The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) is experiencing overwhelming demand for its newly developed Kasolwe brown goat breed, hailed as a “super goat” for its exceptional productivity and resilience.

Unveiled earlier this year, the Kasolwe goat has quickly attracted attention among farmers across Uganda due to its ability to multiply rapidly, thrive in harsh environments, and resist common goat diseases such as Haemonchosis and Heartwater. According to NAGRC, the breed’s unique attributes including excellent twinning rates, a growth rate of up to 127 grams per day, and high weaning percentages make it one of the most competitive breeds in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Developed through selective breeding of Uganda’s indigenous goats, the Kasolwe goat is distinguished by its shiny dark brown coat, sturdy limbs, large udder size, and a characteristic black mane running from head to tail. Adult males weigh up to 75 kilograms, while females average 65 kilograms, with both showing remarkable adaptability across Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

Comparative studies conducted by NAGRC scientists show the Kasolwe outperforming other breeds such as the Savannah, Boer, Mubende, Kigezi, and Kalahari in disease resistance, twinning ability, and growth. Officials say this positions the breed as a potential flagship for Uganda’s goat industry and a future export product.

Currently, the foundation stock at Kasolwe Farm in Kamuli District stands at 500 goats, with expansion plans underway through the newly established Kasolwe Goat Breed Society. The society, developed in partnership with Kasombereza Farm Solutions, aims to make the breed accessible to smallholder farmers nationwide.

“This goat is going to be a game changer in Uganda’s livestock industry because of its twinning ability, quick growth, and resilience,” said Dr. Ssengoye Gordon, NAGRC’s Technical Manager for Production.

Farmers already benefiting from the breed echo this optimism. “The high twinning ability has rapidly increased my herd size something I had never experienced before,” said Mrs. Kamaali, a farmer from Buyende District. Another farmer, Mr. Tefula from Kamuli, praised the goats’ hardiness and low feed demands, while Mutiibwa, also from the region, noted reduced veterinary costs.

NAGRC has partnered with Makerere University and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh to preserve the Kasolwe’s unique traits through genetic sequencing and conservation. With Uganda hosting both national and regional gene banks, officials believe this breed could secure the country a competitive edge in regional and global livestock markets.

Given the breed’s value, NAGRC has deployed armed security at Kasolwe Farm to protect the stock, after several reported theft attempts. Community members in Busoga have expressed pride that such an innovation was developed in their region, hoping it will put Kamuli District on the map as Uganda’s goat breeding hub.

With strong farmer adoption, private sector investment, and continued research, NAGRC envisions Uganda becoming a net exporter of goat genetic resources. “The Kasolwe goat is not just another breed it is a foundation for transforming goat farming and improving household incomes across Uganda,” said Dr. Katali Benda, head of the goat breeding program at NAGRC.