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Ankole cattle are the long-horned cattle of south-western Uganda, famous for huge, curving horns that can span well over a metre and a half. They belong to the Sanga group of African cattle, which arose from crosses between humpless longhorn cattle and humped zebu, and are kept above all by the Bahima, the pastoralist people of the former Ankole kingdom around Mbarara. You will see herds along the road to Bwindi, especially around Lake Mburo. Here is their story, why they matter culturally, and where to see them.
Origins and appearance
Long-horned cattle have been herded in the Great Lakes region for many centuries, and the Ankole breed is closely related to the Inyambo cattle of Rwanda and the Ankole-Watusi cattle bred abroad. They are usually deep red-brown, though some are black, white or patterned, with a small hump, long legs and a tough constitution that copes with heat, poor grazing and long walks to water. The horns are full of blood vessels and are thought to help shed heat, as well as being used in defence against predators.
Cattle and Bahima culture
For the Bahima, cattle have traditionally been the measure of wealth, status and family ties. Cows were given as bride wealth, individual animals have names, and herders compose praise songs and poems about cows with the most beautiful horns. Milk, ghee and fermented milk were central to the diet, and many words in Runyankore relate to cattle colours and horn shapes. The Ankole kingdom, ruled by the Omugabe, was abolished in 1967 and, unlike Buganda or Tooro, has not been restored. See our guides to Uganda’s kingdoms and the Banyankole people.
A breed under pressure
Ankole cows give relatively little milk, so many farmers in the Mbarara dairy belt have crossbred them with Friesian and other exotic breeds that produce far more. As a result, pure Ankole herds have declined, and some farmers and researchers are working to conserve the breed for its hardiness and heritage. Changing land use, as rangeland is fenced and divided, has also changed traditional herding.
Where to see Ankole cattle
Herds are common along the Masaka–Mbarara highway and around Lake Mburo National Park, where some lodges arrange visits to Bahima families to learn about milking, ghee-making and herding. The Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara has a museum about the culture of the region. A stop fits easily into the drive to Bwindi, which is about 5–6 hours further on. Always ask before photographing herders or their cattle. See our guides to Lake Mburo and a cycling safari at Lake Mburo.
Frequently asked questions
The horns help shed heat and defend against predators, and were favoured by herders for their beauty.
Mainly the Bahima pastoralists of south-western Uganda.
Around Mbarara and Lake Mburo, on the road to Bwindi.
Pure herds are declining because of crossbreeding for higher milk yields.
