Who is Dr Yona Baguma? Flash Uganda Media looks at his biography, age, wife, family, tribe, achievements, and relationship with Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Dr Ambose Agona, Dr Agona, Dr Emily Kabushenga Twinamasiko, and the early life and education of the current newly appointed Director General (DG) of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).
Dr Yona Baguma is a Ugandan researcher, leader and scientist with over 30 years of experience.
Dr Baguma is the current newly appointed Director General (DG) of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).
He is also a Molecular biologist at the National Crops Resources Research Institute located in Namulonge.
Early Life and Education
Dr Baguma graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Makerere University. He proceeded to obtain a Master’s degree in Agriculture still from Makerere University.
He then went to Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences where he obtained a PhD in Molecular Biology.
Career and Professional Work Experience
Dr Yona Bagume started his career as a Research Officer in NARO and rose through the ranks of Principal Research Officer (PRO) and Acting Deputy Director General to the position of Deputy Director General Research Coordination.
He held that role till he was appointed Director General of NARO.
Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) on April 19th, 2023, announced his appointment and he was to take over the reins at NARO immediately.
Dr Baguma took over from Dr Ambose Agona, who retired on April 21, 2023. Dr. Agona had taken over as NARO Director General in 2015, following the death of Dr. Emily Kabushenga Twinamasiko in 2014.
Achievements and Awards
Dr Baguma, a recognised pioneer in agricultural research, has represented NARO in a variety of fora and helped launch unique transformative methods for agricultural research for effect.
He has served on the National Biosafety Committee (NBC), the Makerere Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, and the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), among other positions.
Dr Yona has contributed to a number of community development programmes. He supports the church, particularly in the field of educational development, as part of his service to his local community.
Dr Baguma is widely recognized as the Molecular Biologist who has effortlessly worked on cassava research since his appointment in 1988 to NARO. He has made significant contributions to food security and increased income through cassava production restoration, natural resource development, and disease (CMD and CBSD) management practices.
He devised and carried out research in Uganda on extremely nutritious cassava with enhanced beta-carotene and starch as a contribution to improved human health and income for the impoverished.
Dr Baguma is also working on drought-resistant cassava to alleviate the effects of climate change and adapt cassava to new agronomic and economic conditions. He has also worked on the development of cassava double haploids to introduce a new approach to cassava breeding for desired features.
He also played an important role in designing and implementing biosafety regulatory rules and procedures in Uganda and elsewhere.
He has also made important contributions to the training and mentorship of numerous young scientists, interns, and graduate students, resulting in a remarkable cadre of well-grounded research scientists and technical support employees.
He has formed numerous scientific alliances and partnerships with worldwide research institutions, sophisticated laboratories, and universities.
Dr. Baguma is an outstanding innovative ethical researcher who has made significant contributions to numerous original information, skills, ability, and technological solutions.
Controversies
Dr Yona Baguma, the interim Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) by then refuted accusations that President Yoweri Museveni was opposed to the 2012 Biotechnology and Biosafety Safety Bill (GMO Bill).
Instead, according to Baguma, the president believed there were a few issues that needed to be addressed.
He argued that the issues raised by the President should not be misconstrued as a rejection of the law but seen as him looking for clarification.
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