Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2023

'' I nm REPUBLIC OF UQANl/>A ' ' I I ' ' THE VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS' ACT, 2023 PARLIAMENT LIBRARY P.O.BOX 7178. KAMPALA * 2 2 MAY 2024 * A.~CNO: .......... ,,, .... ,, .. ,,., ........ . CALL NO: •••••.•••••.•.• .;. ••••••••••••••• " • I TBB RBPUBUC OF UGANDA I I SIGNIFY my assent to the bif l. ···············~······························11··;·················· President 1 I Date of assem . .. f q.: . .(.~ .{1Y;.?.4f. .: .. ' ., • Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act i THE VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS' ACT, 2023 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONf PART I-PRELIMINARY Section 1. Commencement 2. Interpretation 3. Application of Act I PART II-REGISTRATION OF VETERINARY PR'ACTITIONERS AND VETERINARY PRACTICE ESTABLISiNTS 4. Requirement for registration of veterinary practitioner 5. Qualifications for registration of veterinary surgeon 6. Qualifications for registration of veterinary specialist 7. Qualifications for registration of veterinary pja-professional 8. Temporary registration 9. Registration of veterinary practice establishment Consideration of applications for registration I 10. 11. Issuance of certificate of registration Suspension or cancellation of certificate of registration 2023 12. 13. 14. Effect of suspension or cancellation of certific~te of registration Use of titles PART III-LICENSING OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS, VETERINARY PRACTICE ESTABLISHMENTS r,.ND REGULATION OF VETERINARY PRACTICE 15. Licensing 16. Application for licence 17. Grant of licence 18. Renewal of licence Act Section 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Veterinary Practitioners 'Act Suspension or revocation of licence Private veterinary practice Certification Duties of veterinary practitioners Exemptions to engage in veterinary practice tthout licence Inspection of veterinary practice establishmelt Recognition of veterinary training institution. Continuous professional development PART IV-INS11TUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 27. Establishment of Uganda Veterinary Council I 28. Seal of Council 29. Membership of Council 30. Eligibility for appointment to Council 31. Tenure of office 32. Vacation of office 33. Functions of Council 34. Powers of Council 35. Meetings and procedure of Council 36. Committees of Council 37. Remuneration of members of Council 38. Chief Executive Officer 39. Functions of Chief Executive Officer 40. Tenure of office of Chief Executive Officer 41. Secretariat and staff of Council 42. Independence of Council 43. Veterinary inspectors 44. Other staff of Council 2023 Act Veterinary Practitioners:• Act Section PARTY-FINANCES I Funds of Council ' Power to open and operate bank accounts, Power to borrow Estimates Financial year of Council Accounts Audit Annual report 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. Duty to operate on sound financial principles Compliance with Public Finance ManageqientAct 2015. PART VI-ENFORCEMENT I 55. Inquiry by Council 56. Witnesses at inquiry 57. Expert advice to Council at inquiry 58. Decisions of Council 59. Disciplinary sanctions of Council 60. Review and appeals p ART VII-MlsCELLANEOUS Register Removal of name from register Restoration of name on register Annual retention fees Correction of errors Publication Offences and penalties I 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. Power to exempt certain treatments from operation of Act 2023 Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 Section 69. Immunity of officials 70. Regulations 71. Amendment of Schedules 72. Repeal and savings SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 - CURRENCY POINT SCHEDULE 2 - OATHS 2023 SCHEDULE 3 - SERVICES AND TO PRACTICE PROFESSIONALS PROCEDQRES RELATING BY VETqRINARY PARA- SCHEDULE 4 - MEETINGS OF COUNCIL SCHEDULE 5 - REGISTER OF VETERINARY !PRACTITIONERS, LICENSEES AND VETERINiARY PRACTICE ESTABLISHMENT Act Veterinary Practitioner'$ 'Act 2023 THB RBPUBIJC OF UG$A THE VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS' ACT, 2023 An Act to provide for the regulation of v~terinary practice by providing for the training, registration and (Jcensing of veterinary professionals and veterinary para-professi~nals; to provide for matters incidental to the conduct of vet~rinary professionals and para-professionals in relation to anim~l health, production, welfare, public health and biosecurity seli"vices; to repeal the Veterinary Surgeons Act, Cap. 277; and for telated matters. DATE OF ASSENT: Date of Commencement: BE IT ENACTED by Parliament as follows: p ART I-PRELIMINARY ' 1. Commencement This Act shall come into force on a date appoin~d by the Minister by statutory instrument. 2. Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires~ "animal" includes domestic animals, wtld animals, aquatic animals, laboratory animals, poultry species, wild birds, I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act bees, insects, fish and silk worms; 2023 "animal husbandry" means livestock manage~nt and animal care practices undertaken to promote lanimal welfare, improve productivity and farm profits; "Chief Executive Officer" means a person ~ppointed under section 38; "continuous professional development" meap.s an approved training required of a veterinary practitioner as the Council may determine, for purposes of ensuring that a veterinary practitioner keeps updated with the ner and emerging veterinary technical trends in theory and tpractice; "Council" means the Uganda Veterinary Council established by section 27; I "currency point" has the value assigned to it in Schedule 1 to this Act; i "direct supervision" means the supervision of a person by a responsible veterinary surgeon who is physically present in the veterinary practice establishment; , ! "general supervision" means the supervision of a person by a responsible veterinary surgeon who is readily available to I communicate with that person; J "internship" means a prescribed period of supervised practical training that a veterinary student obtai~ after completing formal education, to the time of satisfyi!ng the supervisor that the practitioner is competent, in accordance with the provisions of this Act; .. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Aqt 2023 "licence" means a licence issued under section 17; "licensee" means a person licensed to : practice veterinary medicine under section 17; "Minister" means the Minister respons~ble for veterinary services; "Ministry" the Ministry I for veterinary means responsible I services; "person" includes an individual, firm, company, association, partnership or body of persons, whether incorporated or not; "private veterinary practice" means the engagement in veterinary practice by a veterinary practitioner for hire, gain, fee, compensation or reward received, promised, offered, expected or accepted, directly or indir~ctly, by or from the person requesting or receiving the vetepnary services; "public veterinary practice" means engage~ent in veterinary practice by a veterinary practitioner who is a veterinary officer or para-professional holding office in the public service or any other Government body;: "register" "means a register of veterinary: practitioners and veterinary practice establishments kept and maintained by the Council under section 61 of this Act; ' "veterinary inspector" means a person appointed by the Council under section 43 of this Act; 1 .. Act I Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 2023 "veterinary medicine" means any curat~ve or preventive