World Food Day 2024: Food Scientists Make Urgent Call for Nutritional Awareness and Reform in Uganda
ENTEBBE, Uganda [SHIFTMEDIA] In a significant development, the Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern & Central Africa (ASARECA), Dr. Enock Warinda, has been dismissed after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision followed an administrative management hearing.
The Allegations and Investigation
We reported in this pages recently how Dr. Warinda was suspended for a month, on September 6 2024 after it came to light that he had a case of sexual harassment to answer after a whistle blower brought the issue to light.
The allegations, which had been swirling for some time, centered on claims of inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct involving a female staff member within the organization. While the details of the accusations remained confidential during the initial stages of the investigation, sources close to the matter revealed that the staff had come forward with complaints that pointed to inappropriate advances and harassment.
The hearing was conducted on September 25 chaired by Dr. Eluid Kiplimo Kireger, the Director General and Chief Executive Office of Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO)
We have establshed that after the hearing, the issue was forwarded to the ASARECA Board for final verdict. The full Board sat on Friday 27 September 2024 and resolved to “fire” Dr. Warinda
Dr. Warinda submitted a defense, but according to insiders, the board found the response to be insufficient and unconvincing in addressing the gravity of the allegations.
The board’s verdict, after careful deliberation, concluded that there was substantial evidence supporting the accusations, leading to Warinda’s dismissal from his position as Executive Director. His removal was seen as an effort to maintain the integrity of ASARECA, an organization dedicated to advancing agricultural research and development in Eastern and Central Africa.
Warinda’s Defense and the Board’s Decision
In his defense, Dr. Warinda denied all accusations and attempted to discredit the claims made against him. His defense, however, failed to sway the board, which emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, particularly in the context of ASARECA’s commitment to promoting a healthy, safe, and respectful workplace for all its employees.
The board, also issued a statement on the ASARECA website acknowledging Warinda’s dismissal as Executive Director.
Implications for ASARECA
The removal of Dr. Warinda comes at a critical time for ASARECA, an organization that plays a crucial role in agricultural research and the sustainable development of agricultural systems across the East and Central African regions. ASARECA’s mandate is to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and build resilience among smallholder farmers in some of the most vulnerable regions of the continent.
In a statement issued in the ASARECA Website https://www.asareca.org/dr-sylvester-dickson-baguma-appointed-interim-asareca-executive-director/ the board named Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma as the new ASARECA Executive Director. The appointment of Dr. Baguma as interim ED takes immediate effect
The new ED, according to sources is expected to restore confidence in the organization and mitigate any disruptions caused by this high-profile dismissal.
A Call for Change
This incident also highlights the ongoing challenges related to workplace harassment in organizations across the region. Gender-based violence and harassment have been pervasive issues in many institutions, and the case of Dr. Warinda underscores the importance of accountability and transparency when such allegations arise. ASARECA’s swift action in addressing the claims sends a strong message that no individual, regardless of position or stature, is above scrutiny when it comes to such serious matters.
In a region where agricultural research and development are key drivers of socio-economic progress, the ethical standards maintained by organizations like ASARECA are vital. This case serves as a reminder that organizations must remain vigilant in fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful environments for their employees, free from harassment and abuse.