Uganda’s agricultural research community is mourning the death of Dr Andrew Kiggundu, a long-serving scientist at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), who passed away, the institution announced on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on its official platforms, NARO said Dr Kiggundu had been serving as a Principal Research Officer and Anti-tick Vaccine Production Manager at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Andrew Kiggundu… For over 25 years, he served NARO with distinction advancing agricultural biotechnology, biosafety, and research innovation for national development,” the statement read.
The organisation described him as a dedicated scientist whose work significantly contributed to Uganda’s push for biotechnology-driven agricultural transformation, adding that “his legacy will endure in the science he championed and the lives he impacted.”
Distinguished career in biotechnology
Dr Kiggundu was a respected plant biotechnologist with decades of experience in agricultural research and innovation. He held a PhD in plant biotechnology from the University of Pretoria and specialised in recombinant protein engineering and genetic technologies.
Over the years, he played key roles within NARO, including leading the Biotechnology and Biodiversity Programme, where he oversaw research into sustainable use of genetic resources and development of modern biotechnology tools.
He also coordinated genome editing initiatives and contributed to regulatory and biosafety systems in Uganda, helping position the country among leaders in agricultural biotechnology research in Africa.
His research interests focused on developing low-cost vaccines and disease-resistant crops, including work on anti-tick vaccines using recombinant technologies aimed at improving livestock productivity.
Earlier in his career, he was involved in advancing genetically engineered crops such as bananas, cassava, and groundnuts, and contributed to national policy frameworks on biotechnology and biosafety.
National impact
NARO, a government agency mandated to coordinate and oversee agricultural research in Uganda, credited Dr Kiggundu for his long-standing contribution to innovation and scientific advancement in the sector.
Colleagues say his work not only advanced scientific knowledge but also had practical impact on farmers through improved crop resilience and livestock disease control technologies.
Details regarding funeral arrangements had not yet been announced by press time.
His death marks the loss of one of Uganda’s seasoned scientists in agricultural biotechnology, a field increasingly seen as critical to food security and economic development.
