Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

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Lifelong learning is fundamental to professional excellence in veterinary practice. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for the annual retention and/or renewal of a veterinary medicine licence in Uganda. CPD ensures that veterinary surgeons and veterinary paraprofessionals remain competent, current, and responsive to the evolving scientific knowledge, clinical standards, ethical obligations, and public health responsibilities. Through structured learning and skills enhancement, CPD strengthens the quality of veterinary services, safeguards animal health and welfare, supports food safety and public health, and upholds public confidence in the profession.

All registered veterinary professionals are required to meet the prescribed CPD requirements by the UVC under the Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, and the relevant CPD regulations and guidelines.

CPD Requirements for Each Licensing and Retention Period

For every licensing and annual retention period ending 31st December of each calendar year, all practicing veterinary professionals are required to accumulate a minimum number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points as a condition for licence renewal and/or retention on the register.

  • Registered Veterinary Surgeons: Minimum of 20 CPD points
  • Registered Veterinary Paraprofessionals: Minimum of 10 CPD points

Failure to meet the prescribed CPD requirements may result in the delay, suspension, or refusal of licence renewal and/or retention, in accordance with the Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024 and the applicable regulations.

How to Earn CPD Points

CPD points may be earned through a range of Council-accredited activities designed to strengthen professional competence, ethical practice, and public health outcomes. Approved activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attendance at national, regional, or international conferences, workshops, and seminars
  • Completion of certified online courses and webinars
  • Publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals
  • Presentation of papers or technical contributions at professional meetings
  • Participation in structured mentorship or professional development programmes
  • Enrollment in recognised postgraduate or specialist training programmes

A comprehensive and regularly updated list of accredited CPD activities and providers is available on this website.

Submission of CPD Records

Each practitioner is personally responsible for maintaining accurate records of all CPD activities undertaken. For licence renewal and/or retention, practitioners must complete the official CPD record form and submit it together with their annual licence or retention application through the prescribed submission channels.