KAMPALA – The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) marked International Women’s Day 2026 on Sunday, March 8th, with a public acknowledgement of the contributions of women to Uganda’s livestock sector. The institution highlighted the function of female professionals within NAGRC&DB and across the country, recognizing their roles in research, breeding programs, and data management.
In a statement released on its social media platforms, NAGRC&DB lauded the “incredible women” driving innovation and agricultural transformation. The message was accompanied by a collage featuring female staff members working in laboratories, offices, and field locations.
Established in 2001 by the Animal Breeding Act, NAGRC&DB operates as a semi-autonomous agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Its mandate centers on the management of Uganda’s animal genetic resources and the enhancement of livestock productivity through breeding, conservation, and data systems, according to the institution’s website.
The recognition of women within the livestock sector comes as Uganda continues to rely heavily on agriculture as the foundation of its economy. The livestock subsector is a significant contributor to both national output and the livelihoods of rural communities. NAGRC&DB noted that women constitute the largest portion of the agricultural workforce in Uganda and play a central role in livestock management.
However, the institution also acknowledged the structural challenges faced by women in the sector, including limited access to land ownership, financing, modern technologies, and extension services. By celebrating its female workforce, NAGRC&DB stated its intention to emphasize the importance of women in agricultural research and livestock development, and to encourage greater recognition of their contributions to resilient and productive farming systems.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is leading national celebrations of International Women’s Day 2026, with a theme focused on “Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for all Women and Girls in Uganda.” Events are scheduled to take place at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on March 8th. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics also extended congratulations to President Yoweri Museveni and the people of Uganda on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
NAGRC&DB recently completed three major training programs focused on artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and veterinary paraprofessional skills, demonstrating ongoing efforts to build capacity within the livestock industry. The institution is currently preparing for a workshop aimed at strengthening the collection and management of animal genetic resources data, scheduled for May 23, 2025.
