NAGRC graduates 50 specialised artificial insemination technicians
A new cohort of professional artificial inseminators graduated on September 11, 2026, after completing a rigorous three-week training programme at Ruhengyere Government Ranch in Kiruhura district.
Dr Hellen Nakimbugwe (in a yellow dress) with other officials from NAGRC and HEIFER International posing for a photo with AI technicians who graduated on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
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The government, through the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB), has graduated a total of 50 specialised artificial insemination (AI) technicians.
A new cohort of professional artificial inseminators graduated on September 11, 2026, after completing a rigorous three-week training programme at Ruhengyere Government Ranch in Kiruhura district.
The intensive course was designed to equip the trainees with advanced skills in artificial insemination to boost livestock productivity and improve genetic traits across the regions.
The inseminators were selected from different districts in the Western and Central regions and will help transform the national livestock sector by promoting better breeds.
The Managing Director of NAGRC, Dr Hellen Nakimbugwe, delivering his speech at the pass-out ceremony of artificial insemination technicians held at Ruhengyere Government Ranch in Kikatsi sub-county in Kiruhura District. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
Representing Dr Peter Beine, the managing director of NAGRC, Dr Hellen Nakimbugwe strongly urged the newly trained artificial insemination technicians to maintain high professional integrity, cautioning them that cheating farmers would ruin their careers.
Nakimbugwe emphasised that their future relies entirely on building trust with farmers.
“I want to emphasise ethics; please don’t disappoint farmers. This young generation, they are so shortsighted,” she stated.
“If you mess up with me today, don’t think I will call you back. Please, please, the ethics, don’t spoil your chances, try to follow your chances, and please use this chance to network," she added.
He said the course was divided into two parts: theoretical exposure and practical daily exposure to live animals. “We have had a very wonderful group which has been exceptional in terms of discipline and responsibility," Dr Luwagu stated.
Dr Hellen Nakimbugwe (right) and Silver Turyahikayo (left) handing over a certificate to Resty Komuhangi, one of the AI technicians who graduated. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
Silver Turyahikayo, a representative from Heifer International, the organisation that sponsored the training course, urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their fieldwork. He reminded them that their selection was a direct result of the deep trust they had earned within their respective farming communities.
“Offer a service that reflects competence, do the work with a lot of compassion and express integrity, with information everywhere these farmers understand whatever you are doing, so approach them with a lot of honesty if you want more business," he stated.
Dr Juma Magambo, an AI trainer at NAGRC & DB and national community-based breeding programme officer, urged the technicians to prioritise semen handling, correct timing and hygiene to maximise conception rates in artificial insemination.