Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of East African Affairs, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Busoga farmers with ongoing assistance from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) at a special ceremony held in Kamuli district. The event was marked by the distribution of livestock and farm supplies to local farmers as part of an initiative to transform the region’s agricultural landscape.
NAGRC’s Support: Strengthening Busoga’s Agricultural Sector
The event saw NAGRC distribute a variety of livestock and farming resources to over 139 farmer groups in the region. These included 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, 180 grandparent pure-bred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, 500 bags of fertility-boosting mineral salt, and other vital resources. Kadaga emphasized that this support was part of a larger effort to diversify agricultural practices in Busoga, providing farmers with the tools needed to improve livestock farming and reduce their dependence on sugarcane cultivation.
Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Key Asset for Agricultural Growth
A cornerstone of NAGRC’s work in Busoga is the Kasolwe Stock Farm, located in Kamuli district. Managed by NAGRC, this farm has become a vital hub for animal breeding and agro-enterprises. The farm specializes in dairy cattle breeding, pig breeding, poultry breeding, and fish farming. A notable achievement of the farm is the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a breed that has gained widespread popularity for its fast growth rate, ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and twinning abilities. This breed is now in high demand throughout East Africa and has significantly contributed to the region’s livestock industry.
Kasolwe Feed Production Plant: Boosting Local Economy
In addition to animal breeding, Kasolwe Stock Farm is home to a state-of-the-art animal feed production plant, which was launched by Kadaga in 2022. The plant produces a wide range of animal feeds, including those for poultry, dairy cows, goats, and fish. The raw materials for these feeds are sourced locally from the Busoga community, providing an economic boost to local farmers and creating a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. This feed plant plays a crucial role in improving farm productivity by offering high-quality, affordable feeds to local farmers.
Kadaga’s Ongoing Advocacy for Agricultural Transformation
During the ceremony, Kadaga reiterated her commitment to advocating for Busoga farmers, emphasizing the need for continued support and the importance of NAGRC’s initiatives. She praised the agency’s efforts to introduce superior breeding stock and cutting-edge agricultural technologies to the region.
“We are committed to enhancing agricultural productivity in Busoga and ensuring that farmers have access to the best resources available,” said Kadaga. “This initiative is key to transforming Busoga into a leader in agricultural innovation.”
Engagement from Local Communities and Organizations
The event also saw the participation of Uganda First, a local NGO, which helped organize the 139 farmer groups that benefited from the resources. Waiswa Kawali, the spokesperson for Uganda First, expressed his appreciation for the work being done at Kasolwe Stock Farm, calling it a model of agricultural development in the region. He encouraged young farmers to take advantage of the opportunities at the farm.
“The resources provided here will change lives. The breeding stock and resources we have seen today will help us build a sustainable agricultural future,” Kawali remarked.
Artificial Insemination Services: Enhancing Livestock Genetics
Kasolwe Stock Farm is also known for its artificial insemination (AI) services, which have helped improve livestock genetics in Busoga and beyond. According to Mr. Kaaku, NAGRC’s community breeding coordinator for Busoga, over 10,000 cattle have been inseminated with high-quality semen over the last two years. The availability of AI services is crucial for improving the genetic quality of livestock in the region, ensuring better productivity and resilience among local farmers’ herds.
“Our AI services provide farmers with access to high-quality genetics, which are essential for improving the quality of their livestock and increasing their overall productivity,” Kaaku stated.
Future Prospects: Kasolwe’s Centre of Excellence
Kadaga also highlighted the ongoing efforts to complete the Kasolwe farmer training hostel and skilling centre complex. This Centre of Excellence will serve as an educational hub for farmers, providing them with essential skills in modern farming techniques. Kadaga’s advocacy for government funding to complete this project underscores her commitment to the long-term success of Busoga’s agricultural transformation.
