KAMULI, UGANDA — The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has unveiled a breakthrough in Uganda’s livestock sector with the launch of the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a new breed developed exclusively from indigenous genetics. This innovation aims to meet rising local demand for goat meat and milk while reducing reliance on costly, underperforming exotic breeds.
For years, Ugandan farmers have imported breeding stock from Southern Africa, the UK, and Switzerland, hoping to improve productivity through crossbreeding. However, studies by NAGRC&DB reveal that economic gains from these crosses are often no better than simply breeding indigenous goats.
The Kasolwe Brown Goat is the product of dedicated selective breeding conducted at Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli District, in partnership with local breeders in Kamuli and Buyende. Over several years, scientists have established a herd of over 500 goats that consistently reproduce “true to type,” exhibiting traits tailored to Uganda’s environment.
Key characteristics of the Kasolwe Brown include high twinning rates, rapid growth averaging 127 grams per day, strong weaning success, and resilience to common diseases like Haemonchosis and Heart Water. It thrives in challenging environments while maintaining prolific reproduction.
“This breed is a game changer for Uganda’s livestock industry,” said Dr. Ssengoye Gordon, NAGRC’s Technical Manager of Production. Dr. Katali Benda, head of the goat breeding program, highlighted the Kasolwe Brown as “just one example of local breeds in development to drive sustainable commercialization of goat farming in Uganda.”
Farmers in the pilot regions have reported impressive results. Kamuli farmer Mr. Tefula praised the breed’s hardiness and growth, while Buyende’s Mrs. Kamaali noted her herd size has surged due to the breed’s prolific twinning ability. Another farmer, Mutiibwa, said reduced veterinary costs thanks to the goat’s parasite and disease tolerance have made farming more profitable.
To expand access, NAGRC&DB will multiply and distribute the Kasolwe Brown nationwide through the Kasolwe Goat Breed Society, in partnership with Kasombereza Farm Solutions. The initiative targets improved productivity, enhanced food security, and higher incomes for rural farmers.
The project has also attracted international collaboration, with Makerere University and the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute working to preserve the breed’s unique genetic adaptations related to environmental resilience and immune response. These genetic resources will be stored in national and regional gene banks to prevent dilution from uncontrolled crossbreeding.
Local pride in the Kasolwe Brown is high, with communities in the Busoga sub-region celebrating a breed developed from their indigenous stock. Reflecting its value, NAGRC had to employ armed guards to protect valuable male breeding goats after attempted thefts.
With continued scientific innovation, farmer adoption, and private-sector investment, NAGRC&DB envisions Uganda becoming a net exporter of indigenous goat genetics, transforming livestock improvement into a powerful driver of national economic growth.