Uganda gets new FAO country representative
Kassa, who hails from Ethiopia, is an agriculturist with over a decade of experience in agriculture, rural development, food security, and resilience programming across the Horn of Africa.
Kassa joined FAO in 2015 in South Sudan as Project Manager, where he worked closely with communities to strengthen livelihoods and build resilience to recurrent shocks. (Courtesy Photo)
KAMPALA - The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Qu Dongyu, has appointed Ezana Kassa as the new FAO Representative in Uganda, with the approval of the Government of the Republic of Uganda.
Kassa succeeds Antonio Querido and follows Yergalem Taages Beraki, who has been serving in an acting capacity.
Kassa, who hails from Ethiopia, is an agriculturist with over a decade of experience in agriculture, rural development, food security, and resilience programming across the Horn of Africa.
He brings a strong track record of delivering impact in complex and fragile contexts.
Kassa joined FAO in 2015 in South Sudan as Project Manager, where he worked closely with communities to strengthen livelihoods and build resilience to recurrent shocks.
He later served as Emergency Coordinator for FAO Somalia (2019–2021), leading critical emergency and resilience interventions in collaboration with national authorities, United Nations partners, and humanitarian actors.
Most recently, Kassa served as Senior Programme Officer for FAO Somalia, providing strategic leadership and policy direction to the country programme.
In this role, he guided programme planning and implementation, led the development of the Country Programming Framework, and represented FAO in key United Nations coordination platforms.
Prior to joining FAO, he held senior leadership roles with international non-governmental organisations, including Country Director for Action Africa Help International and Programme Manager for Norwegian People’s Aid, where he managed large, multidisciplinary teams.
Kassa holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from the United States International University in Nairobi, a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development from the University of London, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Haramaya University in Ethiopia.
Speaking on his appointment, Ezana Kassa expressed optimism about Uganda’s potential:
“Uganda is famed as the Pearl of Africa and holds immense potential to become a beacon of food security and prosperity in the region. I am honored to join the FAO Uganda team and to work alongside the Government partners and rural communities to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that improve the lives of all Ugandans.”
He added that FAO will continue to support strategic investments aligned with global initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, to boost productivity, strengthen rural economies, and enhance livelihoods.
FAO has a long-standing partnership with Uganda, supporting efforts to transform agrifood systems, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable development. Mr Ezana Kassa’s leadership is expected to further deepen partnerships, drive innovation, and deliver results for farmers and communities across the country.