substance, formulated medicament,' or mixture of substances, whether proprietary or tn the form of a preparation effective in animals, which is used, or is manufactured, sold or represented as swtable for use, in- I (a) the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease or abnormal physical :or mental state or the symptoms of a disease or abI!lormal physical or mental state in an animal; ' I (b) restoring, correcting or modifying any physical, mental or organic function in an aµimal; or ( c) controlling internal or external pests and parasites and includes insecticides, vaccines, hormones, alternative medicines, antiseptics, disinfectants, surgical, nutrients and biological ~roducts; ''veterinary officer" means a veterinary practitioner who holds office in the public service or any other Qovernment body; "veterinary para-professional" means a veterinary practitioner who is registered to practice veterinary medicine under the direct or general supervision of a vete~ surgeon; "veterinary practice" means- (a) (b) (c) (d) inspection of foods of animal origin for purposes of I food safety; provision of animal welfare services; I provision of forensic evidence related to animals; I training, research, advise, consultancy services related to animals; • Act I Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 2023 ( e) prov1s1on of ethno veter\inary medicine, complimentary medicine and integrative therapies to animals; ' I (f) to diagnose, treat, correct, cbtange, relieve or prevent an animal disease or co~dition, deformity, defect, injury or other physical Oli mental conditions through- (i) (ii) (iii) the prescription, administraiion or application of drugs, medicines, biologicals, apparatus, anesthetic or other therapeµ.tic or diagnostic substances or techniques; , I the use of any manual or mechanical procedure for hoof care, dehtal care, artificial insermination or other breeding services, testing for pregnancy or correcting sterility or infertility; and rendering advice or makin~ recommendation with regard to the procedures referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f); and (g) any other related services as ptescribed by the Council. "veterinary practice establishment" includes premises, structure, veterinary laboratory, zoo, ambulatory: service facility, animal check point, holding ground, quarantine station, wildlife breeding sanctuary, wildlife ranph and any other specialised establishment where veterinary practice is conducted; ' "veterinary practitioner" means a veterinary s$eon, veterinary specialist or veterinary para-professional registered in accordance with this Act; 1 Act Veterinary Practitioners ~Act 2023 ' "veterinary public health" means the application of veterinary I science and technology to protect and improve the I physical, mental and social well-b~ing of humans; "veterinary service" means services offered by a veterinary practitioner; ' "veterinary specialist" means a veterina.ry, practitioner registered by the Council in accordance with ~ection 6; "veterinary surgeon" means a person :trained in veterinary medicine at degree level and who is: engaged in veterinary practice, and is registered in accordance with this Act. I 3. Application of Act , ( 1) This Act applies to every person whq engages or intends to engage in veterinary practice in Uganda. (2) The provisions of this Act relating tQ registration apply to all veterinary practitioners in public and private \veterinary practice. (3) The provisions of this Act relating to licensing do not apply to veterinary practitioners in the conduct :of their duties in the I public service but where a veterinary practitioner intends to engage in private practice, those provisions shall apply. PART II-REGISTRATION OF VETERINARY PiµCTITIONERS AND VETERINARY PRACTICE ESTABLISirIMENTS 4. Requirement for registration of veterinary practitioner (1) A person who intends to engage in veterinary practice shall apply to the Council for registration as a veterlna.zr surgeon, veterinary specialist or veterinary para-professional, as the c~ may be. ' (2) A person referred to in subsection n) shall apply to the Council within three years after attaining the r~levant qualification I Act i Veterinary Practitioners 1Act 2023 prescribed in this Act, and any person who apl>lies after the expiry of that period shall sit for examinations, as the Council may prescribe. I 5. Qualifications for registration of vetery.nary surgeon (1) A person is qualified to be registered as a veterinary surgeon if he or she- I (a) is a citizen of Uganda; and (b) holds a degree in veterinary medibine from a University recognised by the Council and lias after attaining that qualification, served an internship pf not less than twelve months under the supervision of a registered veterinary surgeon who has not less than fivel years of experience in veterinary practice. (2) The Council may in its discretion ~equire an applicant for registration to undertake an examination as Coµncil may prescribe, to satisfy itself that the knowledge and skill of thf applicant qualify that applicant for registration. (3) The examination referred to in sµbsection (2) may be conducted by the Council or by any other institution appointed by the Council, and that examination shall be condudted on such terms and conditions as the Council may determine. ( 4) A person registered by the Council µnder this section shall swear or affirm the oath set out in Schedule 2 pd shall be entitled to have his or her name entered in the register. 6. Qualifications for registration of veteri~ry specialist ( 1) A veterinary surgeon who attains a post graduate qualification related to a specialty in respect of which he or she wishes to be registered shall apply to the Counf il for registration as a veterinary specialist in that field of specialisati1n. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'A~t 2023 (2) The Council shall register the applicant where the Council is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient knovvledge and experience to enable him or her practice in the field of specialisation as a veterinary specialist. 7. Qualifications for registration of veterin4ry para-professional (1) A person shall be qualified for regi~tration as a veterinary para-professional if that person is a citizen of Uganda and has- ' (a) successfully completed a post-secondary school training course in animal health science lastihg at least two years at an institution recognised by the Coµncil and has obtained a certificate, diploma or degree, and has thereafter served an internship of not less than twelve months under the supervision of a veterinary practitiqner; (b) qualified in animal husbandry, range management or I wildlife health and has undertaken ~ course of not less than one year in animal health, prescribed by the Council, and has served an internship of not less than twelve months under the supervision of a veterirulfY practitioner; or (c) has successfully completed a post-secondary school training course in laboratory teqhnology, or has been determined by the Council to possess qualifications to allow him or her to be registered a~ a para-professional. (2) The Council shall prescribe the m9de of supervision for a para-professional on internship. (3) A person registered by the Council under this section shall swear or affirm the oath set out in Schedule 2 and shall be entitled to have his or her name entered in the register. ' 8. Temporary registration (1) A person may apply to the Council for temporary registration if- .. Act (a) (b) (c) (d) (2) by- (a) (b) (c) (d) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 that person is not a