The dark brown-coated Inyambo is an Ankole cow with long white horns that curve outward and upward, shaped like a lyre. These horns are very long, about six times longer than those of European cattle breeds. The horns are used to protect against predators. In the past, these cattle were seen as a sign of beauty and strength. They were also used to measure the value of women and warriors in the palace. The Ankole cattle were highly respected as the king’s cattle and belonged to royal families who kept many of them mainly for pride and honor.
They were brought to Uganda around five to seven hundred years ago by cattle keepers from northern Africa. From there, they spread to other parts of eastern and central Africa, including Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, parts of Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. People in these countries still value them today.
Other breeds cared for by local tribes include:
- Bashi in Congo
- Bahima of Uganda and Congo
- Kigezi, kept by the Bakiga people in southwestern Uganda (the former Kigezi District)
- Ruzizi, from the Ruzizi Valley between Lake Kivu and Lake Tanganyika
- Watusi, found in Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and some parts of Tanzania
These cattle are loved by local herders because they can travel long distances to find water and grass. Besides being strong, they are also seen as special animals, sometimes called Bahima, Bashi, Inkuku, Inyambo, Kigezi, or Watusi. They are believed to have come from sub-Saharan Africa and belong to the Sanga cattle breed, which is a mix of the Indian Zebu and local Sanga cattle.
These cattle can survive in different weather conditions, even when food and water are limited. This is because they have a strong digestive system that uses body moisture to slowly break down food. To keep them healthy and large, farmers need to provide enough water and food. The size of these cattle depends on how well they are fed and cared for. It is also important to give them enough space so they do not hurt each other with their long horns.
Ankole long-horned cattle are mostly found in Uganda’s western districts such as Ntungamo, Bushenyi, and Isingiro. Try to visit these areas during your Uganda safari to see them for yourself.
Explore the beauty of Lake Mburo on the lakeside track!
