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By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/KMA Updates.
Nakyesasa Diary Demonstration Farm: “Food security will be given great emphasis in the Makerere University Korea-Uganda Diary Project,” says Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Interior structures of the dairy demonstration farm facility at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Makerere University has received a modern dairy demonstration farm facility under Korea-Uganda Diary Project (KUDaP) at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre with funding from Korean Government aimed at improving productivity of dairy farmers by supporting diary technology and infrastructure in Uganda.
The KUDaP project is located in a spacious environment at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre, one of the off campus demonstration sites under Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
Addressing the dignitaries and stakeholders assembled at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre on 25th August 2022 to witness the launch of KUDaP, the Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Robert Tweyongyere revealed that the outbreak of COVID-19 affected the implementation of the project, which nearly came to a stand-still following lockdowns and restrictions in movement.
Dignitaries get a lecture inside farm facility at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa
However, he was delighted that despite the challenges faced, the University Management and a number of stakeholders came on board to ensure that the project withstands the very challenging times of COVID-19.
According to Prof. Tweyongyere, the support received from the University, partners from Korea and the Government of Uganda played an instrumental role in ensuring that the KUDaP project takes shape.
Makerere University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Jeonbuk National University, Korea Rural Community corporation, collaborating institutions namely: – Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), NARO, NAGRC, National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development were also directly involved in the success of the project.
(L-R) Prof. Frank Mwine, the Principal of College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security (CoVAB) leads Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, H.E Park Sung Soo, the Korean Ambassador to Uganda and other dignitaries for a trek around Nakyesasa Incubation Centre. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University highlighted that as they intensify the University’s strides in the area of research, they are prioritizing the issue of food security.
He pointed out that the KUDaP project is one of the ways of realizing food security as it helps farmers to access technology and new ways of getting more milk from their cattle.
“Our research will be centered on looking for improved varieties of cattle, improving milk production so that our farmers are in position to sustain the population through provision of food,” he said.
“I thank the Korean government for offering embryos towards the project, infrastructure such as milking, feeding, spraying and vaccinating paras etcetera and we shall compliment this by recruiting the required staff and meeting utility costs,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe added.
H.E Park Sung Soo, the Korean Ambassador to Uganda commended the mutual relationship between Makerere University and Jeonbuk University focused on improving agricultural economy in Uganda especially in Gayaza and Entebbe.
“I am sure that this will be one of the success stories in the cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Uganda,” remarked the Ambassador.
“I have seen the potential of Uganda with my own eyes. Uganda is promising even though it is facing challenges like other developing countries. It is economically growing and Korea is ready, willing and able to be a good and sustainable partner in achieving economic transformation,” he added.
He also noted that Korea is ready to strengthen ties with Africa notably Uganda in the Agricultural sector as a key driver of economic development.
(L-R) H.E Park Sung Soo, the Korean Ambassador to Uganda (front L), Counsel Innocent Kihika, the Chairperson Makerere University Appointments Board launch the facility as Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and others look on. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Representing the Chief Guest, Counsel Innocent Kihika, the Chairperson Makerere University Appointments Board revealed that the project positions the university in proposed research and technological transfer in the diary sub sector as part of its continued contribution to national development.
He informed that audience gathered at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre that the University has a large chunk of land of about 7 square miles in Kyankwanzi district which they are planning to develop and called for amalgamated efforts to put it into realizable development.
Counsel Kihika said, they intend to establish a model farm on the land in order to attract communities to witness what Makerere University can offer to the farmers.
He pledged Makerere University Council’s commitment to continuously improve the framework conditions for research through policy making, facility linkages and the relevant government entities and mobilizing required human resources.
“In the next Appointments Board meeting, we shall have requirements of the Farm manager tabled. We will ensure that a qualified individual is appointed in the shortest time possible,” Mr. Kihika said.
Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, the Commissioner Animal Health who represented the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) emphasized the importance of the project linking with line Government MDAs especially Extension Department in the MAAIF for its sustainability amongst farmers.
“Milk is the most whole food that nature has provided therefore emphasizing improved production of milk is something that will address nutrition, general wellbeing and livelihood of human population in Uganda.” said Anna Rose Ademun.
She noted that the KUDaP project will address nutrition when people consume this milk, and will also be able to sell it fresh within the country, region and to the international community.
Group photo of dignitaries who witnessed the commissioning ceremony of a modern dairy demonstration farm facility under Korea-Uganda Diary Project (KUDaP) at Nakyesasa Incubation Centre. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Prof. Frank Mwine, the Principal of College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security (CoVAB) highlighted that the facility is a landmark demonstration of the institution’s mandate in contributing to the livestock development in Uganda at a time when Makerere University celebrates 50 years of Veterinary Medicine in higher education.
Prof. Mwine noted that the dairy demonstration farm facility marks the beginning of yet another major phase of implementing a successful dairy farm.
He cited need for optimum commitment from managers of the farm and support of the University and Government to sustain the farm.
“This demonstration farm here at Nakyesasa is set to exhibit the desirable practices that will lead to increased milk productivity by our farmers,” he said.
He lauded the project steering committee lead by Prof. William Bazeyo for the great guidance towards successful implementation of the project.
Other wonderful moments at the event.
