By Mulengera Reporters
On Wednesday 17th December, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Minister Frank Tumwebaze served as Chief Guest and presided over at Sheraton Hotel Kampala the launching ceremony of the landmark book on the Ankole Cattle Heritage.
The launching ceremony was organized by National Animal Genetic Centre & Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) in collaboration with Destination Ankole.
Titled “Celebrating the Prestigious Ankole Cattle Heritage in Uganda,” the book documents the rich history, cultural significance and the immense economic potential of the Ankole Longhorn cattle, which is one of Uganda’s most iconic indigenous breeds.
For centuries, Ankole cattle have symbolized wealth, pride and identity; and today they stand as a powerful driver for tourism, agribusiness and genetic conservation.
The newly-launched book or publication highlights the origins and rare races of Ankole cattle, their majestic horns, strong cultural value and growing role in tourism, particularly in the Ankole region. It also showcases the breed’s economic value through milk, ghee, lean beef, hides and skins, alongside emerging opportunities in genetic conservation, international trade and intellectual property protection.
As the mandated government agency, NAGRC & DB has, since 2003, led national efforts to conserve, improve and multiply purebred Ankole cattle. Appropriately, Nshaara Ranch in Kiruhura district was dedicated to serve as the National Ankole Longhorn Cattle Conservatory Centre. These efforts by the GoU, through NAGRC & DB, have positioned Uganda as a global reference point for Ankole cattle genetics and in the process attracting interest from international markets.
This book launch is more than a publication. It is a call to action to preserve genetic purity, promote sustainable use, unlock tourism and business opportunities while safeguarding a living symbol of Uganda’s cultural heritage for generations to come.
The book was authored by Dr Peter Beine, Edmand Aryampika, Winnie Nduhukire and others. In his own handwriting, President Museveni has praised the book as an international milestone and he endorsed the whole thing by personally writing the foreword for the book and signed it off himself. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
