Makerere University’s Dr. Richard Miiro was officially sworn in as the Chairperson of the Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS), the national professional body for agricultural extension and advisory services. Dr. Miiro, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, School of agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Studies (CAES)  at Makerere University, will lead UFAAS for the 2025-2026 term. Following a successful election, he succeeds Ms. Adeline Rwashana Muheebwa, who held the position for the past term of two years.

Above: Dr Richard Miiro, UFAAS Board Chairperson 2025-2026.

The handover ceremony, which took place on March 11, 2025, at Arch Apartments in Ntinda, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), and several extension actors from organizations like GOAL, World Vision, RIPPLE Effect, CABI, Local Government, AGRITERRA, PELUM, GUDIE Farms among others.

In the context of the 2016 Uganda National Agricultural Extension Policy which recognizes pluralism- a model where agricultural extension services are provided by various actors, including government agencies, NGOs, private companies, farmer organizations, and local experts, Dr. Miiro’s leadership is anticipated to bring on board transformative energy working together with the Board members and all actors. This move is timely amidst the changing dynamics of agriculture and increasing demands for innovative and sustainable agricultural extension approaches.

Above: Agricultural extension actors at the event

In his inaugural address, Dr. Miiro expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role. “I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility and pledge to do my utmost to serve UFAAS and its members,” he stated. He reminded the new board of the UFAAS vision of professional AEAS effectively driving the agricultural revolution in Uganda through a cadre that offers quality extension services and considers the agricultural extension profession as a calling. He further stated that by the end of the year, working closely with the Department of Agricultural Extension & Skills Management and other departments in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, as well as with Non-State Actors, UFAAS would be a legally recognized certifying body for all agricultural extension service providers in the country. Dr. Miiro called upon members and partners for collective and cohesive support to achieve this ambitious goal.

In his closing remarks Mr. Emmanuel Muhoozi who represented Dr. Patience Rwamigisa the Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Agricultural Extension & Skills Management, reiterated how the Ministry recognizes and appreciates the work UFAAS is doing and pledged its commitment to support UFAAS to fulfill its noble purpose for AEAS in Uganda.

Dr. Miiro brings extensive expertise to the position. His academic and professional career has been dedicated to advancing agricultural extension practices, mainly through academic training and research. He focuses on empowering farmers and stakeholders through innovative approaches,  farmer institutional development, use of digital technology in extension, inclusive extension services,  partnership building, training, and mentorship of young agricultural professionals. His leadership is expected to further strengthen UFAAS’s role as a key player in driving agricultural transformation in Uganda. He is currently serving on the Regional Organizing Committee of AFAAS for the upcoming Africa Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW2025) due to take place in May 2025 in Malawi.

Left: Dr Miiro receives a report from Ms Adeline RwashanaMuheeebwa, the Outgoing UFAAS Board Chairperson. Handover officiated by  MAAIF representative, Mr Emmanuel Muhoozi (Right).

UFAAS is recognized for its efforts to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of agricultural extension and advisory services in Uganda by promoting strategic partnerships, advocacy, capacity building, information sharing, and interaction among AEAS actors by providing a platform for networking and sharing solutions to the pains experienced in AEAS. As Chairperson, Dr. Miiro is poised to build on the successes of his predecessor, Ms. Muheebwa, and work closely with the organization’s members and partners to achieve the UFAAS strategic objectives as per its Strategic plan 2024-2028.

This event marked a key moment for UFAAS, which plays a critical role in shaping the future of agricultural extension and advisory services in Uganda amidst the changing dynamics of agriculture and increasing demands for innovation and sustainability.

The incoming UFAAS Board members:

Above: UFAAS Board members

About UFAAS

Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) is the country chapter of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) in Uganda. It is a forum that brings together a wide range of actors involved in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) in Uganda.  AFAAS is the umbrella network organization for AEAS in Africa and operates within the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), with a focus on Pillar IV.  UFAAS was established in 2011, and the first Board Chairperson was Professor Margaret Najjingo Mangheni, a former Head of the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies at Makerere University.

Article compiled by Elizabeth Asiimwe

Former UFAAS Board member and Student of Agricultural and Rural Innovation in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University.

Email: alizeff@yahoo.com