Veterinary professionals have petitioned the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, protesting what they describe as exorbitant and unjustified licensing fees imposed by the Uganda Veterinary Council.
Speaking to the media after delivering the petition, Dr. Dickson Tayebwa said the fees have sharply increased since the Council took over the licensing process from the former Uganda Veterinary Board.
“Previously, a veterinarian paid Shs150,000 for a practicing license, while a para-professional paid Shs100,000. These fees have now been raised to Shs500,000 for veterinarians and Shs304,000 for para-veterinary practitioners,” Dr. Tayebwa explained.
The professionals are now appealing to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries—headed by Frank Tumwebaze, who also appoints the Council—to intervene and review the charges.
Duncan Rogers, a veterinary practitioner, acknowledged the Council’s role in eliminating unqualified practitioners from the profession but argued that the current fees are unjustifiable.
He added that, by law, the Council is funded through three main sources: donations and grants from the parent ministry, government appropriations approved by Parliament, and revenue from its operational activities, including licensing fees.
By Francis Lubega
1st May 2026
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