New AI technicians to improve livestock quality in Teso, Karamoja
Mwesigye challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to enhance the quality of animal production in the country.
Artificial insemination (AI) technicians in a group photo during the pass-out ceremony held over the weekend. (Photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Journalists @New Vision
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A total of 40 artificial insemination (AI) technicians have completed training at Ruhengyere Government Farm in Kikatsi subcounty, Kiruhura district.
The trainees, drawn from the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions, underwent three weeks of intensive training.
Dr Theophilus Mwesigye, commissioner for animal production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, officiated the pass-out ceremony held over the weekend.
He challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to enhance the quality of animal production in the country.
Dr Siraj Luwagu, the course coordinator, explained that the training had two components: one week focused on the theoretical aspects of breeding, followed by two weeks of practical application.
Dr. Theophilus Mwesigye-the commissioner Animal Production ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Dr. Hellen Nakimbugwe who represented the executive director of NAGRC & DB handing over a certificate to Akol Peace one of the 40 AI technicians passed out at Ruhengyere Government Ranch in Kikatsi sub county Kiruhura district.
Representing the executive director of the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), Dr Hellen Nakimbugwe emphasised the importance of ethics in the profession. She urged the trainees to apply their skills responsibly to improve the quality of livestock production.
Kiruhura district chairman Mukago Rutetebya thanked the ministry and its partners for implementing such impactful programmes that benefit local farmers directly.
Dr Katali Benda, the climate smart project coordinator at NAGRC&DB, explained that the trainees were nominated by farmer groups and district leaders.
He noted that more training cohorts are planned, with the next intake set to begin on 13 July, targeting the remaining parts of southern Karamoja and the central region.
A subsequent cohort, scheduled to begin on August 17, will include trainees from Nebbi, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, Kakumiro, Kikuube, and Mubende.
The fourth group, expected in September, will cover Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, Mitooma, Sheema, Kabale, Rukungiri, Rubanda, and Kisoro.
The fifth cohort, beginning in October, will train technicians from Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kalaki, Iganga, Mayuge, and Buyende.
Dr Benda added that refresher courses will be held for existing technicians to build their capacity to mentor others.
According to Dr Alex Asiimwe, national deputy coordinator for the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project, a total of 288 AI technicians will be trained through these cohorts.
He explained that available resources will not only support training but also strengthen AI systems countrywide. Planned interventions include refurbishment of the national bull stud and production infrastructure at Rubona, Maruzi, and Serere.
Additionally, regional, district, and 144 sub-county AI centres will be established and equipped with liquid nitrogen cylinders, semen banks, reservoirs, and essential furniture and fixtures.
Further provisions include AI kits, mobile vans, and AI-enabled motorcycles. Dr Asiimwe expressed confidence that these efforts will improve access to quality semen, enhance AI service delivery, and ultimately support the development of climate-resilient livestock breeds while boosting milk and beef production.