Government has commissioned indigenous animal gen bank at National Animal Genetic Resource Centre and Data Bank at Entebbe, to confront the erosion of indigenous animal breeds issue that’s alarming in the country.
This bank which is valued at one (1) trillion Uganda shillings will be a centre for the preservation of Indigenous livestock for East and Central Africa.
Dr Charles Laggu, Executive Director National Animal Genetic Resource Centre and Data Bank says climatic and environmental factors have posed a threat onto continuous rearing of this indigenous livestock.
So, they preserving them such that they are not lost completely and maybe when the need arises in future they can be recreated and also for research purposes.
“We want to have this indigenous animal gen bank so that in case something happens we can recreate the breeds, develop new ones and research. So, that these good indigenous breeds which we articulated and you saw a sample of them, are not lost.,” Dr Lagu said.
Lagu adds that the convention on Biological diversity is purposely meant to protect livestock biodiversity, conserve native livestock, improve quality and income generation.
Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Ruggunda says the government is willing to support the initiative of conserving indigenous genes as well as drafting new measures of managing it well.
“It’s key to note that Majority of this livestock are indigenous breeds, and the rate in which they are being eroded through cross-breeding is high and alarming. It’s for this reason as a government to support initiatives of original gen banks.”
“The major step we are taking is the implementation of the global action implementation plan, for animal genetic resources. Uganda joins other countries around the world which are signatories to the action plan in strengthening conservation biodiversity. Within the guidance of the action plan, countries around the world are setting up regional genetic centres,” Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja said.
Gen bank is expected to attract over twelve (12) countries across East and Central Africa, but not overcoming home needs. It’s designed to store gene for thousands of years without fading out.
