KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, highlighted the crucial role of potato and sweetpotato in bolstering nutrition and improving livelihoods during the opening of the 13th African Potato Association (APA) Conference.
“Potato and sweetpotato are not just food crops; they are strategic assets in achieving climate resilience, nutrition, and rural transformation,” Tumwebaze said Monday.
The conference, which runs through Friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, has drawn over 300 participants from across Africa, including delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Uganda. International delegates from the U.S., U.K., Netherlands and other countries are also attending.
The event’s theme is: “Fostering Climate-Smart Cropping Systems for Sustainable Potato and Sweetpotato Value Chains.”
Tumwebaze commended the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), with its network of 16 public agricultural research institutions, for driving innovations in seed development, disease resistance and climate-smart practices. He pointed to Uganda’s strong research foundation and high production capacity in sweetpotato, which is now the country’s third most important crop, as evidence of progress.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing value addition, minimizing postharvest losses and establishing better market linkages, especially given the growing urban demand for processed products like crisps and chips.
Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of NARO and President of the African Potato Association, underscored Uganda’s leading role in agricultural research, particularly in developing climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties.
“Uganda has developed improved potato varieties, including purple-fleshed and beta-carotene-rich types, that are contributing to the fight against Vitamin A deficiency across Africa,” Baguma said. “The generations ahead need sustainable sources of nutrition and protein for both humans and animals. To achieve this, we must secure dedicated and consistent funding for agricultural research.”
Baguma noted that the conference represents more than a scientific gathering; it signifies a commitment to building a future where African countries lead in sustainable agriculture.
An exhibition pavilion at the conference showcases cutting-edge solutions from institutions, innovators and private sector actors in seed systems, mechanization, postharvest technologies, climate-smart agriculture and value addition. These innovations aim to strengthen food systems, improve rural livelihoods and catalyze agro-industrial growth across the continent.
Dr. Kassim Sadik, Deputy Director General for Agricultural Technology Promotion at NARO, emphasized the need for greater private sector involvement in agricultural science. Joyce Maru, Regional Director at the International Potato Center (CIP), credited the Ugandan government for its strong support of science-led development and called for deeper integration of research and market-driven solutions.
The conference is organized by NARO in partnership with the African Potato Association (APA) and is supported by leading institutions including the International Potato Center (CIP), KOPIA, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
