Physical Address
Market Street , Kamokya KAMPALA
Kampala, Uganda – April 1, 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially announced the appointment of Ezana Kassa as its new Representative in Uganda, following approval by the Government.
Mr. Kassa succeeds Antonio Querido and takes over from Yergalem Taages Beraki, who has been serving in an interim capacity. His appointment was made by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu.
A national of Ethiopia, Mr. Kassa brings over a decade of experience in agriculture, rural development, food security, and resilience programming, particularly across the Horn of Africa. Since joining FAO in 2015, he has held several key roles, including Project Manager in South Sudan, Emergency Coordinator in Somalia (2019–2021), and most recently Senior Programme Officer for FAO Somalia.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kassa has led high-impact programmes focused on strengthening livelihoods, enhancing resilience to shocks, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices in fragile and complex environments. He has also played a pivotal role in policy development, programme planning, and coordination with governments, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian partners.
Prior to joining FAO, Mr. Kassa served in senior leadership roles with international non-governmental organizations, including Action Africa Help International and Norwegian People’s Aid, where he managed large, multidisciplinary teams and development programmes.
Mr. 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.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Kassa expressed optimism about Uganda’s agricultural future:
“Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, 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 government partners and rural communities to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that improve the lives of all Ugandans.”
He emphasized FAO’s continued commitment to supporting strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening rural economies, and enhancing livelihoods.
FAO maintains a long-standing partnership with Uganda, supporting national efforts to transform agrifood systems, build resilience, and promote sustainable development. Mr. Kassa’s leadership is expected to further strengthen collaboration, foster innovation, and deliver impactful results for farmers and communities nationwide.
