Whistleblower Allegedly Exposes Corruption & Mismanagement At NARO,Threatening Sector Stability

A recent whistleblower report has unveiled alleged widespread mismanagement and corruption within the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), casting a shadow over Uganda’s critical agricultural sector. These revelations come at a time when agriculture remains central to the nation’s economy and a significant source of employment for the population, raising concerns over potential impacts on President Museveni’s re-election efforts in 2026.

Low Morale and Toxic Work Environment

Sources reveal that morale among NARO staff is at an all-time low due to alleged toxic leadership and internal conflicts. Senior officials reportedly remain confined to their air-conditioned offices, leaving essential agricultural research and fieldwork to underpaid junior staff. Concerns have also emerged regarding the qualifications and influence of certain personnel. A particular administrator under the Corporate Services Directorate has faced allegations of forging academic credentials and bypassing standard recruitment procedures, sparking dissatisfaction among employees.

Alleged Financial Mismanagement

The whistleblower report details extensive allegations of financial misappropriation and questionable procurement practices. From funds for anti-tick vaccine research reportedly diverted to personal allowances, to unexplained delays in the delivery of procured items such as laboratory furniture and agricultural equipment, the claims paint a grim picture of accountability lapses at NARO.

Additionally, the organization’s medical insurance scheme has come under scrutiny. Although each staff member is allocated UGX 50 million annually for medical expenses, reports indicate inconsistencies in how funds are utilized and accounted for.

Questionable Procurement Deals

Allegations of irregular procurement processes have further fueled concerns about mismanagement. For instance, an oil press machine purchased for UGX 1 billion in 2020 allegedly remains underutilized, with questions about its intended purpose. Similarly, contracts for civil works and equipment procurement have been flagged as avenues for kickbacks, often awarded to companies linked to senior officials.

Misuse of Public Funds

The report also highlights instances of fraudulent activities, such as funds allocated for staff retreats being channeled to private accounts and forged accountability records for non-existent activities. Vehicles and machinery procured under the guise of institutional use have allegedly been acquired for personal benefit by high-ranking officials.

NARO Holdings Limited Under Fire

NARO’s business arm, NARO Holdings Limited (NHL), established to generate revenue for agricultural research and development, has also been implicated in the allegations. Whistleblowers claim that it has become a conduit for embezzlement, with funds allocated to the company allegedly misused.

Call for Action

With Uganda’s agriculture sector forming the backbone of its economy, these allegations could have far-reaching implications for the government’s credibility and future development programs. Calls have been made for a thorough investigation into NARO’s activities, with demands for accountability from those implicated.

The whistleblower’s exposé underscores the need for urgent reforms in NARO to restore public trust and ensure that resources allocated to the agricultural sector are utilized effectively. Further investigations into these claims are anticipated, with the public keenly awaiting action from relevant authorities.

Our efforts to talk to NARO top management for a comment by press time were futile as their phone calls were not going through.