Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed a proposed Regional Farm Service Centre Initiative aimed at transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector, improving livestock productivity, and addressing the persistent challenge of counterfeit agro-inputs. The President made these remarks during a meeting at State Lodge Nakasero with a South African delegation led by Mr. Andile Ramaphosa, son to South African President. The delegation presented a proposal for a tripartite partnership involving Namunkekera Farm Service Centre, the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), and Mr. Ramaphosa.
The proposed collaboration seeks to establish modern infrastructure for the profiling, controlled breeding, harvesting, preservation, and export of Ankole cattle genetics to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and other international markets. The initiative is expected to position Uganda as a leading centre for livestock genetics while creating new opportunities for regional trade and agricultural development.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of improving cattle breeds and enhancing livestock productivity through scientific breeding practices. “We would like to improve the quality of cattle to be like the ones in South Africa,” he said. President Museveni commended the delegation for the innovative proposal, describing it as a timely intervention that could significantly contribute to the modernization and commercialization of Uganda’s livestock industry. “I wish to express my gratitude to these people for awakening from slumber and coming up with ideas that can contribute to the transformation of our agricultural sector,” President Museveni remarked.
The proposed initiative also includes the establishment of a Build, Operate and Transfer (B.O.T) laboratory designed to strengthen quality assurance, certification, regulation, and verification of agricultural inputs. The laboratory is expected to play a critical role in combating counterfeit agro-inputs, a challenge that continues to affect agricultural productivity and farmer incomes across the country. President Museveni further advised the partners to focus on genetic specialization and selective breeding based on specific livestock characteristics. “If you want to farm, get a specific gene, they must have characteristics. Some are fat, some have high-value milk, and others produce good offspring,” the President advised.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy of promoting value addition, scientific agriculture, and regional economic integration. By improving livestock genetics and strengthening agricultural quality control systems, the partnership is expected to enhance productivity, increase farmer earnings, and expand Uganda’s participation in regional and international livestock markets. If successfully implemented, the Regional Farm Service Centre Initiative could become a model for agricultural transformation, supporting sustainable livestock development while reinforcing Uganda’s position as a key player in Africa’s growing agricultural economy.