citizen of Uganda td intends to engage in veterinary practice in Uganda; , possesses qualifications from an institution in a jurisdiction other than an institution from Uganda. that person is undertaking internship ~er graduation; or intends to undertake a specific assig4nent for the duration of the registration. : An application under subsection ( 1) shall be accompanied certified copies of the certificates lof the applicant, in veterinary medicine, duly authentica¢<1 by the responsible veterinary regulatory body of the country where the certificates were obtained; evidence of payment of the prescribed fee; I proof of good professional conduct lfrom the responsible veterinary statutory body in the co$try of origin of the applicant; and particulars of the organisation or institution that intends to engage the service of the applicant or offer internship placement to the applicant. ' (3) Subsection (2) (c) shall not apply to an applicant for internship after graduation. ( 4) The Council may require a persollying for temporary registration to appear before it for an oral or wri examination. (5) This section does not apply to ape. n who qualifies for temporary registration if that person is attached to a veterinary training institution in Uganda for purposes of a capacity building program for a period not exceeding three months. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Aft 2023 9. Registration of veterinary practice esta~lishment (1) Any person who intends to set up Ta veterinary practice establishment after the commencement of this Act shall apply to the Council for registration of that veterinary practi~e establishment. (2) The Council may make an inquiily and inspection as it deems fit, upon payment of the prescribed fees, for purposes of satisfying itself that the proposed veterinary p~tice establishment is fit for registration. 1 (3) The Minister shall, by regula~ions, prescribe the requirements for registration of a veterinary pr8ftice establishment. 10. Consideration of applications for registhation (1) The Council shall consider an appUcation for registration and shall communicate its decision to the applfant in writing within sixty days from the date of receipt of the applicf~ion. (2) The Council may refuse to registJr an applicant where the Council finds that the applicant is not eligible for registration in accordance with the requirements of this Act. I (3) Where the Council refuses to regi~er an applicant under subsection (2) the Council shall give reasons fot the refusal in writing, to the applicant. I I 11. Issuance of certificate of registration 1 (1) Where the Council is satisfied that fue applicant is eligible to engage in veterinary practice, the Council shah register the applicant. I (2) Every veterinary practitioner ~ veterinary practice establishment registered by the Council shall bef· ssued with a certificate of registration in a form prescribed by regulati ns. ' (3) A certificate of temporary registr~ion may be issued on such terms and conditions as the Council mar deem fit, including a I I I I I I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act l 2023 condition that the veterinary practitioner confines hi or her practice to the area of competence for which he or she is enga~ed or registered. ( 4) A veterinary practitioner who is regis~red temporarily, shall for every year of practice in Uganda, submit to the Council, a quarterly report showing among others, the progres~made towards the completion of the task in respect of which the certi cate of temporary registration is issued. (5) A veterinary practitioner who is regE· tered temporarily on application under section 8(1)(b), may apply for registration under section 5, 6 or 7 as the case may be, if at the exp· of the temporary registration, the Council is satisfied that he or she is a fit and proper person to be registered as a veterinary practitioner. I (6) Upon registration, a veterinary practitibner is eligible to apply for a licence to engage in veterinary practice. 12. Suspension or cancellation of certificate of ~stration (1) The Council may suspend a certificate of registration, for a period determined by the Council, or until the vet1rinary practitioner complies with the conditions determined by the Corneil. (2) The Council may cancel a certificate of registration where the registered veterinary practitioner- I (a) violates any of the terms and conditiohs specified in the Code of professional conduct and ethics prescribed under section 70(2)(a); (b) (c) (d) fails to comply with the condition of suspension, in the case of the suspension of a certificate of registration; fails to keep a veterinary practice I 1establishment in accordance with the guidelines issued ~y the Council; and contravenes any provision of this Act or the conditions for reg~strat~on specified by the Council ip. the certificate of registration. I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (3) Where the certificate of registration ~s cancelled, the Council shall recall that certificate and the per~n holding that certificate shall surrender it to the Council within one month from the date of recall. I ( 4) A person who fails to surrender a certific~te of registration to the Council commits an offence and is liable, o* conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred and fifty currency f ints or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both. (5) This section applies to veterinary practile establishments with the necessary modifications. I 13. Effect of suspension or cancellation o~ certificate of registration f A veterinary practitioner whose certificate of registrafipn, for purposes ~~~- I (a) is sus~ended, shall not operate witbfn the period of suspension; or (b) is cancelled, shall be taken not to be retstered from the date of cancellation of the certificate of r~gistration. 14. Use of titles (1) A veterinary practitioner shall be entitl~ to use the title of "Veterinary Surgeon", "Veterinary Specialist" or TVeterinary Para- professional" as, the case may be, and- • ( a) in the case of a veterinary surgeon and veJrinary specialist, the prefix of the title "Doctor" in an ~bbreviated form followed by his or her name as it appe8f in the register; and (b) in the case of a veterinary para-profess~onal, his or her name as it appears in the register followeU! by any suitable words in parentheses to the effect tha~ ,he or she is a veterinary para-professional. I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (2) A person who uses a title referred to !in subsection (1) which he or she is not entitled to use, commits an off~nce, and is liable on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred ~d fifty currency points or a term of imprisonment not exceeding fivel years, or both. p ART III-LICENSING OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS, VETERINARY PRACTICE ESTABLISHMENTS iANo REGULATION OF VETERINARY PRACTICE Licensing of veterinary practitioners and vrterinary practice establishment , 15. Licensing ( 1) A veterinary practitioner, other than a I public veterinary practitioner shall not practice or hold himself or herself out, whether directly or indirectly, as engaging in or being able to engage in veterinary practice or to take up employment or op~rate a business as a veterinary practitioner, unless he or she is licensed under this Act. (2) An organisation, institution or veterinary practice establishment shall not offer veterinary services o~ any other animal health services, unless it is licensed by the Council. (3) A person who contravenes this section cpmmits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding lthree hundred and