Local Government Trains Technicians in Artificial Insemination Practices
Anthony Namara (left) the Commissioner LED at Ministry of Local Government handing over artificial insemination tools to the graduands at the ceremony.
The Ministry of Local Government organized a graduation ceremony for thirty technicians specializing in Community Based Artificial Insemination. This training program was carried out as part of the Local Economic Growth support Project, with the valuable guidance of the National Animal Genetics Resource Centre and Data Bank.
The group of technicians who successfully completed the training are from the districts of Kumi and Kyejonjo. With their newly acquired skills and knowledge in artificial insemination, these technicians are now equipped to provide vital AI services to farmers in their respective districts. This achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of livestock breeding practices and the overall agricultural sector in the region.
These interventions are being funded by Islamic Development bank and the Life and Livelihood Fund (LLF) partners as well as Government of Uganda. The Local Economic Growth support project is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and it’s designed to give effect to the Decentralisation Policy particularly the 6th objective on LED, the Uganda National Policy for Local Economic Development Policy.
Speaking at the event, Namara Anthony said that this intervention will help to improve local animal production and boost productivity, hence ensuring that farmers remain competitive in the market. improve production help communities demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting local economic growth and agricultural development.
Assumputa Tibamwenda the technical adviser at the Ministry of Local Government giving her remarks
Assumpta Tibamwenda, the technical advisor at the Ministry of Local Government who was representing Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule emphasized the importance for technicians to prioritize assisting farmers without deviating from their primary goal. Additionally, she cautioned them against overcharging the farmers, considering that cattle serve as the main source of wealth for many families.
According to David Siriri, a representative from Millennium Promise alliance, embracing the technology by all farmers will lead to increased productivity. He highlighted the significant disparity in milk production between Uganda and the Netherlands. While Uganda, with its 4 million head of cattle, produces 2 million tonnes of milk annually, the Netherlands, with only 1.5 million head of cattle, produces 15 million tonnes of milk.
Siriri pointed out that the Netherlands adopted artificial insemination technology years ago and encouraged Ugandans to do the same, urging them to take up the challenge.
William Mbabazi from Kyejonjo District providing a demonstration on the utilization of an artificial insemination kit.
Mbabazi, the team leader of the graduates, expressed gratitude to the Local Economic Growth Support project and the Ministry of Local Government for providing them with training and equipment for artificial insemination. He pledged his complete support to the farmers in order to enhance productivity.
Namara Anthony the Commissioner LED at Ministry of Local Government handing over a certificate to one of the graduates
By Joan Uwamaria, PR Assistant
