The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has commissioned Uganda’s first-ever National Dairy Centre of Excellence at the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI).
During the launch attended by stakeholders and the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, Naro’s Director General, Dr Yona Baguma, appealed to the government to allocate Shs50 billion over the next five years — about Shs10 billion annually — to operate the facility.
“We are requesting the government to support this Centre of Excellence as a national hub for training and skilling people across the country,” Dr Baguma said.
“For us to move forward and cause impact as NARO, we need highly talented people. We want to work with universities, NAGRIC, and the private sector. Therefore, we humbly request Shs50 billion over five years to actualize this vision.”
Dr Baguma explained that the centre will spearhead a systematic breeding programme using over 200 dairy cows to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding breeds suited to local environments.
“From these animals, we shall design a breeding programme to produce well-adapted breeds.
These will be integrated into reproductive systems to generate embryos and semen for distribution nationwide to improve genetics and productivity,” he said.
Currently, some livestock produce as little as two litres of milk per day due to poor adaptation to climate conditions. The new programme aims to develop breeds capable of producing 30 to 40 litres per cow daily.
In his remarks, Minister Tumwebaze urged Naro to focus on sustainable animal feed strategies aligned with changing climate patterns.
“The research we do should sustain animal life and ensure food systems remain safe. You cannot sustain food systems without paying attention to plant and animal breeding,” Tumwebaze said.
He commended MBAZARDI for the initiative but encouraged the institute to also develop feed gardens for demonstration, training, and skills development.
“I am happy MBAZARDI is waking up now. Pay attention to the supporting ecosystem — the feeds. Develop mother gardens here for benchmarking and training,” he added.
Tumwebaze also advised NARO to partner with the private sector, including dairy farmers and milk cooler suppliers, to strengthen the entire dairy value chain.
“As a farmer in Rwashamire, Nyakayojo, or Kikatsi, if they found coolers and all dairy facilities here, they would be more passionate and intentional about investing in processing,” he said.
“Partner with those who sell coolers — maybe provide land and attract them here so that farmers can easily access technology and infrastructure.”