fifty currency points, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or both. I ( 4) In the case of continuous contraverli.tion following a conviction under subsection (3), the person shall be liable to an additional penalty not exceeding seven hundred currency points. I 16. Application for licence ' (1) A veterinary practitioner who intends to engage in veterinary practice or to operate a veterinary pr,tice establishment shall apply to the Council for a licence. Act (2) by- (a) (b) (c) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 An application under subsection ( 1) sh,11 be accompanied I a copy of the certificate of registration ~f the applicant as a veterinary surgeon, veterinary specialist or veterinary para-professional, as the case may be; evidence of payment of the prescribed ~ee; and any other requirement as the Council ~y prescribe. (3) A person who wishes to operate a veterinary practice establishment shall apply to the Council for a licence to operate a veterinary practice establishment. (4) An application for a licence under subltion (3) shall be accompanied by- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) the particulars of the veterinary practitioner who shall manage the veterinary practice establisrent; a copy of the certificate of registratio~ of the veterinary practitioner referred to in paragraph (a); a copy of the certificate of registration of the veterinary practice establishment; evidence of payment of the prescribed (ee; and any other requirements as the Council rtiay prescribe. 17. Grant of licence ( 1) The Council shall consider an application made under section 16 and where the Council is satisfied that ~e applicant meets the requirements for licensing, the Council may g$t to the applicant a licence to practice veterinary medicine or to operate a veterinary practice establishment, as the case may be. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (2) A licence referred to in subsection (1) sqall be in the form prescribed by regulations. I i (3) (a) (b) (c) (d) The Council may refuse to grant a licence where­ the applicant is not a veterinary practitioner; the application is not supported byf e requirements specified in section 16(2) or (4) of this ct; the applicant has contravened this Act; d for any other reason as the Council deems fit. ( 4) Where the Council refuses to issue La licence under subsection (3) the Council shall give the reasons for the refusal in writing to the applicant. 18. Renewal of licence (1) A licence to practice veterinary medic~e or to operate a veterinary practice establishment granted under seption 17 shall be valid for the calendar year in which it is granted, an1 may be renewed every year. (2) A licensee may apply to the Council for renewal of a licence within three months before the expiry of the licence. (3) The Council shall consider the applic~tion and if it is satisfied that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this Act, the Council may renew the licence. 19. Suspension or revocation of licence ( 1) Where, upon conducting an inquiry int! the conduct of a licensee, the Council determines that the licence hel by the veterinary practitioner should be revoked, the Council shall voke the licence and shall communicate the reasons for the revocation to the licensee within reasonable time, but in any case not later than twenty-one working days from the date of revocation of the li1ce. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (2) Where the Council determines that ~e conduct of the licensee does not warrant a revocation of the li nee, the Council may suspend the licence for a specific period and until the specified conditions are fulfilled. (3) Where the licensee fails to fulfill the conditions set by the Council under subsection (2) within a specified Pfriod, the Council may revoke the licence. 1 Veterinary Practice 20. Private veterinary practice ( 1) A veterinary practitioner licensed underl this Act is entitled to engage in private veterinary practice and to deµi.and, sue for and recover reasonable charges for professional advi¢e, visits and any other services and the value of all veterinary appliances or materials or substances supplied by him or her. (2) A veterinary practitioner shall not reco~er any charges for veterinary services given or visit made, or for the valµe of any medicine or appliance supplied, where at the time that veterinary service was given or visit made or such medicine or appliance was supplied, the veterinary practitioner was not licensed under this Act. (3) A veterinary surgeon or veterinary ~pecialist licensed under this Act may acquire and personally comdound or dispense any medicine which is prescribed by himself or herself or by another veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist, for use in the treatment of an animal which is under his or her professional care. ( 4) A licensed veterinary para-professional shall only undertake the services and procedures prescribed in Schedule 31 to this Act. (5) A licensed veterinary para-professional may, where necessary, render first aid in cases of emergency andishall, as soon as is Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 reasonably practicable, ref er the first aid cases to the rearest veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist. . ( 6) The Ministry or a local government may engage a licensee to offer veterinary services on behalf of the Government on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon with the licelsee. 21. Certification ( 1) A document required to be certified by a duly qualified veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist shall not be valid unless it is signed by a veterinary practitioner registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist. (2) A person who-- (a) signs a document in contravention of subsection (1 ); or (b) knowingly alters a certified document; commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a µne not exceeding three hundred and fifty currency points or a term of ~prisonrnent not exceeding five years, or both. 22. Duties of veterinary practitioners ( 1) The duties of a veterinary practitioner rure- ( a) to conduct the affairs of the profession with the highest degree of honesty, skill and integrity ahd to observe the Code of professional conduct and ethics prescribed under this Act; (b) (c) to inform the Council of any perspn or veterinary practice establishment engaging in vet,rinary practice in contravention of this Act; to report to the commissioner responsibld for animal health, any notifiable disease that comes to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her practice; Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 ( d) to provide a monthly written report, in the prescribed format, to a veterinary officer within the jurisdiction of his or her area of operation; and ( e) to take the necessary precautions in his or her duties to prevent the transmission of disease from one animal to another. (2) A veterinary practitioner who refuses or neglects to perform his or her duties under subsection ( 1 ), shall be deemed to have contravened the professional Code of conduct and ethics and shall be liable to disciplinary action by the Council. 23. Exemptions to engage in veterinary practice without licence (1) The Minister may, upon the advice of the Council by regulations- ( a) exempt any person or category of persons from the requirements of registration or licensing or both; and (b) prescribe the procedure and manner in which an exempted person or category of persons shall practice. