For generations, cattle formed the backbone of life in Uganda's Teso sub-region, shaping livelihoods, cultural identity, and local economies.
Livestock was not only a source of food and income but also a marker of social status and community resilience.
At the height of this prosperity, Soroti town hosted a thriving meat packers factory, underscoring Teso's position as a livestock powerhouse in eastern Uganda.
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That legacy, however, was steadily eroded by decades of cattle rustling and insurgency, which devastated herds, disrupted livelihoods, and left critical livestock infrastructure idle.
Today, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging as deliberate government intervention breathes new life into the region's livestock sector.
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has embarked on a comprehensive animal production research and restocking programme at its National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District, marking a significant step toward reclaiming Teso's cattle heritage.
The livestock revival is being implemented under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP), led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).
The project seeks to restore productive assets, strengthen climate resilience, and transform agriculture in some of Uganda's most vulnerable regions, including Teso.
According to Dr. Babigumira Brian, Senior Research Scientist, Animal Breeder, Geneticist, and Programme Lead at NaSARRI, the initiative is closely aligned with government's broader plan to restock the region and reposition cattle production as a viable economic pillar.
"Serere was historically a research hub for animal genetics and production and played a critical role in supporting the beef industry in this region," Dr. Babigumira said.
"The current revamping is intended to bring animals back as part of the national restocking programme and to provide quality breeding stock for farmers across the entire sub-region."
Under the first phase of restocking, NaSARRI will introduce 230 head of cattle, comprising Indigenous Zebu, Boran, and Sahiwal breeds, all well suited to the semi-arid conditions of Teso.
Subsequent phases will add Jersey and Brahman breeds, bringing the total herd to about 330 breeding animals.
Alongside restocking, significant investment is being directed toward livestock infrastructure and land development to support the expanded herd.
Through its mechanisation centre, MAAIF has provided heavy machinery, including tractors, graders, and ploughs, enabling NARO to open land for pasture establishment. Construction of key livestock facilities is already underway.
A climate-smart rotational grazing system is central to the new production model. Under this approach, animals will graze in paddocks for limited periods before being moved, allowing pasture to regenerate while improving land productivity and reducing environmental degradation.
To support this system, NaSARRI is establishing grass-legume mixed pastures that combine two grass species with three legumes to enhance feed quality and soil fertility. Species such as Brachiaria and Desmodium are among those being planted.
"We are working on paddocks and fencing, establishing firebreaks, and installing water reticulation systems with watering troughs," Dr Babigumira noted.
"These investments are essential for sustainable and climate-smart livestock production."
The institute is also rehabilitating long-neglected facilities that once supported beef production in the region. A pasture-based feedlot, previously in complete disrepair, is being restored to accommodate about 100 animals.
The meat evaluation unit, which is critical for assessing carcass quality and strengthening the beef value chain, is also slated for rehabilitation.
Other essential livestock management structures, including the dip tank and spray race, had deteriorated over the years.
Revitalisation will begin with the spray race, a vital facility for controlling ticks and livestock diseases, particularly among calves and pregnant animals.
Plans are also underway to rebuild the dairy unit, including construction of a modern cattle shed informed by benchmarking visits to NARO's National Livestock Resources Research Institute in Nakyesasa, Wakiso District.
Supporting infrastructure such as a silo bunker and hay barn will also be constructed.
Recognising that feed scarcity, especially during the dry season, remains one of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers, the project has placed strong emphasis on pasture seed production and farmer resilience.
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NaSARRI has established 55 acres of Chloris pasture for seed production, with seed already harvested and hay production planned.
In addition, 10 acres of legume pastures, including Lablab and Mucuna, have been planted, yielding approximately 700 kilograms of Mucuna seed currently in storage.
A further 75 acres of Chloris and 40 acres of Pakchong Napier grass have also been established.
"These conserved pasture fields are not just for the institute," Dr Babigumira explained. "They are part of our strategy to build farmers' capacity, ensuring access to quality feed and improving resilience during prolonged dry spells."
Beyond livestock and infrastructure, the revamp also addresses staff welfare.
According to Dr Kalule Okello David, Director of Research at NaSARRI, plans are underway to rehabilitate staff housing to create a more conducive working environment, a factor he described as essential for sustaining high-quality research and extension services.
Dr Okello commended the collaborative efforts between NARO, Serere District Local Government, and MAAIF, and acknowledged the guidance provided by NARO top management and the NaSARRI Advisory Committee in driving the livestock research revival under the UCSATP framework.
