On October 25, 2023, a section of the government presented the Animal Feeds Bill in Parliament, which aims to establish a legal framework for implementing the animal feeds policy. This legislation seeks to regulate the production, importation, exportation, and labeling of animal feeds. Additionally, it proposes the creation of an animal feeds committee responsible for overseeing these aspects.
The Bill was presented by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, during a plenary session of the House. He emphasized that insufficient animal nutrition is a key factor limiting livestock product production in Uganda. Animal feeds account for a significant portion, approximately 70%, of the production costs, directly impacting overall production expenses and profits.
The Animal Feeds Bill for 2023 also includes provisions for the registration of premises and outlines the circumstances under which a certificate of registration may be suspended or revoked. It further outlines the establishment of offices for animal feeds inspectors and analysts. The role of the animal feeds inspector is to inspect premises and seize any non-compliant animal feeds.
Moreover, the Bill empowers the Minister to create regulations, within the Act’s framework, to govern the procedures and forms for the registration of premises and licenses related to the production, storage, transportation, and sale of animal feeds. It also specifies the fees payable under the Act.
The Minister explained that low livestock productivity in Uganda can be attributed to various factors, including the prevalence of animal diseases, inadequate nutrition, water scarcity in semi-arid regions, insufficient facilities for the storage and processing of animal feeds, a lack of laboratory facilities, and limited information, knowledge, and skills in animal feed production.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa referred the Animal Feeds Bill to the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries for further consideration.
