Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of East African Affairs, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Busoga farmers through a special ceremony held in Kamuli district. During the event, Kadaga presided over the distribution of livestock and farm inputs by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) to over 139 local farmer groups, marking a significant step towards revitalizing agriculture in the region.
NAGRC’s Commitment to Agricultural Growth in Busoga
NAGRC, a key player in Busoga’s agricultural transformation, has focused on providing high-quality livestock and inputs to farmers. During the ceremony, the agency distributed 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, 180 grandparent pure-bred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, 500 bags of fertility-boosting mineral salt, and additional farming resources. This initiative aims to diversify the region’s agriculture beyond its historical reliance on sugarcane farming, introducing new opportunities for economic growth through animal breeding and agro-enterprises.
Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Model of Agricultural Excellence
Kasolwe Stock Farm, located in Kamuli district, is a vital asset to NAGRC’s strategy. Under its management, the farm has been revitalized to incorporate various high-value agro-enterprises, including intensive dairy cattle breeding, pig breeding, poultry breeding, and fish farming. The farm has also developed the renowned Kasolwe Brown Goat breed, which is recognized for its rapid growth, resilience in harsh climates, and twinning ability. The breed has gained significant popularity across East Africa and is now in high demand by farmers seeking superior genetics.
Kasolwe’s Impact on Local Economy
A critical component of Kasolwe Stock Farm’s success is its feed production facility, which was launched in 2022 by Kadaga. The plant produces a range of compounded animal feeds, including dairy meals, poultry feeds, fish feeds, and pet feeds. Raw materials for the feed are sourced locally from Busoga farmers, creating a symbiotic relationship that boosts the local economy while providing farmers with essential resources. This plant has enhanced the livelihoods of Busoga’s agricultural community, offering affordable and quality feeds that support local farm productivity.
Kadaga’s Advocacy for Busoga Farmers
At the event, Kadaga emphasized her continued advocacy for the region’s agricultural development. She acknowledged NAGRC’s critical role in providing high-quality breeding stock and technologies that support farmers in diversifying their production methods. “Through initiatives like these, we are transforming Busoga into a hub for agricultural innovation,” said Kadaga. “This is just the beginning of our efforts to ensure that farmers can access the best resources to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.”
Support from Local Organizations and Communities
The ceremony also saw support from local organizations, including Uganda First, which helped organize the 139 farmer groups that benefited from the livestock and farming supplies. Waiswa Kawali, spokesperson for Uganda First, praised NAGRC’s work and encouraged young people in the region to visit Kasolwe Stock Farm and explore opportunities for livestock breeding. “With this farm, we have the tools to elevate our agricultural practices and create sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Artificial Insemination Services and Livestock Breeding
Kasolwe Stock Farm’s artificial insemination (AI) services have also been widely lauded. Mr. Kaaku, NAGRC’s community breeding coordinator for Busoga, highlighted that over 10,000 cattle had been inseminated with high-quality semen in the past two years. The availability of these services ensures that farmers have access to superior genetics, improving livestock productivity and the overall quality of farmed animals in the region.
“We are committed to ensuring that all farmers in Uganda have access to the highest-quality semen and preservation methods, which significantly enhance livestock breeding outcomes,” Kaaku stated.
The Kasolwe Centre of Excellence and Future Developments
Looking ahead, Kadaga reiterated her commitment to ensuring the completion of the Kasolwe training hostel and skilling centre complex. This Centre of Excellence is expected to be a key educational hub for farmers, offering training in modern agricultural practices. Once completed, the facility will play a crucial role in advancing the skills and knowledge of local farmers, further bolstering Busoga’s agricultural capacity.
