Bukedea hosts World Veterinary Day, experts push for stronger animal health systems

BUKEDEA - Bukedea District hosted this year’s celebrations, drawing hundreds of farmers, veterinary professionals, and policymakers in a campaign to strengthen animal health and food safety systems.

Marked under the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” the event featured a range of activities, including farmer sensitisation, mass vaccination, animal surgeries, and school outreach programmes.

Mass vaccination, outreach

According to organizers, more than 1,000 dogs were vaccinated against rabies, and 300 animal surgeries were conducted, including spaying and castration.

Over 1,000 farmers received training on animal husbandry. 500 pupils were engaged on veterinary careers.

The event was officiated by State Minister for Agriculture (Fisheries), Hellen Adoa, who emphasised responsible animal care and disease prevention.

She urged communities to take advantage of free vaccination services, warning that treatment for rabies is often scarce and costly once infections occur.

“Use this opportunity to vaccinate your animals. Government sometimes has limited or no supplies for rabies treatment,” Adoa said.

She also encouraged households and institutions to keep dogs for security while ensuring proper care and handling.

Policy commitments and sector concerns

During the event, Adoa commissioned a new constitution for the Uganda Veterinary Association and pledged to engage the President on strengthening veterinary services.
“If we neglect veterinary services, we compromise the safety of the food we eat,” she noted.

However, sector players highlighted persistent structural challenges.

According to organizers, more than 1,000 dogs were vaccinated against rabies, and 300 animal surgeries were conducted, including spaying and castration. (Credit: David Opus)

Dr. Andrew Akashaba, President of the Uganda Veterinary Association, highlighted key challenges affecting the sector, including government interference in veterinary revenue streams, underfunded laboratories, the rise of quack practitioners, and outdated veterinary laws.

He called for increased funding, recruitment of veterinary personnel, and investment in infrastructure such as abattoirs.

“Every sub-county should have a veterinary doctor to strengthen disease surveillance and control,” he said.

Staffing gaps, local challenges

Local leaders in Bukedea raised concern over severe staffing shortages in the veterinary department.

Emmanuel Elimu, representing the Chief Administrative Officer, noted that some extension workers are covering multiple hard-to-reach sub-counties without transport.

“One officer managing three sub-counties is not sustainable. We need more recruitment and logistical support,” he said.

Resident District Commissioner William Wilberforce Tukei also warned against self-medication of animals by farmers, describing it as a major contributor to livestock deaths.

Community impact

Veterinary officials, including Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut from the Ministry of Agriculture, said the week-long medical camp reached over 2,000 farmers, equipping them with practical knowledge on livestock management.

She noted that spaying and castration efforts are also helping control animal populations and improve productivity.

Stakeholders are now pushing for greater government recognition of World Veterinary Day, including proposals to include it on the national calendar and allocate a dedicated budget.

As Uganda continues to battle zoonotic diseases and food safety risks, experts say strengthening veterinary systems remains critical—not only for animal health, but for public health and economic stability.