NAGRC&DB announces new board, commissions 100 dairy bulls for farmers

UGANDA – The National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has ushered in a new board led by Chairman Ben Anyama.

Officiated by the state minister for Animal Industry, Dr. Bright Rwamirama the inaugural ceremony of the new board in Entebbe was followed by the handover of 100 dairy breeding bulls to beneficiary farmers.

The new board members included Dr. Bilal Cabral Kibedi, Dr. Henry Aaron Mulindwa, Teddy Alako, Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Dr. Herman Ssekiwunga, Dr. Richard Urri Akule, Eng Robert Wajja Ssenozi, Anthony Raymond Epel, Sheila Mwine Kabeije, and Dr. Samuel Kanakulya Lubinga.

The board secretary is Dr. Peter Beine, who serves as the executive director.

Rwamirama emphasized the importance of the new board working cohesively and leveraging their strengths and expertise to guide NAGRC&DB in fulfilling its mandate.

He stated that their decisions and actions would play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Uganda’s animal genetics sector and called for dedication and a shared vision for the prosperity of the nation’s agriculture.

“Together, we can achieve milestones for the benefit of our farmers, our livestock, and the entire agricultural landscape,” he said.

As part of the inaugural event, Rwamirama also commissioned the release of 100 superior dairy breeding bulls to farmers who are members of dairy cooperatives across the country.

According to Beine, this is a routine program conducted at the 15 animal genetic resources centers situated in different agro-ecological zones throughout Uganda.

“NAGRC&DB has a two-fold mandate: to play a leading role in the commercialization of animal breeding activities in Uganda, and to carry out development activities that enhance animal genetic improvement and productivity,” he said.

“The center breeds, multiplies, and sells quality and affordable animal seed at subsidized prices, including breeding stock of dairy and beef cattle, goats, poultry, pigs, fish fingerlings, semen for breed improvement programs, and embryos for pure-breed multiplication.”

In addition to the 15 regional animal genetic resources centers, NAGRC&DB operates a National Poultry Development Centre (NPDC), a five-tonne-per-hour animal feed production plant, the National Bull Stud and Semen Production Center in Entebbe, and three liquid nitrogen production plants serving the entire country.

 The agency also multiplies and provides pasture and fodder seed and planting materials, as well as animal feeds on a large scale.

Beine highlighted the role that livestock plays as a sure guarantor against poverty within poor and vulnerable communities in Uganda.

He also noted that the mass awareness campaigns that have been conducted about the same have created a huge demand for high-quality breeding stock for dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, pigs, multi-purpose poultry and fish fingerlings.