Veterinary doctors working with local governments have asked Government to enhance their salaries if they are to offer effective services to the country.

During the 23rd Celebrations of World Veterinary Day in Amolatar District, on Friday, Dr Daniel Kasibule, the president of the Uganda Veterinary Association, said that Government should enhance the salaries of Animal health professionals to be commensurate with that of the other scientists in the same bracket.

“The pay increment for scientists in other fields excluding Veterinarians has led to the discomfort of Veterinarians and is resulting in the extensive migration of more competent veterinarians, His Excellency the President has always pronounced increment of pay to Medical workers without any consideration for veterinary counterparts who are carrying a heavier load than any other ordinary scientists,” Dr Kasibule said.

Dr Kasibule noted that whereas today, the country may not immediately feel the impact of veterinary doctors within a period of 3 to 5 years, the result will be reflected in the performance of the Animal Industry.

“There is insufficient funding for Animal Industry and Veterinary Affairs right from ministry to local governments level this is evidenced by the fact that all vaccines against priority animal and zoonotic diseases are imported, there are no regional vaccine banks,” Dr Kasibule noted.

He also highlighted the challenges of quality assurance and standardization facilities which lead to inadequate district-level vaccine storage facilities.

The Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA), is an umbrella organization of over 1,223 members with a mission of promoting professionalism, welfare, and interests of members to foster better livestock service delivery.

This year’s theme was ‘Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession and the sub-theme was ‘The Role of the Veterinarian in socio-economic transformation.

According to Dr Kasibule, the theme is very befitting as it promotes working in an inclusive mode while focusing on common goals that will transform and improve our livestock industry as the country recovers from the devastating effects of COVID-19.

During the celebrations, the Vets noted that there is a need for enormous collaborations with all stakeholders and cadres at various levels to achieve their ultimate goals.

“The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAIF) should develop and implement a national herd health program with meaningful funding for major epidemics vaccination calendar, Develop and disseminate SOPs for the major epidemics (FMD, African Swine Fever (ASF), New Castle Disease (NCD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD),” reads the statement from UVA.