NAGRC boosts Busoga with superior livestock genetics.

BUSOGA. In a major push to revitalize livestock farming in the Busoga region, the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) recently held a significant distribution event in Kamuli district. Presided over by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the grand function saw the distribution of massive quantities of high-value livestock and essential agricultural inputs to local farmer groups.

The event marked a turning point for farmers in the area, offering a tangible alternative to the sugarcane growing that has historically dominated the region since the colonial era. Kadaga hailed NAGRC for their commitment to boosting the livelihoods of the people of Busoga by providing superior breeding stock of various animals, including chicken, dairy cattle, pigs, goats, and fish.

A Wealth of Resources Distributed
The distribution was comprehensive, focusing on improving both the quantity and genetic quality of livestock in the region. A total of 50,000 Kuroiler chicken were distributed to farmer groups. In addition, beneficiaries received 180 grandparent pure bred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, and 20 pure bred Jersey bulls.

To support reproductive health and advanced breeding techniques, NAGRC also distributed 500 bags of fertility-boosting mineral salt and 20 complete Artificial Insemination (AI) kits, which included assorted semen.
The recipients were over 139 farmer groups, all organized under the non-governmental organization called Uganda First.

Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Hub of Genetic Excellence
The distribution event was held in Kamuli, the home of the renowned Kasolwe Stock Farm. This government farm, managed by NAGRC, has been dramatically revitalized and now hosts several high-value agro-enterprises. These enterprises include intensive breeding and multiplication for dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry, along with a dedicated poultry hatchery. Kasolwe is also involved in farmed fish production and operates a fish hatchery.

One of the farm’s most significant recent achievements is the development of a highly sought-after new super goat breed known as the Kasolwe brown goat. This indigenous breed is rapidly gaining fame and is coveted by goat farmers across East Africa. The Kasolwe brown goat is specifically noted for its twinning abilities, its fast growth rates, and its impressive capacity to thrive even in harsh environments.

Transforming the Local Economy
Beyond its role as a breeding centre, Kasolwe Stock Farm is also contributing directly to the local economy through its commercial animal feed production plant. The plant has a capacity of 5 metric tons per hour (5MT/hr) and produces a diverse range of compounded animal feeds. The array of products includes dairy meals, fish feeds, goat pellets, poultry feeds, and even pet feeds, among others.

Crucially, this feed production plant—which was launched by Minister Kadaga in 2022—sources its essential raw materials directly from within the host community in Busoga. This deliberate sourcing strategy has proven to be an effective measure in transforming the livelihoods of the local farmers in the area.

Praising NAGRC’s Impact

Following a guided tour of the Kasolwe Stock Farm, the spokesperson for Uganda First, Mr. Waiswa Kawali, spoke passionately about the government programs under NAGRC. He expressed profound appreciation, noting that the diverse agro-enterprises at the farm hold the undeniable key to the transformation of the entire Busoga region and potentially beyond.

Mr. Kawali’s enthusiasm was infectious. “My team and I have seen with our own eyes every enterprise on this farm and we are proud that this farm is here,” he said. He highlighted the genetic superiority of the livestock, stating, “The poultry, piggery, dairy and goat enterprises have the best genetics we have seen in Uganda”.

He concluded with an encouraging call to action for the region’s youth: “I call upon my fellow youths to visit the farm, see for themselves and use the opportunity to access the very best breeding stock of their interest. With this farm, there is no reason why anyone should remain in poverty”.

Other speakers throughout the function similarly lauded NAGRC and Minister Kadaga for their consistent support to farmers, specifically for providing critical technologies and inputs. One group leader from Balawoli in Kamuli district remarked, “We all know that Kasolwe has been our most reliable source of super Napier seed over the years”.

Outstanding Artificial Insemination Services
The farm was also repeatedly recognized for its exceptional Artificial Insemination (AI) services available to the Busoga sub-region. Mr. Kaaku, NAGRC’s community breeding co-ordinator for the sub-region, reported on the agency’s success, stating that over 10,000 cattle had been inseminated within the last two years.

Mr. Kaaku further elaborated on the crucial role NAGRC plays in ensuring the success of these programs, adding that the agency produces and makes available both high-quality semen and the necessary preservative, liquid nitrogen, to livestock farmers across the country.

A Vision for the Future
As the event concluded, Minister Kadaga solidified her commitment to the project by vowing to continue lobbying the government to fund the remaining infrastructural development at the farm. Her goal is to secure funding for the completion of the Kasolwe farmer training hostel and skilling centre complex. Once completed, these will be the only remaining physical infrastructural projects needed to fully realize the vision of the Kasolwe Centre of Excellence. The completion of this facility will further cement Kasolwe Stock Farm’s role as the premier centre for livestock genetic and technical development in the region, ensuring that the benefits of superior breeding stock and advanced farming techniques continue to reach farmers in Busoga and beyond.