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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ezana Kassa, a seasoned agriculturist with extensive experience in fragile and complex contexts across the Horn of Africa, has been appointed as the new Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in Uganda. His appointment, approved by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, marks a strategic step for FAO as it seeks to deepen its impact on the country’s agrifood systems.
Kassa succeeds Antonio Querido, following Yergalem Taages Beraki’s stint in an acting capacity. A national of Ethiopia, he joins FAO with a career spanning over a decade in agriculture, rural development, food security, and resilience programming.
He began his FAO journey in 2015 in South Sudan as Project Manager, working directly with communities to strengthen livelihoods and build resilience against recurrent shocks. Later, he served as Emergency Coordinator for FAO Somalia (2019–2021), leading critical emergency and resilience interventions in partnership with national authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian actors.
Most recently, Kassa was Senior Programme Officer for FAO Somalia, providing strategic guidance, shaping country programme policy, and representing FAO in key United Nations coordination platforms. Prior to joining FAO, he held senior roles in international NGOs, including Country Director for Action Africa Help International and Programme Manager for Norwegian People’s Aid, where he managed large multidisciplinary teams.
Academically, Kassa holds a Global Executive MBA from the United States International University in Nairobi, a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development from the University of London, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Haramaya University in Ethiopia.
Speaking on his new role, Kassa emphasized Uganda’s potential and FAO’s mission: “Uganda is famed as the Pearl of Africa and holds immense potential to become a beacon of food security and prosperity in the region. I am honored to join the FAO Uganda team and to work alongside the Government partners and rural communities to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that improve the lives of all Ugandans.”
He added that FAO will continue supporting strategic investments aligned with global initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, to boost productivity, strengthen rural economies, and enhance livelihoods.
FAO’s longstanding partnership with Uganda has focused on transforming agrifood systems, strengthening resilience, and promoting sustainable development. Analysts say Mr Kassa’s appointment signals a continuity of this mission, with an emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, and measurable impact for farmers and communities nationwide.
