NEWS:Agriculture Ministry Tasked With Toughening Measures to Control Diseases Affecting Animals

 

The Government of Uganda has authorized the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to proceed and draft the bill on the passed principles for the amendment of the Animal Diseases Act Cap 38, 1964 as amended in 2000.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi confirmed the government’s decision in a ministerial statement dated August 02, 2022.

According to the statement, the ministry of Agriculture is tasked to address the gaps that have been identified in the current framework for animal prevention and control.

“The Agricultural ministry should make provisions with respect to measures to effectively control and prevent diseases affecting animals,” read the statement.

The ministry was also tasked in the amendment to promote the quality of animals and their products.

“Promote quality and safety of food of animal origin as well as enhance trade in animals and their products,” added the statement.

The cabinet decision also advised the Ministry of Agriculture, on principles to base on when drafting the bill.

According to the passed principles, the ministry has to align the animal disease Act with guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

“Aligning the Animal Disease Act with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines, standards, regulations and recommendations,” said the minister in a statement.

MAAIF has also been guided to strengthen the prevention and control of animal diseases to meet national and international sanitary measures. Strengthening prevention and control of diseases in animals other than livestock and also strengthening the veterinary laboratory services for analysis and diagnosis of animal diseases.

Other areas that will be looked at are strengthening of the veterinary inspection and certification, compensation of farmers for animals slaughtered during disease control, and strengthening offenses and penalties for contravening the Act and Regulations.

MAAIF is expected to take the bill back to cabinet for consideration after being drafted.