Williams Esuma is a Senior Research Scientist and cassava breeder at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI). Williams is leading a breeding team that employs modern breeding tools and methods, including genomic selection, for genetic improvement of cassava for market-oriented traits, with intentional commitment to tackling the menace of cassava brown streak disease. He is also supporting a yam breeding initiative in Uganda to help the country buffer food security in the face of climate change. Esuma is part of the team implementing the ongoing RTB Breeding investment, which embraces CGIAR-NARS partnerships for efficient and impactful plant breeding.

Esuma received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Makerere University in Uganda, and his PhD from University of the Free State, South Africa. He is a graduate of the African Plant Breeding Academy course implemented by the University of California, Davis. He  is a strong voice and champion for integrating gender into plant breeding.