NAGRC Unveils Landmark Ankole Heritage

KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a historic celebration of one of Africa’s most iconic living treasures, the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), in partnership with Destination Ankole, officially launched a landmark publication titled “Celebrating the Prestigious Ankole Cattle Heritage in Uganda” today at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

The high-profile event was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who hailed the book as a vital tool for safeguarding Uganda’s biological and cultural identity. For the Ugandan farmer, the launch signifies a new era where traditional livestock is no longer viewed merely through the lens of subsistence, but as a high-value asset in global agribusiness and tourism.

Unlocking Economic Value for Farmers
While the Ankole Longhorn has stood for centuries as a symbol of wealth and pride, this new publication shifts the focus toward its immense modern economic potential.

For the local cattle keeper, the book highlights the breed’s unique commercial advantages, including its production of organic lean beef, high-quality hides, and traditional ghee, which are increasingly sought after in niche international markets.

By documenting the breed’s superior traits—such as its resilience to harsh climates and resistance to local diseases—the publication empowers farmers with the knowledge to capitalize on genetic conservation.

Hon. Tumwebaze emphasized that the breed is a “powerful driver” for wealth creation, noting that emerging opportunities in international genetic trade and intellectual property protection will ensure that the original custodians of these cattle—the farmers—reap the rewards of their heritage.

A Global Reference Point
As the government’s mandated agency for genetic improvement, NAGRC&DB has led the charge in preserving this breed since 2003. Central to this effort is the Nshaara Ranch in Kiruhura District, which serves as the National Ankole Longhorn Cattle Conservatory Centre. These conservation efforts have successfully positioned Uganda as a global reference point for Ankole genetics, attracting significant interest from international breeders and researchers.
For the farming community, this institutional support means improved access to purebred genetics and better multiplication techniques. The book launch serves as a call to action for farmers to maintain genetic purity, which in turn increases the valuation of their herds in the eyes of global buyers and agro-tourists.
Tourism and the Future

The publication also explores the growing “cow tourism” sector. By showcasing the majestic horns and deep cultural history of the Ankole cattle, the project encourages farmers in the cattle corridor to diversify their income by integrating tourism into their ranching operations.
As the sun set on the launch at the Sheraton, the message was clear: the Ankole Longhorn is not just a relic of the past, but a living symbol of Uganda’s future prosperity. Through this book, the government and its partners have provided a roadmap for farmers to transform their cultural pride into a sustainable, profitable, and world-class enterprise.