Kampala, Uganda – A damning whistleblower report has exposed widespread corruption, financial mismanagement, and institutional decay within Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), raising urgent concerns about the agency’s ability to support the country’s critical farming sector.

The allegations, which include diversion of research funds, procurement fraud, and irregular staff recruitment, threaten to undermine public trust in an institution pivotal to Uganda’s food security and economic stability.

Key Allegations: Swindled Funds and Phantom Projects
The report, compiled by anonymous NARO insiders, accuses senior officials of siphoning millions earmarked for agricultural projects.

Among the most serious claims is the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for developing anti-tick vaccines—a program critical for protecting livestock, a lifeline for rural communities.

Inspectors note that procurement records show UGX 1.2 billion was allocated for vaccine research in 2023, but project leaders reportedly never received the funds.

Procurement irregularities also dominate the allegations.

According to inspectors, in 2020, NARO purchased an industrial oil press machine for UGX 1 billion to process sunflower seeds. Three years later, the equipment remains unused, with staff questioning why it was acquired without plans for deployment or training. Similarly, contracts for laboratory furniture and construction projects were allegedly awarded to companies linked to top officials, bypassing competitive bidding processes.

Staff Morale at Rock Bottom
Current and former employees describe a toxic work environment where junior staff, often underpaid and overworked, shoulder the burden of fieldwork and research.

Senior leadership, meanwhile, is accused of isolating themselves from daily operations. “Decisions are made behind closed doors. Accountability is nonexistent,” one staffer told The Standard News.

The whistleblower report further alleges that some administrative personnel secured jobs using forged academic credentials. A 2022 internal audit reportedly flagged discrepancies in the qualifications of at least five senior hires, including a procurement officer and finance manager, but no disciplinary action was taken.

Medical Insurance Scheme Under Scrutiny
NARO’s staff medical insurance program, which allocates UGX 50 million per employee annually, is also under fire. Documents suggest that only 30% of the funds were used for medical bills in 2023, with the remainder allegedly diverted to unapproved expenses. Staff claim they are often forced to pay out-of-pocket for basic treatments despite the allocated budget.

NARO Holdings: A Shell for Embezzlement?
The agency’s commercial arm, NARO Holdings Limited (NHL), faces allegations of operating as a conduit for embezzlement.

Established to generate revenue for agricultural innovation, NHL instead reportedly funneled UGX 3.5 billion into vague “consultancy services” and partnerships with no tangible outcomes. Auditors found no evidence of deliverables for 12 contracts signed between 2021 and 2023.

Election-Year Reckoning
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections approaching, the scandal has drawn sharp reactions from civil society and political actors. Agriculture sustains over 70% of the population, and mismanagement of NARO could deepen rural discontent.

NARO’s leadership has yet to respond to repeated inquiries from The Standard News. Efforts to contact Director General Dr. Yona Baguma were unsuccessful, with aides citing his “busy schedule.”

What’s Next?
Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocates demand immediate audits and prosecutions. “This isn’t just about stolen money—it’s about stolen futures for Ugandan farmers,” said a Kampala-based NGO director with donors, including the USAID, World Bank, and World Food Programme, which fund NARO projects, are reportedly reviewing their partnerships.