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Kampala: Uganda today, Wednesday 17, Dec 2025, marked a historic milestone in the preservation and promotion of its indigenous livestock heritage with the launch of a landmark book celebrating the Ankole Longhorn cattle, one of the country’s most iconic cultural symbols.
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB), in partnership with Destination Ankole, officially unveiled the publication titled “Celebrating the Prestigious Ankole Cattle Heritage in Uganda” at a high-profile function held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. The event was graced by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who served as the Chief Guest of Honour.
Described as a definitive reference on Ankole cattle, the book documents the breed’s rich history, cultural importance and vast economic potential, positioning it as both a national treasure and a global genetic asset. For centuries, Ankole cattle have symbolised wealth, prestige and identity among communities in western Uganda, and continue to play a central role in livelihoods, traditions and social status.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Tumwebaze commended NAGRC & DB and Destination Ankole for producing a publication that elevates indigenous livestock from cultural pride to strategic national value. He noted that the Ankole Longhorn is no longer just a cultural emblem but a key driver of agribusiness, tourism, food security and genetic conservation.
The book explores the origins and rare races of Ankole cattle, their distinctive and majestic horns, and their deep-rooted cultural value. It further highlights the breed’s expanding contribution to Uganda’s economy through milk, ghee, lean beef, hides and skins, as well as emerging opportunities in genetic conservation, international trade and intellectual property protection.
Authors of the publication include Dr Peter Beine, Edmand Aryampika, Winnie Nduhukire and other experts, whose collective work blends science, culture and storytelling to present a comprehensive account of the Ankole Longhorn.
The book has also received the highest national endorsement, with H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni writing the foreword. In his message, the President praised the publication as an international milestone and personally signed it off, underscoring its importance beyond Uganda’s borders.
Since 2003, NAGRC & DB has been the mandated government agency leading national efforts to conserve, improve and multiply purebred Ankole cattle. Central to this mission is Nshaara Ranch in Kiruhura District, which serves as the National Ankole Longhorn Cattle Conservatory Centre. Through systematic breeding, research and conservation, Uganda has emerged as a global reference point for Ankole cattle genetics, attracting growing interest from international markets and researchers.
NAGRC & DB has repeatedly been lauded for its transformative role in promoting livestock farming, particularly through safeguarding the genetic purity of the Ankole Longhorn while enhancing its productivity and commercial value.
Beyond its pages, the book launch was framed as a call to action. Stakeholders emphasized the need to preserve genetic purity, promote sustainable utilization, unlock tourism and business opportunities, and protect a living symbol of Uganda’s cultural heritage for future generations.
As Uganda continues to position agriculture and tourism as pillars of economic growth, “Celebrating the Prestigious Ankole Cattle Heritage in Uganda” stands as both a celebration of the past and a strategic blueprint for the future—affirming that the Ankole Longhorn is not just cattle, but a national legacy with global relevance.