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), an exemption shall be granted in respect of- ( a) the performance of any of the following operations to an animal by the owner of the animal, any member of a household of which the owner is a member or by a person in the regular employment of the owner- (i) bloodless castration; (ii) tailing of a lamb; (iii) the docking of the tail of a dog before its eyes are open; (iv) the disbudding of a calf under the age of four weeks; Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (v) earmarking an animal; (vi) any minor treatment, test or opefation as may be specified by the Council from timd to time; or (vii) bloodless dehoming; (b) anything done to an animal, otherwise than for reward, by a person engaged or employed on a farm ?r by the owner of the animal or another person, for the PUfPOse of livestock management practice; and • ( c) anything done to render first aid for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain in an animal. Veterinary practice establishment I 24. Inspection of veterinary practice establishJent ( 1) A veterinary inspector may at any time enter a veterinary practice establishment for purposes of ensuring compliance with this Act. ' (2) Where a veterinary inspector determinesl that the operation of the veterinary practice establishment is in contraiention of this Act and is putting human and animal health at risk, the veterinary inspector may- (a) close the establishment; . (b) seize and retain any appliance, eiuipment, drugs, biologicals, or documents that appear I to the veterinary inspector to be unfit for the intended use; and ( c) take a sample of the product or any substance capable of being used in the practice of veterinaryf· edicine. (3) A veterinary inspector shall exercise ·s or her powers under subsection (2) in the presence of the operator r the person found in charge of the veterinary practice establishment and the veterinary inspector may be accompanied by a police officer. Act Veterinary Practitioners 1 , Act 2023 ( 4) A veterinary inspector shall seal off a veterinary practice establishment closed under subsection (2). I 25. Recognition of veterinary training ins~itution (1) Notwithstanding the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001, a person who is itj. charge of a training institution in Uganda which conducts a course of training leading to the award of a qualification that renders persqns who receive awards registrable under this Act, shall apply to the Council for recognition of that institution as a veterinary training institu~on. (2) The Minister may, by regulations, 1Prescribe the procedure for recognising training institutions for the purposes of this section. I (3) The Council may, at any time, cease to recognise a training institution which, in the opinion of the Coupcil, is no longer of a satisfactory standard to conduct a course of training to qualify persons receiving awards from that institution, for reg~tration under this Act. ( 4) The cessation of recognition of an institution under subsection (3) shall not invalidate the regisafation of a person who graduated from that institution and was registered prior to the ceasing of recognition of the training institution. i 26. Continuous professional development I (1) Every veterinary practitioner shall undertake minimum continuing professional development as prescljibed by the Council. (2) The Council may refuse to renew ~e license of a veterinary practitioner, who, without reasonable cause, fails to undertake the minimum continuing professional develrpment referred to m subsection (1). Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (3) The Council shall determine the mi1mum number of hours and the nature of continuing professional development required to renew a licence annually to practice veterinary mfdicine. (4) The Council may recognise a continuous professional development training undertaken by a veterinary ~ractitioner from outside Uganda. PART IV-INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMmhs 27. Establishment of Uganda Veterinary Counqil There is established the Uganda Veterinary Council, which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a fommon seal and shall, in its corporate name be capable of- ( a) suing and being sued; (b) taking, purchasing, or otherwise acqumng, holding, charging or disposing of movable and lllllflOvable property; ( c) borrowing and lending money; and ( d) doing all other things as may be lawfull~ done by a body corporate. 28. Seal of Council (1) The common seal of the Council referrep to in section 27 shall be kept by the secretary. (2) The seal of the Council shall be affixed ~n the documents of the Council that the Council deems fit. (3) The affixing of the seal of the Council od any document of the Council shall be authenticated by the signature 9f the chairperson and the secretary, and the signatures of the chai~rson and of the Secretary shall not be required to be witnessed by any other person. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 ( 4) Every document purporting to be an ins/trument issued by the Council and authenticated in the manner described in subsection (2) shall be admissible in evidence without further! proof, unless the contrary is shown. 29. Membership of Council 1 (1) The Council shall consist of nine members appointed by the Minister, with the approval of Cabinet. (2) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) The Council shall comprise of- the commissioner responsible for ani~l health or his or her representative; a representative of veterinary scho~ls, faculties or Universities recognised by the Council, who shall be a veterinary surgeon or veterinary special~st; a representative of veterinary para-professional training institutions recognised by the Council; i a representative of animal research insti~tions; a representative of the Uganda Vetednary Association nominated by the Uganda Veterinary As~ciation; a representative of the Uganda teterinary Para­ professional Association nominated by the Uganda Veterinary para-professional Associatidn; a representative of the veterinary pr3ttitioners who is specially trained to manage aquatic dise~s nominated by the Uganda Veterinary Association; a wildlife veterinary surgeon nominated by the Ministry responsible for wildlife; and a representative from the veterinJ pharmaceutical industry. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act I 2023 (3) The Chief Executive Officer shall be an ex-officio member of the Council and the secretary to the Council, and shall not take part in the decision making of the Council. ( 4) The Minister shall appoint, a chairperson of the Council from among the members of the Council, who sh~ll be a veterinary surgeon. 