The Ugandan govenrment has signed a Host Country Agreement with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), formally granting the organization a permanent institutional presence in the country.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, while CABI was represented by its Executive Director for Africa, Morris Akiri.
Akiri was accompanied by CABI Regional Director Dr. Monica Kansiime, Christine Alokit, and Dr. Nasib Mugwanya from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
CABI is a science-based intergovernmental and non-profit organization established in 1928 under a United Nations treaty framework and recognized by both the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
Uganda has been a member of CABI since 1995, working closely with the organization through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and NARO.
The signing follows Uganda’s ratification of the CABI Instrument in 2025 and the completion of all legal processes, including clearance by the Attorney General.
Under the agreement, CABI will establish a Country Office in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, transitioning from a project-based presence to a permanent operational footprint in Uganda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Gen. Odongo Jeje described the partnership as strategic in addressing Uganda’s long-standing agricultural challenges, particularly restoring and expanding access to international markets such as the European Union.
He emphasized the need to improve agricultural standards, strengthen farmer extension systems, and enhance value chains to ensure Ugandan products meet global sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
The minister noted that CABI’s mandate aligns with Uganda’s development priorities, including poverty alleviation through increased agricultural productivity, environmental protection using nature-based solutions, knowledge transfer to farmers and extension workers, and promoting inclusive value chains targeting women and youth.
Akiri reaffirmed CABI’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Uganda, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as an EU-funded €8 million programme aimed at improving regulatory systems, building capacity for plant health, and establishing a Centre of Excellence at Entebbe International Airport.
He also pointed to innovations such as cold chain logistics systems intended to help farmers preserve produce quality for export markets.
Officials said the establishment of CABI’s office in Uganda is expected to improve the country’s export competitiveness, strengthen food security through programmes such as PlantwisePlus, and provide local institutions with greater access to global scientific expertise.
Both parties expressed optimism that the agreement would create new opportunities for investment, research, and technical cooperation, marking another milestone in Uganda’s efforts toward sustainable agricultural transformation and economic growth.
