Uganda unveils ‘super goat’ breed set to transform livestock sector and boost exports
Goats are vital sources of income, milk, and meat, and a breed that combines productivity with resilience could be transformative.
UGANDA – Uganda has launched a new goat breed that experts say could redefine livestock farming and position the country as a leading exporter of goat genetics and meat in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Kasolwe Brown Goat, developed entirely from indigenous genetics, was unveiled by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) after years of selective breeding at the Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli District.
The foundation herd, now numbering over 500 goats, consistently breeds “true to type,” passing on superior traits. According to Dr. Katali Benda, who heads the breeding programme, the Kasolwe Brown is “a game-changer” because of its adaptability across diverse agro-ecological zones, high reproduction rates, and potential to boost farmer incomes.
Farmers already working with the breed report striking results. The goats grow quickly, reaching weight gains of up to 127 grams per day, with mature females weighing up to 65 kilograms and males up to 75 kilograms, well above most indigenous breeds.
The animals also resist common diseases such as Haemonchosis and Heart Water, while their glossy brown coats and black manes deter parasites.
Mrs. Kamaali, a farmer in Buyende, praised their prolific twinning ability, noting that her herd expanded rapidly. Another farmer, Mutiibwa, cited lower veterinary costs due to the breed’s resilience, while Mr. Tefula from Kamuli said the goats require minimal supplementation yet outperform others he has kept.
Breeding success and rising demand
The Kasolwe Brown’s ability to support multiple births has been especially celebrated. With large udders, females can nurse twins and even triplets without supplementary feeding, improving herd sizes in a short period.
Dr. Ssengoye Gordon, NAGRC’s Technical Manager of Production, highlighted the breed’s significance as a homegrown alternative to exotic crosses that demand costly feed and intensive care.
“This breed eliminates the need for imports while delivering superior productivity,” he said.
Comparative studies by NAGRC&DB found the Kasolwe Brown superior to Boer, Savannah, Kigezi, Mubende, and Kalahari goats in growth rate, twinning, adaptability, and disease resistance.
However, its success has created new challenges. The demand for male breeding stock has been so high that NAGRC&DB has stationed armed guards to protect valuable bucks.
To meet the need, the organisation is forming the Kasolwe Goat Breed Society with Kasombereza Farm Solutions to oversee multiplication and nationwide distribution.
Looking beyond borders
The rollout aligns with government initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, which aim to uplift smallholder farmers who make up the backbone of Uganda’s livestock sector.
NAGRC&DB Executive Director Dr. Peter Beine believes the breed could carry Uganda onto the regional export stage. “With adequate support, Uganda can dominate the export of goat genetic resources in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
The breed has already attracted international research interest. Scientists from Makerere University and the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute are studying its genetic resilience, with plans to conserve traits in gene banks for future generations.
A boost for smallholders
For rural households, the Kasolwe Brown represents more than scientific progress. Goats are vital sources of income, milk, and meat, and a breed that combines productivity with resilience could be transformative. Farmers adopting it stand to reduce reliance on expensive exotic imports, strengthen food security, and access lucrative markets.
As Dr Benda emphasised, the Kasolwe Brown Goat is not just another livestock project but a homegrown solution tailored to Uganda’s realities. With strong farmer enthusiasm and scientific backing, Uganda’s “super goat” is already charting a path to reshape the country’s livestock industry.
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