Government Introduces Digital Platform to Streamline Uganda’s Veterinary Sector

By Skika Reporter.

The government has launched a new digital database system aimed at improving the regulation and management of Uganda’s veterinary sector, a move expected to strengthen animal health services, public health protection and trade in animal products.

The online platform, unveiled in Kampala on May 28, 2026, will help authorities register, license and monitor veterinary practitioners and establishments across the country.

Speaking during the launch, State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama described the initiative as a major step toward improving professionalism, accountability and public confidence in veterinary services.

He said the system demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to modernising public service delivery and enhancing regulation within the veterinary profession, especially as the country seeks to improve standards in the animal products trade.

The Uganda Veterinary Council (UVC), established under the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2024, will oversee the digital platform as part of its expanded mandate to regulate veterinary professionals.

With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the system will maintain a national database of licensed veterinarians and veterinary establishments. It will also support inspection processes, compliance monitoring and easier verification of professionals.

According to Mr Rwamirama, farmers and livestock owners will now be able to confirm whether veterinary practitioners are legally registered and licensed, helping eliminate unqualified individuals posing as professionals.

He warned that fake veterinarians have contributed to rising antimicrobial resistance through improper treatment of animals.

Mr Rwamirama emphasized the importance of veterinary professionals in Uganda’s economy, noting that the sector plays a key role in livestock production, food safety, public health and international trade.

He also revealed that government is finalising plans to establish a Veterinary and Food Authority to strengthen oversight of animal health, veterinary public health and food safety.

The minister explained that since most human diseases originate from animals, adopting a One Health approach is essential for protecting consumers and boosting Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.

Dr Caroline Asiimwe, chairperson of the UVC digital systems and data governance committee, said the new platform replaces outdated manual record-keeping systems and marks the beginning of a more transparent and coordinated veterinary regulatory framework.

She added that the system will improve communication between the council and practitioners while enabling the public to access verified information about veterinary professionals.

UVC chairperson Dr Halid Kirunda said the digital platform operationalises the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2024 and will strengthen regulatory oversight, compliance and veterinary public health systems.

FAO Uganda Country Representative Ezana Kassa said stronger veterinary governance is vital for resilient agriculture, food systems and public health.

He noted that the platform will simplify registration, licensing renewals and tracking of continuous professional development for more than 4,600 veterinary professionals nationwide, while improving transparency, accountability and access to regulatory services