30. Eligibility for appointment to Council A person shall be appointed to serve as a member o~the Council if that person is- • (a) a permanent resident of Uganda; (b) a person of good standing; ( c) a citizen of Uganda and who has not been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude; and I ( d) registered or licensed under this Act. 31. Tenure of office A member of the Council shall hold office for four y~ars and is eligible for reappointment for one term only, except that the Minister shall appoint at least three members for a term of thre(j years, renewable once. 32. Vacation of office (1) A member of the Council may resi~ from his or her appointment by giving notice in writing to the Minister, of at least sixty days, of his or her intention to resign. (2) Where the office of a member of the Council becomes vacant, other than by the holder having complet~d the mandatory term, the Minister may appoint another person to hold the office, and the person appointed shall cease to hold the office oq the date on which Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act , 2023 I the person in whose place he or she is holding that office would have ceased to hold office. (3) Where a member of the Council is, /or any reasonable cause, temporarily unable to perform the functions of his or her office, the Minister may appoint another person who qualiijies to be a member of the Council, in the place of the substantive n!i.ember during the period of absence of that substantive member. ( 4) The Minister shall remove from offici a member of the Council who- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) is adjudged bankrupt under any law 4i, force in Uganda and has not been discharged of the ba.n]puptcy; is convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty by a court of competent jurisdiction; has been absent, without the permission of the chairperson, for more than three consecutive meetin~s of the Council; is incapable of performing his or her funbtions as a member of the Council as a result of mental or physical infirmity; has neglected to perform his or her funqtions as a member of the Council; conducts himself or herself in a manner unbecoming of a member of the Council; or I has been denied registration or a licence under this Act. (5) The Minister shall, prior to exercising iis or her power of removal under subsection (4), notify the member in writing and give the member an opportunity to show cause why he or she should not be removed from office. I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 33. Functions of Council (1) The Council shall be responsible for the general supervision and control of veterinary practice and training, and shall advise Government on matters relating to the veterinary profession and practice. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of sfbsection ( 1 ), the Council shall- (a) register and license veterinary practitiontrs; (b) regulate veterinary practice and ve~erinary practice establishments; ( c) collaborate with the relevant institutions or bodies to set standards of training required to qualify! for the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates in veterinary practice, including continuing professional develdpment ( d) approve, in consultation with the relevatjt bodies, courses of study and the conduct of qualifying c;xaminations, for the purposes of this Act; I ( e) set and enforce standards of professio,ial conduct and ethics and exercise disciplinary control over veterinary practitioners; 1 (f) protect animal health and veterinary public health; (g) develop policies to regulate and advance v~terinary practice and prescribe information to be regularly submitted by veterinary practitioners; I (h) approve operational plans and annual I budgets, ensure sound financial management and approve the external auditors of the Council; i (i) protect veterinary practice, and deal fith any matter related to the practice; Act G) (k) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 perform any other function incidental t1 ~he maintenance of good veterinary practice or as the Mif ster may direct; and ' monitor the proper utiliz.ation of veterinary drugs and devices in collaboration with the relevant authorities. 34. Powers of Council The Council has powers to- ( a) obtain information from any person, body or authority as the Council deems relevant to the performance of its functions; , (b) enter and inspect any veterinary practic~ establishment; ( c) carry out an inquiry and summon any person who has in his or her possession or under his or her control a document or record relevant to the subject of an inquiry, to appear before the Council and to producj· that document or record; I ( d) retain or make a copy of any document or record produced by a person summoned under paragraph ( c ); and ( e) order the removal of the name of a veterinary practitioner or a veterinary practice establishment frf m the register. I 35. Meetings and procedure of Council ( 1) The Council shall conduct its meetings in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Schedule 4 to this Act. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Coqncil may regulate its own procedure. I ! ! 36. Committees of Council (1) The Council may establish standing or ad hoc committees as it may deem necessary for the performance of its functions. Act I Veterinary Practitioners 'A1t 2023 (2) The chairperson of the Council shall lappoint the members of the committees and shall specify the procedures and terms of reference of the committees. 37. Remuneration of members of Council The members of the Council shall be paid such1 remuneration as the Minister may, in consultation with the Minister responsible for finance, approve. 1 Management and staff of Council 38. Chief Executive Officer 1 (1) There shall be a Chief Executive O~cer appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Council. (2) A person shall qualify to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer if that person is a veterinary surgeon or 1 veterinary specialist and meets the additional requirements prescribed 1 by the Council. 39. Functions of Chief Executive Officer (1) The functions of the Chief Executive !Officer are- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) to receive and file applications for registration, licensing and renewal of licences; to keep and maintain a register of vetbrinary practitioners and veterinary practice establishments; to develop strategic plans for approval by the Council; I to be the accounting officer of the Copncil and to manage the funds and property of the Council1 to cause to be inspected all yeterinary practice establishments; to take and keep minutes of all meetji.ngs of the Council and to keep all the records of the Co~cil; Act (g) (h) (i) G) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 to keep in safe custody the seal of the cJuncil; to receive and file complaints made against a veterinary practitioner; I to coordinate and collaborate with ¥tional, regional and international veterinary professional bodies and development partners; and to perform any other function the Counctl may assign him or her. · (2) The Chief Executive Officer shall, in thb performance of his or her functions, be subject to the general contro~ and supervision of the chairperson of Council. (3) The chairperson of the Council may, from time to time in writing, require the Chief Executive Officer to submlit to the Council, a report on the affairs of the Council. 40. Tenure of office of Chief Executive Officer (1) The Chief Executive Officer shall hold oili.ce for a term of five years renewable only once. (2) The Chief Executive Officer may vacate office at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation of opt less than three months in advance, addressed to the Minister and the chairperson of the Council. (3) The Council may, remove the Chief flxecutive Officer from office where in the opinion of the Council, the Chief Executive Officer- i (a) becomes incapable of performing the dt4ies of his or her office arising from infirmity of body or mind; I (b) is incompetent; Act (c) (d) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 is found guilty of fraud or any other 9ffence involving moral turpitude; or • is found culpable for misconduct or I misbehavior in relation to his or her office as Chief Executive Officer or as a veterinary practitioner. 