Rare Birth in Kasese as Goat Delivers Six Kids

Julius Mwebaze and his goat that delivered six kids

Julius Mwebaze, the owner of the goat, said the animal showed no unusual signs throughout its pregnancy, making the outcome even more unexpected.

Residents of Nyakasanga Ward in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality are expressing surprise after a local farmer’s goat delivered six kids in a single pregnancy, an occurrence considered rare among small-scale livestock keepers.

Julius Mwebaze, the owner of the goat, said the animal showed no unusual signs throughout its pregnancy, making the outcome even more unexpected.

“The goat became pregnant just like any other, and we expected the normal one or two kids. At around 11:00pm, it started giving birth and produced three kids. I thought that was all,” Mwebaze explained.

However, the situation changed shortly afterwards.

“After about an hour, my son called me from the next room where the goats are kept, telling me the goat was still in labour. When I rushed there, I found it had delivered two more kids,” he said.

Moments later, the goat delivered a sixth kid, leaving the family astonished.

“Shortly after that, it delivered the sixth one. I had never imagined such a thing could happen,” he added.

The family, overwhelmed with excitement, returned to rest hoping all the kids would survive. However, by morning, they were met with mixed emotions.

“When we checked in the morning, all seemed fine, but at around 8:30am, we were told the last born had died. Now we remain with five,” Mwebaze said.

According to Mwebaze, the goat had previously delivered not more than two kids in past pregnancies, making this case unusual for both his family and neighbours.

Kasese Municipality Agricultural Officer Asanairi Bukanywa said that although uncommon in the area, such occurrences are scientifically possible.

“This may be the first reported case in this district, but it is normal for a goat to deliver many kids at once. It depends on factors such as good feeding, proper management, and the breed of the animal,” Bukanywa said.

With five kids now surviving, Mwebaze faces the challenge of feeding them, as the mother goat may not produce enough milk.

“We are now planning to buy feeding bottles so we can supplement with cow’s milk and ensure the kids survive,” he explained.

Livestock experts encourage farmers to closely monitor such cases and provide additional care to both the mother and the offspring to improve survival rates.

The rare event has since attracted curiosity among residents, with many visiting Mwebaze’s home to witness what some are calling a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence in the area.