pigeons, geese), fish, shellfish, amphibians (frogs), and reptiles. It also does not
include animals kept as pets.
29
There are many different aspects that are involved in proper livestock management. Such things include proper feed rations, correct dosages of medicine, intelligent breeding practices, adequate living conditions and many others that go into
properly and efficiently producing livestock. The Livestock Census indicated that
the national cattle herd is estimated at 11.4 million, 12.5 million goats, 3.4 million
sheep, 3.2 million pigs and 37.4 million poultry birds. The Census also showed that
livestock numbers had increased across all animal types: cattle, sheep, goats, poultry
and others. But livestock production levels could only meet half of the domestic and
regional demand. Growth in the sector has been achieved as a result of a favorable
macroeconomic environment, policy and institutional reforms including liberalization of the sub-sector.
30
The legal and regulatory framework is contained in the following framework. The
Animals (prevention of cruelty) Act Cap 39 is important for controlling cruelty
against animals. Section 2 provides that any person who cruelly beats, kicks,
ill-treats, overrides, overdrives, overloads, tortures or infuriates any animal, or
permits any animal to be so used, causes any unnecessary suffering, administers
any drug or substance to any animal or kills any animal in an unnecessarily cruel
manner, commits an offence of cruelty and is liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding one thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding
three months or to both such fine and imprisonment. The Act also puts in place
measures to combat the spread of animal diseases. Section 4 provides that an
authorized officer may seize any animal suffering from any contagious or infectious
disease which is at large in any public place and any court may order for it to be
destroyed.
While the Act protects animals against cruelty and disease spread, there is need to
amend the act in regard to the punishments since the current ones are not punitive
enough. There is also need for sensitisation so that people improve their perception
about animals, value animal life and the contribution of livestock to the improvement
of livelihoods through agricultural investment.
The Animal Breeding Act 2001 establishes the National Animal Genetic
Resources Centre and Data Bank. It provides for the promotion and regulation of
animals and fish genetic materials. It also makes provision for the implementation of
the national breeding policy in Uganda. Under Section 9 a sample of all genetic
materials should be submitted to a national depository for examination and future
reference. These include: semen materials, ova eggs and embryos. The 5th Schedule
provides for the required performance parameters of animals and fish for collection
of semen and sperm.
29 New World Encyclopedia (2008).
30 UBOS (2018).
Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Agriculture Sector in Uganda
65
include animals kept as pets.
29
There are many different aspects that are involved in proper livestock management. Such things include proper feed rations, correct dosages of medicine, intelligent breeding practices, adequate living conditions and many others that go into
properly and efficiently producing livestock. The Livestock Census indicated that
the national cattle herd is estimated at 11.4 million, 12.5 million goats, 3.4 million
sheep, 3.2 million pigs and 37.4 million poultry birds. The Census also showed that
livestock numbers had increased across all animal types: cattle, sheep, goats, poultry
and others. But livestock production levels could only meet half of the domestic and
regional demand. Growth in the sector has been achieved as a result of a favorable
macroeconomic environment, policy and institutional reforms including liberalization of the sub-sector.
30
The legal and regulatory framework is contained in the following framework. The
Animals (prevention of cruelty) Act Cap 39 is important for controlling cruelty
against animals. Section 2 provides that any person who cruelly beats, kicks,
ill-treats, overrides, overdrives, overloads, tortures or infuriates any animal, or
permits any animal to be so used, causes any unnecessary suffering, administers
any drug or substance to any animal or kills any animal in an unnecessarily cruel
manner, commits an offence of cruelty and is liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding one thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding
three months or to both such fine and imprisonment. The Act also puts in place
measures to combat the spread of animal diseases. Section 4 provides that an
authorized officer may seize any animal suffering from any contagious or infectious
disease which is at large in any public place and any court may order for it to be
destroyed.
While the Act protects animals against cruelty and disease spread, there is need to
amend the act in regard to the punishments since the current ones are not punitive
enough. There is also need for sensitisation so that people improve their perception
about animals, value animal life and the contribution of livestock to the improvement
of livelihoods through agricultural investment.
The Animal Breeding Act 2001 establishes the National Animal Genetic
Resources Centre and Data Bank. It provides for the promotion and regulation of
animals and fish genetic materials. It also makes provision for the implementation of
the national breeding policy in Uganda. Under Section 9 a sample of all genetic
materials should be submitted to a national depository for examination and future
reference. These include: semen materials, ova eggs and embryos. The 5th Schedule
provides for the required performance parameters of animals and fish for collection
of semen and sperm.
29 New World Encyclopedia (2008).
30 UBOS (2018).
Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Agriculture Sector in Uganda
65