Makerere University has opened talks with China’s Southwest Minzu University on a five-year partnership to improve livestock production, agricultural research and scientific training in Uganda.
Officials from the two universities met on July 23, 2026, with representatives from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
The meeting also brought together staff from Makerere’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity and the university’s Advancement Office.
The partnership will focus on animal husbandry, veterinary science, agricultural technology and livestock breeding.
The talks followed an earlier visit by NARO officials to Southwest Minzu University. During the visit, the institutions explored plans to introduce improved goat breeds to Uganda.
The breeds have strong genetic traits and could be crossed with indigenous Ugandan goats. The project seeks to raise productivity, improve animal quality and increase farmers’ incomes.
Officials said Uganda could become the first African country to receive the specialised goat breeds under the arrangement.
NARO will first implement the project at its Kawanda research facilities. It will later expand to 12 research institutions across Uganda.
Makerere University will provide academic leadership, research support and scientific expertise.
The partnership will also cover biotechnology, artificial intelligence, microbiology, laboratory science and agricultural technology.
Makerere Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sarah Ssali said international partnerships could strengthen research, innovation and skills development.
She said the university would use its global networks to support knowledge exchange and research that responds to Uganda’s development needs.
Ssali said improved goat breeds could help farmers move from subsistence farming to commercial livestock production.
She said the institutions must establish clear structures, maintain communication and coordinate their work for the project to succeed.
The Southwest Minzu University delegation pledged to build a long-term relationship with Makerere and NARO.
The Chinese university also proposed staff exchanges, joint research projects and postgraduate training.
Makerere students could receive scholarships for master’s and doctoral programmes at Southwest Minzu University.
The delegation also invited Makerere University leaders to visit the Chinese institution.
Makerere’s International Office will develop a framework to guide staff and student exchanges between the two universities.
It will also work with the Academic Registrar’s office to coordinate postgraduate scholarship applications and international mobility programmes.
The partners expect the project to connect scientific research with practical farming needs.
NARO will oversee field activities, while Makerere will guide academic and scientific work.
The institutions hope the partnership will produce practical solutions for livestock diseases, low productivity and food insecurity.
The project could also expand Makerere’s international research network and create more opportunities for funding, training and technology transfer.
The three institutions said the partnership would combine Makerere’s academic expertise, Southwest Minzu University’s scientific knowledge and NARO’s agricultural research infrastructure.
They expect the collaboration to support livestock development and contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
