The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has commenced a wide-ranging livestock production research programme at its National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District, marking a major step in efforts to reclaim Teso’s once-thriving cattle legacy.
For decades, cattle were central to life in Teso, shaping livelihoods, social status and cultural identity, and underpinning industries such as meat processing in Soroti.
That foundation was severely weakened by years of cattle raids and insurgency that decimated herds and disrupted the regional economy.
NARO says the new intervention, being implemented under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), is designed to reverse that decline by restoring productive assets and strengthening climate resilience in the sub-region.
According to Dr Brian Babigumira, a senior research scientist, animal breeder and programme lead at NaSARRI, the revamp aligns with government plans to restock Teso and re-establish cattle production as a viable economic mainstay.
“Serere was historically a research hub for animal genetics and production in this region and played a critical role in supporting the beef industry. The revamping is meant to bring animals back as part of the restocking programme and to provide quality breeding stock for the entire sub-region,” Dr Babigumira said.
The first phase of restocking will introduce 230 head of cattle at NaSARRI, including Indigenous Zebu, Boran and Sahiwal breeds, which are suited to Teso’s semi-arid conditions.
Additional breeds, including Jersey and Brahman, are planned for subsequent phases, bringing the total herd to about 330 breeding animals.
To support the initiative, MAAIF has provided heavy machinery through its mechanisation centre, enabling land preparation for pasture establishment and the construction of key livestock facilities.
A rotational grazing system is also being put in place to improve pasture utilisation and land productivity.
Dr Babigumira said the system would allow grazed areas time to regenerate while improving feed availability.
“We are working on paddocks and fencing, establishing firebreaks, and installing water reticulation systems with watering troughs,” he said. “These investments are critical for sustainable and climate-smart livestock production.”
Pasture establishment is a central pillar of the programme, with NaSARRI planting mixed grass-legume pastures to improve feed quality and soil fertility. Species including Brachiaria and Desmodium are being introduced as part of the climate-resilient approach.
The institute is also rehabilitating long-neglected infrastructure that once supported beef production in the region.
A deteriorated pasture-based feedlot will be restored to accommodate about 100 animals, while the meat evaluation unit, essential for carcass quality assessment and value chain development, is slated for rehabilitation.
Other livestock management facilities, including the sprayrace and dip tank, are also being revived, starting with the sprayrace to strengthen disease and tick control, particularly for calves and pregnant animals.
Plans are underway to rebuild the dairy unit, including a new cattle shed, based on benchmarking at NARO’s National Livestock Resources Research Institute in Wakiso District. Supporting infrastructure such as a silo bunker and hay barn will also be constructed.
Addressing feed scarcity, especially during dry seasons, NaSARRI has established 55 acres of Chloris pasture for seed production, alongside hay production plans.
Legume pastures including Lablab and Mucuna have been planted on 10 acres, yielding about 700 kilograms of Mucuna seed currently in storage. An additional 75 acres of Chloris and 40 acres of Pakchong napier have also been established.
“These conserved pasture fields are not just for the institute,” Dr Babigumira said. “They are part of our strategy to build farmers’ capacity, ensuring they have access to quality feed and can withstand the challenges of dry seasons.”
Dr David Kalule Okello, the director of research at NaSARRI, said the revamp also covers staff welfare, with plans to rehabilitate staff housing to create a conducive working environment for sustained research and extension services.
He commended the collaboration between NARO, Serere District Local Government and MAAIF, and acknowledged the guidance of NARO’s top management and the NaSARRI advisory committee.
NARO says the broader vision is to restore cattle to their central role in Teso’s economy and culture, revive value chains that once supported meat processing and related industries, and equip farmers with science-backed solutions to rebuild their herds and livelihoods.
