Government Relocates National Livestock Institute to Apac

The National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), a government-owned farm under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, has undergone a significant relocation. The institute’s headquarters, previously situated in Tororo, has been moved to Maruzi in Apac District.

The decision to transfer NaLIRRI’s base from Tororo to Maruzi has been part of a lengthy process initiated around 2016. Initially, the institute was temporarily relocated to the Nakyesasa satellite camp in Wakiso while the government executed the broader plan of shifting its head office to Maruzi.

During a supervisory visit to NaLIRRI on January 15, 2024, Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General of NARO, confirmed the successful completion of the institute’s move from Tororo to Maruzi.

NaLIRRI operates as one of 16 semi-autonomous agricultural public research institutes, established to deliver agricultural research services under the policy guidance of NARO. The institute focuses on five key research programs: beef, dairy, vaccinology, biosciences, and entomology.

Dr. Baguma outlined that four of these programs will now have their base at Maruzi, with the exception of the biosciences research program, which will continue at the Nakyesasa satellite research institute. This decision is strategically aligned to maintain proximity to national laboratories at Kawanda and Namulonge, fostering synergies with these centers.

The outgoing acting director, Dr. William Ntege, officially handed over office responsibilities to the new director, Prof. Samuel Majalija, during the relocation process. Prof. Majalija expressed optimism about the institute’s future, stating, “Now that we are moving towards that direction of livestock, I’m very sure we are going to change so much because we have the highest amount of grass per square meter in the world.” He pledged to transform NaLIRRI into a global center of excellence in livestock research.

However, amidst these developments, the Resident District Commissioner of Apac, Mr. George Abudul, cautioned against sabotaging government programs under the pretext of protecting land. He urged residents to consider the value derived from their land, emphasizing the importance of understanding the tangible benefits obtained from large land holdings.