41. Secretariat and staff of Council (1) There shall be a secretariat to facilitate tlie Council in the discharge of its functions under this Act. (2) The secretariat shall be headed by the Chief Executive Officer appointed under section 38 of this Act. (3) The functions of the secretariat are- (a) to implement the decisions and policies ~fthe Council; (b) to recommend proposals for the formulation of policies to the Council; I ( C) to establish and maintain relationshipr with national, regional and international organisations, institutions and agencies as may be appropriate for facili~ting the carrying out of the functions of the Council underlthis Act; and ( d) to discharge such other functions as tlie Council may determine from time to time. 42. Independence of Council ( 1) The Council shall, subject to subsection (2~, be independent of any person or authority in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers. (2) Council. The Minister may give policy direction, fn writing, to the Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Ak:t 2023 43. Veterinary inspectors (1) The Council shall appoint veterinru)f inspectors who shall be responsible for monitoring compliance with this Act. I (2) The veterinary inspectors shall be appointed from the following categories of public officers- I (a) staff of the Council; (b) public veterinary pract1t1oners rominated by the commissioner responsible for animal health; and i ( c) any public officer whose functions are relevant or related to the functions of the Council. (3) A person appointed under subsectioq. (2) shall hold office for a term of three years or such longer perio1 as the Council may determine. (4) The Council shall publish in the Gaiette and a newspaper of national wide circulation, the names of the yeterinary inspectors appointed under subsection ( 1 ). ( 5) A veterinary inspector shall producer, on demand a duly authenticated document showing that he or she is a veterinary inspector entitled to exercise the powers of a veterinary irspector specified in subsection (7). (6) (a) (b) ! A veterinary inspector shall be respo~sible for- I inspecting veterinary practice establishments in his or her area of operation; examining or inspecting any certifi<rates of registration, licenses, books, electronic information storage systems or other related documents in the I veterinary practice establishment or any premise and te or she may take Act (c) (d) (e) (t) (g) (7) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 extracts of the certificate, licence, jbook, electronic information storage system or documerlts which may be necessary to effect the examination or i~pection; providing advice to veterinary practitionbrs and occupiers or operators of a veterinary practice estaplishments on the management of the veterinary practice e$tablishments; monitoring and supervising delivery of vqterinary services; inspecting training institutions to asceftain compliance with the standards set by the Council under section 33(2) (c); preparing inspection reports and making Jecommendations to the Council; and performing any other duties as the Council may direct. I A veterinary inspector shall have powers- to enter and inspect premises or a vessel suspected to be used as a veterinary practice establishment; i to require the owner or operator of a veterinary practice establishment to maintain the vet,rinary practice establishment in good and tenantable repair in accordance with established standards; to issue a prohibition notice to the owner or the operator of a veterinary practice establishment th~t is operating in contravention of the prescribed standards; to seize and retain any veterinary drug, equipment, record, animal, or any other thing that constitutes or contains evidence of a contravention of this Act; ajn:d to inquire into any matter relating to v~erinary practice within his or her area of jurisdiction. I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 2023 (8) Where a person declares that a veterirt.ary inspector has conflict of interest in any matter under inspection, or a veterinary inspector declares so, the Council shall designate ~other veterinary inspector to inspect the veterinary practice establisqment. 44. Other staff of Council (1) The Council may employ such other 1 staff as may be necessary for the proper and efficient discharge of i(S functions. I (2) The Council shall regulate the manner of appointment and the terms and conditions of service and discipline of the staff of the Council. I (3) Without limiting the generality of subSFction (1), public officers may be seconded to the service of the Council or may otherwise give assistance to the Council. 1 p ART V-FINANCES 45. Funds of Council The funds of the Council shall consist of- ( a) monies appropriated by Parliament; (b) donations and grants received from I sources within and outside Uganda, with the approval of the Minister responsible for finance; and ( c) any monies accruing to the Council in the course of the discharge of the functions of the Counci~ under this Act. 46. Power to open and operate bank accounts I (1) The Council shall, with the approval or the Accountant General, open and maintain bank accounts as are ~ecessary for the performance of the functions of the Council. (2) The Chief Executive Officer shall ensure that all monies received by or on behalf of the Council are bmµced as soon as practicable, in the bank accounts of the Council. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (3) The Chief Executive Officer shall approve the monies to be paid out of the bank accounts of the Councrl. (4) The Chief Executive Officer shall ri.otify the Council about the status of the accounts and advise on the operation or closure of any account. 47. Power to borrow The Council may borrow money from any so~ce as may be required for the discharge of its functions under ill.is Act, subject to the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. 48. Estimates (1) The Chief Executive Officer s~ll, not later than four months before the end of every financial yeat, prepare and submit to the Council for its approval, estimates of income and expenditure of the Council for the next financial year. (2) The Council shall, in accordance !With the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, prepare and submit~ the Minister, a budget containing the estimates of the income and exfenditure of the Council for the next financial year. (3) The Council shall not incur any expenditure exceeding the expenditure provided under the estimates for the financial year in which the expenditure is to be made. 49. Financial year of Council The financial year of the Council is the period of twelve months, beginning on the 1st day of July of every year and ending on the 30th day of June of the following year. I SO. Accounts L ( 1) The Chief Executive Officer shall, (a) keep proper books of accounts and records of the transactions and affairs of the Council; Act (b) (c) (d) Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 2023 ensure that all monies received are propdrly accounted for; I ensure that all payments out of the monies of the Council are correctly and properly approved; and I ensure that adequate control is maintained over its assets and liabilities. 1 (2) The Chief Executive Officer shall subnii.it to the Council the annual accounts of the Council for approval and o~ward submission to the Auditor General. I 51. Audit The Auditor General shall, in each :financial year, auqit the accounts of the Council in accordance with the National Audit .Aict, 2008. 