By Arthur Moses Opio

On the 12th of January, 2024, a significant stride towards IT excellence was achieved as the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), under the leadership of Dr. Stevens Kisaka, Director of Corporate Services at NARO, engaged in a comprehensive benchmarking exercise with the Directorate of ICTS Support (DICTS) at Makerere University.

The benchmarking process meticulously evaluated various aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices. The key areas scrutinized included:

• ICT Governance: Assessing the effectiveness of governance structures and processes in place to ensure the strategic alignment of IT with organizational goals.
• Services Offered: Evaluating the array of services provided by DICTS-Mak, with a focus on their relevance, efficiency, and overall contribution to the institution.
• Best Practices: Identifying and benchmarking against industry best practices to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• End User Support: Assessing the quality and responsiveness of end-user support services, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all users.
• Disaster Recovery Plans: Reviewing the robustness of disaster recovery plans to ensure the resilience and continuity of critical IT services in unforeseen circumstances.
• Touring the Data Centers at MAK: A comprehensive tour of the data centers at Makerere University, exploring infrastructure, security measures, and technological advancements in place.

The collaboration between NARO and DICTS-Mak reflects a shared commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, adopting best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the realm of information technology. Dr. Stevens Kisaka's leadership during this benchmarking exercise further underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among institutions for mutual growth and development.

We are pleased to report that the benchmarking sessions were conducted with the highest level of professionalism and diligence. The exchange of insights and experiences between the two organizations has not only fortified the existing relationship but has also paved the way for potential collaborative initiatives in the future.

As we move forward, both NARO and DICTS-Mak are poised to leverage the valuable insights gained from this benchmarking exercise to enhance their respective IT strategies, governance frameworks, and service delivery models.

We express our gratitude to the dedicated teams from both NARO and DICTS-Mak who actively participated in this benchmarking endeavour, contributing to the success of this collaborative initiative.

We look forward to continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing between our organizations, as we collectively strive for excellence in the dynamic field of information technology.