By Alfred Wasike

TWO Ugandan scientists have been recognised for their excellence in agriculture by the State University of Ohio in the US.

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) director general Dr. Denis T. Kyetere and Makerere University’s head of agricultural economics and agribusiness, Dr. Bernard Bashaasha, are to receive their 2008 International Alumni Awards on March 1.

Kyetere and Bashaasha received their doctorates from Ohio State University in 1995 and 1998 respectively.

Kyetere told Saturday Vision: “This is unbelievable. It is very good for Uganda and Africa since I am the chairman of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, which is an advocacy organisation for resource mobilisation.”

Bashaasha added: “I am very excited. It is a challenge because we need to link academic success to modernisation of agriculture and overall improvement in the quality of life of our farmers since they are still the economic back-bone in Africa.”

Kyetere served as the acting NARO chief for over a year before being named Director General in 2006. “In this position, Denis has restored a system of good governance, transparency and accountability.

“As a result, staff morale has risen”, the university noted.

It also noted that under Bashaasha’s guidance, his department has seen an increase in doctorate degrees, graduate students, and growing partnerships with agribusinesses.