New digital portals launched to improve veterinary service delivery

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Farmers and animal owners in Uganda can now verify the authenticity of the veterinary practitioners and facilities online through a newly launched database and website.

The two platforms have a QR code that can be scanned using a mobile phone.

This was revealed by agriculture state minister (animal husbandry) Bright Rwamirama while launching the two platforms on Thursday (May 28) at the Uganda Veterinary Council Offices in Wandegeya, Kampala.

The portals will have profiles of qualified veterinary doctors and also those who have practising licenses.

Rwamirama believes public confidence in the sector will grow as a result while also developing the standards of the veterinary profession nationally and internationally.

He said that in the past, local government administrators used to appoint unqualified people as district veterinary officers.

The minister tasked Uganda Veterinary Council chairman Dr Khalid Kirunda with using the newly launched platform to get rid of quack vets.

"You have my support because the government is behind you.

"Government fully supports efforts aimed at ensuring the provision of services in Uganda that are credible, competent and responsive to needs.

Rwamirama urged all veterinary surgeons, para professionals and establishments to embrace the new regulatory framework by registering and obtaining their licenses, as well as comply with the set standards.

On his part, Kirunda said the database and website are the most important practical tools in the transformation journey of the rejuvenating activities of the veterinary council, which will ensure that competent professionals are available.

“The tool is already improving the efficiency of regulation in this country, as well as improving the extension services. It is also improving the licensing despite the operational challenges that come along with digital transformation."

With an online registration system in place, there will be limited movement of veterinary professionals from across the country all the way to Kampala.

Kirundi encouraged all veterinarians to upgrade to smartphone usage to keep up with the advancement in service delivery.

The platforms were developed with financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

FAO Country representative Ezana Kassa said the launch of the portals is an important milestone that brings together governments, farmers, processors, professionals and all other stakeholders committed to strengthening Uganda's veterinary services.

He said that through the Gates Foundation and the empowering veterinary professional entrepreneurs projects, FAO has trained over 4,600 veterinary professionals in different parts of Uganda.

The aim is to offer last-mile animal and service delivery by private sector veterinary care and professionals while reinforcing regulatory frameworks that govern their work.

The digital database will enhance registration, licensing, renewals, and the tracking of continuous professional development for the veterinary professionals.

“It will support the efficient management of well over 4,600 registered professionals across the country while improving efficiency, transparency, accountability, and access to regulatory services. Ultimately, those efforts will contribute to a more competent, responsive, and professional veterinary workforce in Uganda,” said Kassa.

But for it to work effectively, the database will require continued ownership, regular system updates, active stakeholder engagement, and sustained investment in institutional capacity development.