Kasolwe Brown Goat Set to Transform Goat Farming in Uganda

Kamuli District is preparing to make history in Uganda’s livestock sector with the launch of the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a new super breed developed by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). The breed is set to be released in November 2025, promising higher productivity, disease resistance, and improved livelihoods for farmers across the country.

For years, Ugandan farmers have tried to improve goat productivity by importing exotic breeds from Southern Africa, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. These crossbreeds often require costly management and specialized care, making them unaffordable for smallholder farmers. Even commercial farmers find the high upkeep costs eat into profits. Research by NAGRC&DB revealed that indigenous breeds, when selectively improved, can provide similar economic benefits.

The Kasolwe Brown Goat is the result of years of careful breeding at the Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli District. Scientists worked with private breeders and local custodians in Kamuli and Buyende districts to create a goat that thrives in Uganda’s diverse climates while remaining highly prolific. The foundation stock now includes over 500 goats that breed true to type, combining resilience with exceptional growth and reproductive traits.

According to NAGRC&DB, the Kasolwe Brown Goat stands out for its shiny dark brown coat, black mane along the spine, sturdy limbs for rough terrain, large udders capable of sustaining twins and triplets, and horns that vary by age and gender. Adult females weigh up to 65 kilograms and males up to 75 kilograms, with an average daily weight gain of 127 grams. Weaning occurs at three months with an average weight of 12–15 kilograms.

Comparative studies show that the Kasolwe Brown Goat outperforms other popular breeds in Uganda, including Savanah, Boer, Mubende, Kigezi, and Kalahari goats. It excels in twinning ability, disease resistance, weaning rates, and adaptability to different agro-ecological zones. These traits make it particularly suitable for smallholder farmers who often face harsh conditions and limited resources.

Farmers who have adopted the Kasolwe Brown Goat are already reporting remarkable results. Mr. Tefula from Kamuli says the goats grow faster than any he has kept before. Mrs. Kamaali from Buyende highlights the breed’s high twinning rate, which has rapidly increased her herd size. Another farmer, Mutiibwa, noted reduced veterinary costs due to the goats’ tolerance to local diseases.

Daniel Epinyu, manager of Kasolwe Stock Farm, says the next step is mass multiplication of the breed and distribution to farmers through the Kasolwe Goat Breed Society. This initiative, supported by Kasombereza Farm Solutions, aims to improve household incomes, food security, and rural livelihoods across Uganda.

Dr. Ssengoye Gordon, NAGRC technical manager of production, described the breed as a game changer for Uganda’s livestock sector. Dr. Katali Benda, head of the goat breeding program, added that the initiative is creating a valuable national resource, with the potential for Uganda to become a net exporter of goat genetics in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Security has already been tightened around the breeding stock after several attempted thefts, showing the high value and demand for the Kasolwe Brown Goat. Community members in Kamuli and the wider Busoga region are proud to host the program and expect the breed to put their area on the map as a hub for goat breeding in Uganda.

With continued scientific innovation, farmer adoption, and private sector support, the Kasolwe Brown Goat is expected to transform goat farming in Uganda, improving livelihoods and positioning the country as a regional leader in small ruminant production.