National Agricultural Research Act , 2005 (Act 19).

The Act establishes a legal and institutional framework for coordinating and managing agricultural research in Uganda. The Act creates the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) as the apex body responsible for guiding, coordinating, and overseeing agricultural research activities. It defines the objectives of agricultural research, including improving agricultural productivity, supporting national policy, promoting market-oriented and science-based agriculture, and contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development. The Act also outlines the structure, powers, and functions of the governing council, the secretariat headed by a director general, and various committees responsible for finance, scientific oversight, and user representation.
The Act further regulates the provision and management of agricultural research services by public institutions, universities, private sector organisations, civil society, and farmer groups. It establishes public agricultural research institutes, provides for funding mechanisms such as the Agricultural Research Trust Fund, and sets rules for intellectual property rights arising from publicly funded research. In addition, it outlines financial management, accountability mechanisms, stakeholder participation, and regulatory powers of the Minister to ensure effective governance, coordination, and sustainable development of Uganda’s national agricultural research system.