Our History, Vision and Mission

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Our History

Veterinary regulation in Uganda dates back to 3 April 1958, following the enactment of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, Cap.277, which established the Uganda Veterinary Board (UVB). For over six decades, the UVB provided oversight of veterinary practice, focusing primarily on the registration of veterinary surgeons and paraprofessionals under a limited statutory framework.

Enactment of the Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, and its commencement on 5 October 2025 formally repealed the Veterinary Surgeons Act and established the Uganda Veterinary Council (UVC) as the successor regulatory authority, with an expanded mandate covering veterinary surgeons, veterinary paraprofessionals, veterinary practice establishments, veterinary training institutions, and professional standards. The Uganda Veterinary Council now serves as the statutory body responsible for modern, transparent, and accountable regulation of veterinary practice in Uganda, aligned with regional and international best practice.

Our Vision

A trusted and competent veterinary profession central to Uganda’s animal health and welfare, public safety, and socio-economic development.

Our Mission

To regulate and advance the veterinary profession and practice by ensuring effective training, registration, licensing, standards, ethics, and continuous professional development.

Our Strategic Objectives

The Council’s core objective is to ensure that veterinary practice in Uganda is delivered only by qualified, registered, and licensed professionals, operating within a robust legal and ethical framework.

To achieve this, the Council seeks to:

  • Ensure veterinary practice operates in full compliance with the law.
  • Increase registration, licensing, and retention of veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals.
  • Strengthen uptake and enforcement of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  • Promote collaboration with training institutions, professional associations, regulators, and other stakeholders.
  • Build the institutional capacity of the Council to effectively deliver its mandate.

The Uganda Veterinary Council is established under the Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, and comprises nine (9) members appointed by the Minister responsible for Animal Industry, with the approval of Cabinet.

The Council membership includes representatives drawn from:

  • The Commissioner responsible for animal health or his or her representative
  • Recognised veterinary universities and training institutions
  • Veterinary paraprofessional training institutions
  • Animal research institutions
  • The Uganda Veterinary Association
  • The Uganda Veterinary Paraprofessional Association
  • Aquatic animal health specialists
  • Wildlife veterinary services
  • The veterinary pharmaceutical industry

The Minister appoints a chairperson from among the members of the Council, who must be a registered veterinary surgeon.

Secretariat and Chief Executive Officer

The Council is supported by a professional Secretariat headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who must be a veterinary surgeon or specialist appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Council.

The Chief Executive Officer:

  • Serves as an ex officio member and Secretary to the Council.
  • Acts as the Accounting Officer of the Council.
  • Maintains national registers of veterinary practitioners and practice establishments.
  • Oversees day-to-day administration and implementation of Council decisions.

Functions of the Uganda Veterinary Council

In accordance with the Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, the Council is responsible for the general supervision and control of veterinary practice and training in Uganda and for advising the Government on veterinary matters.

The Council’s key functions include to:

  • Register and license veterinary practitioners.
  • Regulate veterinary practice establishments and facilities.
  • Set and enforce standards of professional conduct, ethics, and discipline.
  • Approve and oversee veterinary education standards, training, internship, and CPD.
  • Protect animal health, animal welfare, and veterinary public health.
  • Develop policies and regulatory instruments to advance veterinary practice.
  • Monitor the proper use of veterinary drugs and devices in collaboration with relevant authorities.
  • Approve operational plans, budgets, and ensure sound financial management.
  • Perform any other function necessary for maintaining high standards of veterinary practice.