The Late Dr. Andrew KiggunduThe National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is mourning the untimely passing of Dr. Andrew Kiggundu, a distinguished scientist whose contribution to agricultural biotechnology in Uganda and beyond has been immense.In a statement, Dr. Yona Baguma, the NARO Director General, revealed that Dr. Kiggundu joined NARO in 1993 as a Research Assistant under the National Banana Research Programme. A dedicated biotechnology professional, he later pursued his PhD at University of Protoria South Africa and, upon his return, rose to become Head of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and Programme Leader for the Biodiversity and Biotechnology Programme at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda. During a period when biotechnology was gaining prominence in Uganda, Dr. Kiggundu played a pivotal role in developing key guiding documents for biotechnology and biosafety regulation alongside other NARO scientists, including the current Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma.In recognition of his exceptional expertise and service, Dr. Kiggundu was recruited by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in the United States, where he served as Project Manager for the Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa (VIRCA) and VIRCA Plus projects.These initiatives spanned multiple countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, and the USA. He took a sabbatical from NARO to serve in this role from January 2017 to October 2021, based at the Institute for International Crop Improvement in St. Louis, Missouri.Upon his return to NARO, Dr. Kiggundu continued to offer his expertise as a consultant under the vaccine programme.“At the time of his passing, he was leading a national taskforce aimed at realigning NARO NARL into a National Reference Laboratories Centre of Excellence,” Dr. Baguma said, adding that Dr. Kiggundu also served as Secretary to the NARO Institutional Biosafety Committee from September 2008 to May 2017.Under his stewardship, the Committee reviewed 12 successful Confined Field Trial applications—the highest number recorded by a single country in Africa to date—cementing Uganda’s leadership in biotechnology development and biosafety research.He further contributed as a Research and Training Professional under the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), focusing on plant genomics and genetic improvement. Additionally, he served as Country Focal Person for Biotechnology Stewardship and as a Stewardship Trainer under the Pan-African project, “Strengthening Agricultural Biotechnology and Stewardship,” coordinated by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and supported by the Syngenta Foundation. He also played a key role in science communication.“Dr. Kiggundu’s passing is a profound loss to NARO, the scientific community, and the nation at large. We deeply value his knowledge, dedication, and the significant impact he made in advancing agricultural research and innovation,” Dr. Baguma said, adding: “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Kiggundu will be fondly remembered for his warm personality and hearty sense of humour, which brought life to every engagement. On behalf of NARO, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.”The post NARO Mourns Death Of Top Scientist & Researcher, Dr. Andrew Kiggundu appeared first on Business Focus.