NARO loses 80 scientists
Aug 03, 2019
Majority of the senior scientists are leaving the institute to become lecturers or go abroad seeking better paying jobs
At least 80 scientists from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) have left the institution in search of greener pastures due to low salaries and poor working conditions.
Dr Yona Baguma, the NARO deputy director-general explained that the majority of the senior scientists are leaving the institute to become lecturers at public universities or go abroad seeking better-paying jobs.
"Government took a decision to enhance salaries of research scientists in public universities; they gave an equivalent of what we call a senior research officer in NARO who is a senior lecturer in the university a pay of around sh7m and left a salary of NARO scientists at a rate of sh3.4m," Baguma said.
"This has caused and continues to cause on a daily basis mass exodus of NARO scientists to universities. This underrates our capacity to sustainably contribute to agriculture research for years ahead," he added.
While speaking at a summit organised by The Uganda We Want (TUWW) held on Friday at National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge in Wakiso district, Baguma said NARO has the highest concentration of the most trained agricultural researchers that need to be well paid to address the continuous changing research in the sector.
He warned that if this exodus is not addressed in the shortest time possible, it is going to destabilise agricultural research in the country.
The NARO head of public relations, Charlotte Kemigyisha, noted that between July 2018 and July 2019, 80 staffs have left the organisation despite the fact that 64 new staffs were recruited.
The TUWW team leader, Charles Odongtho, called on the government to support research by increasing funding and improving facilities.