionalism were to move NARO forward.”
The DG welcomed and introduced the new directors one by one to the staff and tasked them to ensure that they contribute to the development of NARO and to promote the business of NARO, which is to “innovate for sustainable agricultural transformation”.
As leaders, their core duty is to serve with a commitment to help NARO deliver her goal. He promised to support them as their chief servant, as they too serve with commitment to the best of their ability. He also encouraged the staff present to welcome, support, and collaborate with them if NARO is to continue serving the country well.
He further said that NARO cherishes teamwork, and without it, work can be difficult. He thanked the NARO Council and political leadership for entrusting the new directors with the responsibility and the Government of Uganda for the resources required to ensure that they deliver on their duty. He informed the incoming directors that NARO has a culture of handing over to new leaders, just like it happens in relay race.
The welcome event was attended by all the predecessors of the new directors, who held meetings with them to hand over the office and all related assets to ensure a good beginning of their tenure in office. All staff in the various categories witnessed the moment.
-NARO
