National livestock research institute to get a new home 

PIC: Rutaisire (middle), with other NARO officials touring the land where the NaLIRRI is going to be moved. (Credit: Jeff Andrew Lule)

AGRICULTURE

APAC- The country's National Livestock Research and Resource Institute (NaLIRRI) is to be relocated to Apac district.

The move follows President Yoweri Museveni's directive after the land where the institute was occupying got reallocated to a Chinese Company to carryout out phosphate mining in Tororo.

The facility is to cost sh50b which will be used to clear land, open roads and constructother structures among others.

A team of National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) leadership, board members and district leaders carried out a guided field tour on the 7sq miles of land, where the institute's headquarters are to be moved.  The land is part of the 64sq miles of Maruzi Ranch in Akokolo sub-country. The land is situated along the shores of River Nile.

Part of the land is also shared by National Animal Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC) sharing 8sq miles, Hillside Agriculture Limited for palm growing (43sq miles).

NaRILLI is a semi-autonomous national agricultural institute responsible for research, promotion, dissemination and co-ordination of all related services in livestock nutrition, breeding, social economics, marketing and apiculture.

While meeting district leaders at Akokolo sub-county headquarters, the NARO Director General, Dr. Ambrose Agona, said the relocation is to spur development and improve people's livelihoods at household level.

 "This is only meant to carry out research in fisheries, livestock and even crops for the benefit of the people here. People of Lango are going to be the first beneficiaries. No more need for people moving to towns to look for jobs and development," Agona noted.

PIC: Lt. Freddie Ojuka, interacting with Agona, during a meeting at Akokolo Sub-county in Apac district on Friday, June 2018. (Credit: Jeff Andrew Lule)

The Director Corporate Services at NARO, Prof. Justus Rutaisire, said the funds have already been approved and works are to start next month.

The chairperson governing council NARO, Yusuf Obua, said the relocation of the NaLIRRI is going to develop the area through agriculture as people will be able to easily access improved breeds.

The director of research at NaLIRRI, Dr. Swidiq Mugerwa, said the institute will also be able to research on pastures and animal breeds which can benefit locals.

The District Internal Security Officer, Lt. Freddie Ojuka, thanked the Government for having considered their district for the relocation.

NaLIRRI is one of the 16 national agriculture research institutes established with the purpose of providing agricultural research services with a focus on livestock, public health, environment, climate change and other emerging issues.

NaLIRRI is headquartered in Tororo District in Eastern Uganda with sub-stations at Nakyesasa, in Wakiso and Serere in Serere district.