ASARECA’s Dr. Okonya inducted as Fellow of Uganda National Academy of Sciences

November 2, 2025 in Land & Agriculture, Science and Technology by Editor

ASARECA’s Dr. Joshua Okonya has been inducted as a Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences, earning the country’s highest professional recognition for his pioneering research in agriculture, climate resilience, and food security. His induction underscores a two-decade commitment to advancing scientific innovation that directly improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Eastern and Central Africa

The Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has inducted Dr. Joshua Okonya, a leading agricultural researcher and program officer for Agricultural Technology and Innovation at the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa – ASARECA- as one of its new Fellows. The Fellowship, which represents the highest professional recognition for a research scientist or scholar in Uganda, honours Dr. Okonya’s two-decade contribution to applied entomology, climate change research, and agricultural innovation.

In remarks delivered during his induction at the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala October 31, Dr. Okonya described the honour as a reaffirmation of commitment rather than the culmination of a career.

“To be elected to the Fellowship of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences is not merely an honour; it is the highest professional recognition for a research scientist or scholar in Uganda,” he said. “For me, this Fellowship is not the end, but a powerful reaffirmation of a commitment to service — a charge to carry the torch of scientific inquiry in agricultural sciences forward with even greater dedication.”

He pledged to work with other Fellows to ensure that scientific research moves beyond publication and informs public policy and practical solutions to improve livelihoods.

“Our scientific findings and innovations must translate into tangible solutions that transform food systems and support smallholder farmers. We live in a time when science, technology, and innovation are the undeniable engines of socio-economic transformation. Whether it is adapting to climate change or enhancing agricultural resilience, the answers lie with us—the Fellows of this Academy,” Dr. Okonya said.

Dr. Okonya’s election to UNAS follows a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking research and regional impact. His work has led to major discoveries, including the first identification of the Potato Cyst Nematode in Uganda and the occurrence of the Tobacco Rattle Virus in potatoes across sub-Saharan Africa. He was also a key contributor to the Pest Risk Atlas for Africa, which provides critical insights into pest threats under changing climate conditions.

As part of the International Potato Center (CIP) team led by Dr. Robert Mwanga, Dr. Okonya contributed to the global effort promoting orange-fleshed sweet potato, a biofortified crop used to combat Vitamin A deficiency. Their collective work earned the 2016 World Food Prize.

At ASARECA, Dr. Okonya has played a pivotal role in strengthening agricultural innovation systems across Eastern and Central Africa. He has facilitated the transfer of improved crop germplasm among member countries, minimizing duplication and supporting regional food security efforts. As coordinator of the ASARECA Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance, he has championed the adoption of nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crop varieties.

The President of UNAS, Prof. Grace B. Kyomuhendo, presided over the induction ceremony, congratulating Dr. Okonya for his outstanding record of service to science and development.

ASARECA, in a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter), described the recognition as “a covenant for the work yet to be done,” commending Dr. Okonya’s dedication to advancing food security and climate resilience through science.

“This Fellowship is the highest professional recognition for a research scientist or scholar in Uganda,” ASARECA said. “We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Okonya’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to scientific inquiry that led to this honour.”

Dr. Okonya, who has published over 100 works including a book, peer-reviewed papers, policy briefs, book chapters, and reports, has been cited more than 1,222 times on Google Scholar, reflecting his influence in agricultural and climate research across Africa.

He closed his acceptance remarks with a pledge to serve with humility:

“I accept this great honour with a renewed sense of responsibility and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the Academy’s noble mandate. For God and my Country.”