NARO embarks on revamping livestock production research programmes
The initiative is being implemented under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project [UCSATP], led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF]
SERERE, February 1, 2026 — The National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has launched a major revamp of animal production research at its National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute [NaSARRI] in Serere District, marking a renewed focus on livestock development in eastern Uganda.
The initiative is being implemented under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project [UCSATP], led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF]. The project seeks to restore productive assets, strengthen climate resilience and transform agriculture in some of Uganda’s most vulnerable regions, including Teso.
According to Dr Brian Babigumira, Programme Lead at NaSARRI, the revamp is firmly aligned with the Government’s broader plan to restock Teso with cattle.
“Serere was historically a research hub for animal genetics and production in this region and played a critical role in supporting the beef industry. This revamping is intended to bring animals back as part of the restocking programme and to provide quality breeding stock for the entire sub-region,” Babigumira said.
The first phase of restocking will see 230 head of cattle introduced at NaSARRI, comprising Indigenous Zebu, Boran and Sahiwal breeds, which are well suited to the semi-arid conditions of Teso. Subsequent phases will introduce Jersey and Brahman cattle, increasing the total herd to about 330 breeding animals.
Confirming the development, Frank Mugabi, Senior Communications Officer at NARO, said the initiative marked a turning point for Teso Sub-region.
“Teso was once a major cattle-keeping zone and even hosted a meat factory, which now lies in ruins. However, cattle raids and prolonged insecurity wiped out almost all the livestock. The Government, through NARO and in collaboration with MAAIF, has now commenced activities to revive livestock farming in the region,” Mugabi said during a bried interview with this reporter.
To support the restocking effort, substantial investments are being made in livestock infrastructure and land development. MAAIF, through its mechanisation centre, has provided heavy machinery including tractors, graders and ploughs, enabling NARO to open land for pasture establishment. Construction of key livestock facilities is also underway.
Babigumira noted that a rotational grazing system is being established to improve pasture utilisation and land productivity. Under this system, animals are grazed in paddocks for short periods before being moved, allowing pasture adequate time to regenerate.
As part of climate-resilient pasture development, NaSARRI is establishing grass–legume mixed pastures, combining two grass species with three legumes to enhance feed quality and improve soil fertility. Species such as Brachiaria and Desmodium are among those being planted.
“We are developing paddocks and fencing, establishing firebreaks, and installing water reticulation systems with watering troughs,” Babigumira said, adding that these investments are critical for sustainable and climate-smart livestock production.
The institute is also rehabilitating long-neglected facilities that previously supported beef production in the region. A pasture-based feedlot, which had completely deteriorated, will be restored to accommodate about 100 animals. In addition, the meat evaluation unit, essential for assessing carcass quality and supporting the beef value chain, is slated for rehabilitation.
Other key livestock management structures, including the dip tank and spray race, had fallen into disrepair. Rehabilitation will begin with the spray race, which is vital for controlling ticks and livestock diseases, particularly among calves and pregnant animals. Plans are also underway to rebuild the dairy unit, including the construction of a new cattle shed informed by benchmarking at NARO’s NaLIRRI in Nakyesasa, Wakiso district. Supporting infrastructure such as a silo bunker and hay barn will also be constructed.
Recognising feed scarcity as one of the major constraints faced by farmers, especially during the dry season, the project has placed strong emphasis on pasture seed production and farmer resilience. NaSARRI has established 55 acres of Chloris pasture for seed production, with seed already harvested and hay production planned.
Legume pastures, including Lablab and Mucuna, have been planted on 10 acres, yielding about 700 kilogrammes of Mucuna seed currently in storage. An additional 75 acres of Chloris and 40 acres of Pakchong Napier grass have also been established.
“These conserved pasture fields are not just for the institute,” Babigumira said. “They are part of our strategy to build farmers’ capacity, ensuring access to quality feed and resilience during dry seasons.”
According to Dr Kalule Okello David, Director of Research at NaSARRI, the revamp also extends to staff welfare, with plans to rehabilitate staff housing to create a more conducive working environment—an essential factor for sustaining high-quality research and extension services.
Okello 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 in advancing livestock research under the UCSATP project.
As NaSARRI reclaims its position as a centre of excellence in livestock research, the broader vision is clear: to restore cattle to their rightful place in Teso’s economy and culture, revive livestock value chains that once supported industries such as meat processing, and provide farmers with science-based solutions to rebuild their herds and livelihoods.
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