Kampala, Uganda – The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) has reached a significant milestone following the signing of an addendum to the existing 2004 agreement with the Government of Uganda. The addendum formally recognises RUFORUM as an international organization with diplomatic privileges in Uganda, strengthening its institutional standing and operational capacity across Africa. The agreement was signed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, representing the RUFORUM Board.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Hon. John Mulimba described the development as a reflection of Makerere University’s and RUFORUM’s leadership in advancing science-driven agricultural research and innovation on the continent. He noted that the revised framework would enable institutions within the RUFORUM network to better access the privileges and facilities necessary to effectively support their programmes and operations. The agreement fulfils a commitment made at RUFORUM’s founding and reinforces the institutional foundation of one of Africa’s most influential academic networks. By formalizing privileges and immunities for the Secretariat, the framework is expected to improve RUFORUM’s efficiency in coordinating research, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives across its expanding membership. It also strengthens Uganda’s role as a strategic hub for continental collaboration in agricultural innovation and higher education.
Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Uganda’s position as host of the RUFORUM Secretariat and emphasised the importance of agricultural innovation in addressing challenges such as food security, youth unemployment, and sustainable livelihoods. He noted that enhanced research collaboration would contribute significantly to building resilient agricultural systems across Africa. Since its establishment in 2004, RUFORUM has expanded to include 175 universities across 40 African countries, covering all five regions of the continent. The network has become an important platform for mobilising expertise, resources, and policy influence in support of Africa’s development agenda.
RUFORUM traces its roots to the Forum for Agricultural Resource Husbandry (FORUM), established in 1992 to address gaps in agricultural research and postgraduate training in Eastern and Southern Africa. Through investments in graduate education, institutional strengthening, and collaborative research, FORUM helped improve agricultural training and strengthen links between universities and farming communities. Over the years, RUFORUM has expanded its programmes to include undergraduate education, entrepreneurship, technical and vocational training, and postdoctoral research while strengthening partnerships with continental bodies such as the African Union. By aligning its work with frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the CAADP Kampala Declaration, RUFORUM continues to position universities as engines of innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth across Africa.
