By Chris Mugasha
MBARARA: Preparations are in high gear at Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI) in Mbarara city as the institution prepares to host this year’s National World Food Day celebrations.
The celebrations are slated to take place on 16th October 2026 at the Institute in Mbarara under the theme; “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
According to MBAZARDI’s Director Dr.Chrisostom Ayebazibwe, the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the celebrations.
Ayebazibwe explained that the 2026 World Food Day theme, highlights the critical role of innovation, research, technology and collaboration in transforming food systems and building a more food-secure and sustainable future.
“This theme speaks directly to the important work being undertaken by agricultural researchers, farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, development partners and other actors across Uganda’s agricultural value chains,” the Director said.
Speaking to Western Focus Magazine in his office on Monday, Ayebazibwe said several stakeholders and partner in the country’s food system have been invited to attend the function while others will exhibit the different technologies and research in food systems.
One District agriculturalist who preferred anonymity said, “the day should not just be celebrated but we should rather use it to discuss the future of agriculture amidst the increasing cases of shortage of land, increasing population, climate change, land policy reforms among others.”
The Director also explained thatthe 2026 celebrations are particularly significant because they coincide with 100 years of Mbarara ZARDI’s existence (1926–2026).
He said, for a century, the Institute has contributed to agricultural research and development through crop and livestock improvement, technology generation and dissemination, capacity building, agribusiness development and the promotion of innovations especially within the South Western Agro-Ecological Zone and beyond.
“This historic milestone provides an important opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s contribution to Uganda’s agricultural transformation while showcasing the technologies, innovations, enterprises and best practices that are shaping the future of food and agriculture,” Ayebazibwe explained. End.
