A South African delegation led by Andile Ramaphosa at State Lodge, Nakasero met with President Museveni today, Wednesday 17th May 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The proposed partnership seeking to establish infrastructure for the profiling, controlled breeding, harvesting, and export of Ankole cattle genetics to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond, has been welcomed by President Yoweri Museveni.
The initiative, which is expected to position Uganda as a regional hub for livestock genetics, was unveiled during a meeting between President Museveni and a South African delegation led by Andile Ramaphosa at State Lodge, Nakasero.
According to a State House statement, the proposal is part of a broader Regional Farm Service Centre Initiative aimed at addressing key challenges within Uganda’s agricultural sector, including the growing problem of counterfeit agro-inputs. The proposed collaboration brings together Namunkekera Farm Service Centre, the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), and South African investors represented by Mr. Ramaphosa.
At the heart of the proposal is a plan to develop infrastructure capable of supporting the profiling, selective breeding, harvesting, and export of superior Ankole cattle genetics to markets across Southern Africa and beyond. The initiative seeks to capitalize on Uganda’s renowned indigenous Ankole breed, which is highly valued for its resilience, adaptability, and unique genetic characteristics.
Museveni held a meeting with a South African delegation led by Andile Ramaphosa at State Lodge, Nakasero today, Wednesday 17th May 2026
Ramaphosa said the partnership would help improve livestock quality while strengthening agricultural cooperation between Uganda and South Africa.
“We would like to improve the quality of cattle to be like the ones in South Africa,” he told President Museveni.
The President welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely intervention that could contribute significantly to the modernization and commercialization of Uganda’s livestock sector.
“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 said.
He emphasized the importance of scientific breeding and genetic selection in improving livestock productivity and competitiveness. According to the President, farmers and breeders should focus on identifying and preserving specific traits that can enhance the value of cattle breeds.
“If you want to farm, get a specific gene, they must have characteristics, some are fat, have high-value milk and the ones which give good offspring,” Museveni advised.
Beyond livestock genetics, the proposed partnership also includes the establishment of a Build, Operate, and Transfer (B.O.T) laboratory that would provide quality assurance, regulation, and verification services for agricultural inputs. The facility is expected to play a key role in combating counterfeit seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs that continue to undermine agricultural productivity in Uganda.
Stakeholders believe the initiative could unlock new opportunities for Uganda’s livestock industry by creating a structured value chain for animal genetics while opening export markets across the SADC region.
If implemented, the project is expected to boost livestock breeding standards, promote regional trade, attract investment into Uganda’s agricultural sector, and position the country as a leading supplier of premium Ankole cattle genetics in Africa.
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