BuZARDI – Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute

Dr. Ekwangu Joseph is a seasoned research scientist and the Acting Programme Leader for Crops and Natural Resources at Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BuZARDI).

He is an experienced Agronomist with a Ph.D. in Agroecology and Food Systems from Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). In addition to his doctoral studies, he holds a Master of Science in Soil Science from Makerere University, a Master of Arts in Development Studies from UMU and Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Land Use and Management from Makerere University. Dr.
Ekwangu has also furthered his search for knowledge by attending short courses and attained certificates in Farmer Field School methodology, project planning, management, Scholarly writing, Philosophy of methods and research methods.

With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Ekwangu specialises in advancing sustainable agricultural practices, focusing particularly on soil health and environmental research including climate science and resilient food systems. His expertise in strategic planning and the implementation of climate-smart and soil health research has positioned him as a key player in the field. At the core of his mission is the development of innovative, cutting-edge technologies that promote resilient food systems. He applies agro-ecological principles to address challenges related to agriculture and the environment.

Dr. Ekwangu has contributed significantly to the field with over ten (10) peer-reviewed publications, further solidifying his role in disseminating knowledge and advancing sustainable agricultural practices that address climate change and soil degradation.

Dr. Ekwangu can be contacted via email at jekwangu@gmail.com

Dr. Abaho is an aquaculture scientist with a PhD in Fisheries Science from Rhodes University, South Africa, specialising in fish breeding and genetics.

He also holds an MSc in Zoology (Fisheries and Aquatic Science) and a BSc (Hons) degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture, both from Makerere University, Uganda, a postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute, and is a member of the World Aquaculture Society. Currently, Dr. Abaho is a Senior Research Officer at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), where he leads the Animal Resources Research Programme at Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute.

His role encompasses strategic planning, coordination, and the monitoring and evaluation of initiatives aimed at advancing agricultural research for development. With over a decade of experience in agricultural research, Dr. Abaho has honed his expertise in planning and managing agricultural research for development, strategic coordination, monitoring and evaluation of research systems, and research priority setting. He is actively engaged in developing cutting-edge and novel solutions in
the agricultural sector and is a key team player in research pioneering the establishment of selective breeding programmes for commercial fish species in Uganda.

Dr. Abaho has published 12 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his findings at various local, regional, and international conferences to maximise the benefits of his research. He also continues to contribute to producing a distinguished cadre of the next generation of well-grounded research scientists through training and mentoring young
scientists (interns and graduate students). Dr. Abaho’s research agenda is driven by his commitment to building resilient agricultural systems, ensuring food and nutrition security, and fostering economic growth in Uganda and beyond.

Dr. Abaho can be reached at +256780380353 / +256754210011 or ivomillo@gmail.com
/ ivan.abaho@naro.go.ug

Dr. Guma Williams is a Research Officer (Animal Health Scientist) at Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BuZARDI), contributing to the mission of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in Uganda. He holds a Master of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine of Makerere University and a number of certificates.

His work focuses on identifying and characterising the causes of animal diseases, understanding genetic and epidemiological factors that influence disease spread, and development of strategies and dissemination of information for managing health-related challenges to enhance animal production, value-addition and trade in the Albertine Crescent Zone.

With over 17 years of experience in veterinary extension and applied research, Dr. Guma has advanced expertise in veterinary epidemiology, disease diagnostics, surveillance, and herd health management. He has authored three research articles in
peer-reviewed journals. In addition, Dr. Guma is leading a cross-breeding project involving Mubende goats and Red Kalahari goats to improve growth and kidding rates, alongside overseeing health management for various on-station livestock including
goats, cattle, pigs and local chickens.

He is an active member of the Institute’s Scientific Committee and also serve as the Chair of Training Committee. For more information or inquiries, Dr. Guma Williams can be reached via the following:

Tel: +256772420364
ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5488-103X
Email: williams.guma@naro.go.ug/williamsguma1234@gmail.com

Dr. Kalunda Patrick is a Research Officer (Socio-economist) at Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BuZARDI). His role involves leading the planning and implementation of socio-economic research and development initiatives, aimed at improving agricultural practices and livelihoods.

As the Acting Programme Leader for the Technology Promotion and Outreach Programme, he ensures the successful execution of the programme's mandate by overseeing the technical staff and guiding the development of annual work plans and budgets.

Dr. Kalunda holds a PhD in International and Rural Development from University of Reading, United Kingdom and has earned various certificates in key areas such as agro-marketing research, participatory monitoring and evaluation, and
project planning and management.

With over 20 years of experience, he has designed and managed numerous research projects, directed both quantitative and qualitative field research, and facilitated data analysis using tools like SPSS, Excel, and Atlas Ti.

His extensive experience also includes writing research reports and leading stakeholder interactions for validating research outputs.