Vets asked to regulate paravets and interns for efficient animal health management

The incoming Veterinary Council has been asked to regulate veterinary paravets and interns for effective management of animal health. 

The task was given on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the agriculture ministry headquarters in Entebbe by animal husbandry state minister Bright Rwamirama.

A paravet, aka paraveterinary worker, is an animal health worker who provides basic veterinary services, particularly in areas where qualified veterinarians are scarce, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Rwamirama said regulation of para vets and interns was skipped in the Veterinary Surgeons Act, Cap. 277 of 1958 and only provides for the formal regulation of veterinary professionals and practice, and yet paraprofessionals and interns provide more services in the animal subsector.

The council was also tasked with protecting animal rights, especially when it comes to transportation from the farms to the market by traders.

"Animals are abused in the process of transporting them to slaughterhouses by the traders, animal rights should be protected. We shall provide you with better accommodation and a budget to enable you to perform your duties," Rwamirama said.

Eliminate fake vets

On the same occasion, ministry commissioner animal heath Dr Ann Rose Ademun, advised the incoming board to make use of the new law to perform their duties to eliminate fake veterinarians.

“We have a lot of hope in you. Currently, we have a lot of fake veterinarians, including farmers who have also become vets, which is compromising animal health services. We must solve this problem so that we can improve the sector,” Ademun said.

Incoming council chairperson Dr Halid Kirunda pledged to carry on the mantle from the old to deliver as expected.

Composition of the Uganda Veterinary Council

1. Dr Halid Kirunda-Chairperson

2. Dr James Kakungulu-Member

3. Dr Savino Biryomumaisho-Member

4. Dr Muwonge Michael-Member

5. Dr Caroline Asiimwe-Member

6. Okwera Balam Fred-Member

7. Dr Ajangale Nelly Isyangi-Member

8. Dr Atimnedi Patrick-Member

9. Dr Alice Hope Banga-Member

Other tasks of the council are: 

• Registering and licensing veterinary practitioners

•  Regulating veterinary practice and veterinary practice establishments

•  Setting standards of training in veterinary practice, approving, in consultation with the relevant bodies, courses of study and the conduct of qualifying examinations, for the purposes of this Act

•  Protect animal health and veterinary public health.

•  Monitor the proper utilisation of veterinary drugs and devices in collaboration with the relevant authorities.

•  Monitor the proper utilisation of veterinary drugs and devices in collaboration with relevant authorities, among others.