Government hailed for recognising that ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’

Rakai, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | THE Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) has hailed government for fast tracking ammendments to various outdated laws to improve the veterinary sector and the One Health approach, in the country.

Speaking as Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 24th Celebrations of the World Veterinary Day in Rakai on Friday, UVA President Dr. Daniel Kasibule hailed especially the  recently passed  Veterinary Practitioners Bill, formerly the Veterinary Surgeon’s Act.

The new act provides an institutional framework for regulation of veterinary practice by providing for the training, registration and licensing of all Veterinary professionals in Uganda including Veterinary para-professionals, who were exculded in the old act. The scope of the old Act was limited to the registration of degree holders.

Currently, Uganda has only 1,186 registered veterinarians but over 3,700 unregistered veterinary para-professionals. Veterinary para-professionals include meat examiners, veterinary public health officers, technical laboratory staff and artificial inseminators.

“We are reminded of the critical role that veterinarians play as essential health workers in safeguarding the well-being of not only animals, but humans and our shared environment as these three facets are closely interconnected,” Kasibule said at the celebrations  organised by the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture and Animal industry and fisheries (MAAIF), the Food and Agriculture organisation FAO and VSF-G.

“As we reflect on the theme of this year’s World Veterinary Day – Veterinarians are essential health workers – let us recommit ourselves to supporting and empowering veterinarians in their noble endeavors. Let us advocate for increased investment in veterinary education, research, policy, transport, laboratory and diagnostic infrastructure ensuring that these essential health workers have the tools and resources they need to fulfill their vital mission”

Under secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Ssegawa Gyavira was the chief guest.

He was welcomed by host District Veterinary Officer Dr.Elias Kizito Nsubuga, president of UVA central chapter Dr Ismail Assimue and VP UVA Dr Nabadda. Key stake holders in the week’s activities included DDA, BAM Animal Clinic, COVAB,  NAGRIC and RAKAI DLG.

Several activities that involved vets, environmental officers and DSFPs drawn from districts of Kalangala, Buvuma, Rakai, Gomba and Kyotera, preceded the celebrations. They were:

🔴 PPR and Rabies Vaccination:
Supported by MAAIF, VSF-G & Rakai Veterinary Staff
🔴 One Health Training:
Conducted by FAO and the National One Health Platform (MAAIF, MoH, MWE and UWA).
🔴 Surgical Camp for Dogs & Cats:
Led by Uganda Small Animal Practitioners Association (USAPA)
🔴 Farmers Training in Dairy, Poultry, Piggery, and Goats:
Improved Management Techniques by Partners

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