Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬

Am passionate about Uganda's economic development (especially agricultural research) and the welfare of the farming community.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@rsnokes Super hate = jealous, I think. Receiving such honour, who wouldn't "super hate" you. 🤣🤣

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@ugcatholics Fr. Robert Galiwango St. Cyprian, Kawanda Parish

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@rytchie @SpireJim In 1987 I lost my 50/= to gambling (i.e. selecting one of 3 cards). This was around the park and I was on my way to MAK for coaching. I am still hurting!

[MAAIF 🇺🇬 @MAAIF_Uganda]

Towards enhanced access to extension services and monitoring: Today, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is set to hand over 69 vehicles and 1,034 motocycles to districts under the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project.
@FrankTumwebazek

[Bulindi ZARDI @BulindiZ]

The GENEFAST project inception workshop, led by NARO Bulindi, is underway at Masindi Kabalega Resort.

The initiative will apply genomic selection to develop fast-growing, climate-resilient Nile Tilapia strains & reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions from aquaculture operations.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@AKasingye @MAGEZIKIRIINJJU @PoliceUg Retired but not tired! Keep the flame burning

[Bulindi ZARDI @BulindiZ]

Day 2 at the 5th Northern Uganda Agric Show, live from Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City! 🌱🐝

We’re actively engaging the next generation of agripreneurs in beekeeping and value addition—equipping them with the skills to innovate, create value, and build sustainable livelihoods.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@drkasenene I am currently in that position, with a 🍺

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@victorkaahwa @AlansMwesigwa @Rotary @Emmanuel_Rotary @lionsclubs If I had the means at the moment, I would add reflective gear, and maybe a "fimbo"

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@philiousmujuni @AlansMwesigwa @Rotary @Emmanuel_Rotary @lionsclubs I have seen vehicles for "big" entities cruise over the zebra crossing, even with pedestrians crossing!

[Jim Spire Ssentongo @SpireJim]

This morning I attended a medical camp at Lubaga Hospital, organised by Kampala Archdiocese in partnership with Lubaga, Kisubi, Nsambya, and Nkozi hospitals. All services were free. When you see the number of people desperately lining up for health services and think of the money we waste as a country, you get to understand ‘What Died When We Lived’. Thank you Kampala Archdiocese and the four hospitals for that gesture of practical care. We need more such gestures from on all who can do something beyond taking from people.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@A_e_c_h_o_n_i @drkasenene By the time you are torn, the obvious choice would be ......

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@drkasenene BFF 💓

[NARO Uganda @narouganda]

2026 Annual Message from the Director General – Key Highlights

1️⃣ 2025 was a year of transformation.
Despite global funding shocks and geopolitical shifts, NARO remained resilient, adaptive, and focused on delivering science for national and regional development.

2️⃣ Funding challenges met with reform.
Sudden cuts from long-standing partners tested the research system—but with GoU support, NARO reformed financial mobilisation, prioritised high-impact research, and maintained stable operations.

3️⃣ Stronger partnerships, global confidence.
Support from Government, development partners, universities, private sector, and international institutions sustained research outputs and innovation momentum.

4️⃣ Major institutional reforms delivered.
✔️ Banana Research Program moved to NaCRRI
✔️ NARO-NARL positioned as a Regional Biosciences & Lab Centre
✔️ CABI & ILRI country offices relocated to NARO

5️⃣ Strategic alignment achieved.
The NARO Strategic Plan 2025/26–2029/30 was launched—aligned to NDP IV—prioritising value addition, agro-industrialisation, technology adoption & productivity growth.

6️⃣ New Centres of Excellence established.
National Sugar Research Institute
National Dairy Centre of Excellence
Cocoa Research Program to boost exports & industrial growth

7️⃣ Governance strengthened.
A new NARO Governing Council, Institute Advisory Committees, and a revitalised NARO Holdings Ltd Board now drive stronger oversight and commercialization.

8️⃣ Technology commercialization expanded.
6 new seed companies licensed in 2025—bringing the total to 32—supporting distribution of over 100 NARO-developed varieties nationwide and beyond.

9️⃣ Celebrating legacy & impact.
🎉 NaCRRI marked 75 years of service.
🔜 In 2026: Fisheries Institute @80 & Mbarara ZARDI @100 years.

🔟 Food security milestones.
NARO hosted World Food Day 2025, launching 8 new crop varieties (banana, potato & millet) to support climate-smart, market-ready farming.

1️⃣1️⃣ Investing in people.
40 MSc, 23 PhD scholars & 72 competitive research grantees supported under UCSATP—ensuring research serves farmers and industry.

1️⃣2️⃣ Looking ahead to 2026.
✔️ Scale access to anti-tick vaccine, Aflasafe & quality seedlings
✔️ Deepen AI & risk management
✔️ Strengthen partnerships for greater impact

🇺🇬 NARO Innovates for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation.

For God and My Country

📄 Full letter here: https://t.co/CS13LAEUJB

[NARO Uganda @narouganda]

Today: NARO paid a strategic visit to @MandelaMillers Limited to engage with the agro-processing industry and identify research-driven solutions along the grain value chain.

Mandela Millers processes maize (locally produced) and wheat (largely imported). The engagement focused on understanding key bottlenecks affecting grain quality and processing.

A major gap identified: some high-yielding varieties preferred by farmers do not meet critical quality parameters required by processors, leading to high rejection rates.

Moving forward:
NARO will profile agro-industry quality requirements and integrate them into breeding programs ensuring seed varieties meet both farmer productivity and industry standards.

Strengthening research–industry linkages will improve raw material quality, reduce reliance on imported additives, and support Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@UEDCLTD We are yet to see any work done. In the meantime we are discarding our weekly shopping groceries that have now gone bad in the fridge which is no longer functional.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@UEDCLTD we have been facing low voltage for over a month here in Namalere-Kawanda. I've reported and given ref numbers that they renew, and told in a mechanical voice that they will engage the team. My current ref 1709045-G.

[Patrick Kalunda, PhD 🇺🇬 @PKalunda]

@nwscug Our taps in Kawanda are still dry, any progress thus far?

[NARO Uganda @narouganda]

https://t.co/8Xt9PjLSs8

[Bulindi ZARDI @BulindiZ]

Productive day in Kakumiro District!

We met with key stakeholders to shape plans for a two-acre model #demonstration #farm at parish level.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for stronger #agricultural #learning, #innovation, and community-led #development. 🌱🤝