52. Annual report (1) The Chief Executive Officer shall, within forty-five days after the end of each financial year, submit to the Couµcil, for approval, an annual report in respect of that financial year. (2) (a) (b) (c) (d) The annual report shall contain­ financial statements; I a report on the activities and operations qfthe Council; audited accounts of the Council; and any other information regarding accoun~. I (3) The Chief Executive Officer shall submi/t to the Minister, as soon as practicable but in any case, not later th~ the 15th day of September of every year, the annual report approved 1 by the Council. ( 4) The Minister shall, within two months after receipt of the annual report, submit to Parliament the annual repott of the Council with any statement which he or she considers necessflY. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 53. Duty to operate on sound financial principlbs The Council shall perform its functions in accor<Jance with sound financial principles and in conformity with good codlrnercial practices and shall ensure, as far as possible, that the revenues pf the Council are sufficient to meet expenditure properly charged to the revenue. I 54. Compliance with Public Finance Managem,nt Act, 2015 The Council shall at all times comply with the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. p ART VI-ENFORCEMENT 55. Inquiry by Council (1) The Council may, on its own volition qr on a complaint lodged with the Council, institute an inquiry into lthe conduct of a veterinary practitioner or a licensee. (2) The Chief Executive Officer shall not~fy the parties to the complaint of a hearing date, time and place as the Council shall determine. (3) The Council may seek the assistance I of the Attorney General to advise the Council at an inquiry on matters pertaining to law and procedure or to lead evidence. 1 ( 4) The person presiding at the inquiry shall k~p or cause to be kept in writing or electronically, a record of the procee<l.yigs of the inquiry. (5) The Council shall, in the conduct of an ~uiry regulate its procedure but shall observe the rules of natural justice. 56. Witnesses at inquiry (1) In the conduct of an inquiry under sectio~ 55, the Council shall have the powers of the High Court to summon witnesses and to call for the production of books, plans and documenJ and to examine witnesses on oath. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act I 2023 I (2) Summons for the attendance ofwitness,s or other persons at an inquiry shall be signed by the secretary to the ~ouncil, and oaths and affirmations shall be administered by the perspn presiding over the inquiry. (3) A person who, having been served with a summons to attend and give evidence or to produce any documbnt at any inquiry held under section 55- 1 (a) fails without sufficient cause to obey thq summons; (b) refuses, without sufficient cause to answer fully and to the best of his or her knowledge and beliefJ all questions put to him or her; or I ( c) willfully interrupts the proceedings of the Council or insults any member of the Council, I commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a f?ne not exceeding one hundred currency points or to imprisonment 1 for a period not exceeding three months, or both. (4) An inquiry under section 55 shall be de~med to be a suit or proceeding in courts of law and the Evidence Ad shall apply with necessary modifications. 1 57. Expert advice to Council at inquiry (1) The Council may co-opt an expert in aby field which is the subject of inquiry to give an expert opinion or evidence to guide the Council to arrive at an informed decision in the conduct of an mqu1ry. I (2) An expert co-opted under subsection p) shall advise Council in the presence of the veterinary practitifner or licensee whose conduct is the subject of the inquiry and his .or her advocate, 'f I 1 any. I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'A~t I 2023 58. Decisions of Council 1 ( 1) The secretary shall notify in writing, the veterinary practitioner or the licensee whose conduct is the subject of the inquiry, of the decision of the Council and the reasons for the decision, within thirty days from the conclusion of the inquiry. ' (2) The findings and decision of the Council at any inquiry under this Act shall be signed by the person presiding over the Council and the secretary and when so recorded and signed, shall be conclusive evidence of the professional conduct of the regis~ered practitioner or licensee, unless the contrary is proved. 59. Disciplinary sanctions of Council ( 1) Where a veterinary practitioner or licensee is found culpable of professional misconduct under this Act, the Co\J,Ilcil may- ( a) refuse to issue or renew his or her licep.ce; (b) revoke or suspend his or her licence; ' ( c) place on probation the veterinary practitioner whose licence has been suspended; ( d) suspend or cancel the certificate of re~istration and cause the removal of his or her name from ~e register; ( e) issue a cease and desist order ag~inst the licensed practitioner; I (f) impose an administrative penalty npt exceeding two hundred and fifty currency points, against the registered practitioner or licensee; or (g) reprimand the licensee. (2) The Council may require a licensee ~o is on probation under subsection ( 1) ( c )- 1 Act Veterinary Practitioners ~Act 2023 (a) to report regularly to the Council or its appointed representative, on matters that (orm the basis of the probation; (b) to limit practice to the areas specifjed by the Council; or ' ( c) to undertake continuing professional development until the licensee attains a level of skill satisfactory to the Council in the areas that are the basis of th~ probation. I (3) The Council may revoke a licence where a licensee continues to engage in an act after being issued 1with a cease and desist • I order under subsection ( 1) ( e ). ( 4) Where the continued act under subsection (3) leads to death or otherwise endangers human or animal healtll, the licensee commits an offence and is liable, on conviction to a penalty not exceeding five hundred currency points or to a term of imprisbnment not exceeding seven years or both. ' (5) Disciplinary proceedings under this Act shall not be a bar to criminal prosecution or civil proceedings. 1 60. Review and appeals (1) A person aggrieved by a decision :or the Council under this Act may apply to the Council for review Qf its decision and the Council may confirm, vary or reverse its decision. I (2) A person aggrieved with the decisiop. of the Council, may apply to the Council for review of the decision where the aggrieved person- I (a) has material information that was no\t available at the time when the Council made the decision, or I (b) has rectified the anomalies that fonned the basis of the decision of the Council. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 2023 (3) A person who is not satisfied with the decision of the Council under this Act may appeal against that dercision to a Chief Magistrates Court, within thirty days from the date 1 of the decision of the Council. ( 4) A person who intends to appeal against a decision of the Council may request for the record of the proceedings of the Council, and upon payment of the prescribed fee, the Councii shall furnish that person with a copy of the record. 1 p ART VII-MiscELLANEOUS 61. Register (1) The Council shall maintain a registFr of veterinary practitioners and veterinary practice establishments. 1 (2) The register shall contain the partic~ars specified m Schedule 5 and have different parts as follows- 1 (a) veterinary practitioners categorised as veterinary surgeons, veterinary specialists and each category df veterinary para­ professionals; I (b) licensees categorised as veterinary s~eons, veterinary specialists and veterinary para-professiol)al.s; I ( c) veterinary practice establishments; ( d) recognised training institutions; ( e) licensed veterinary laboratories; I (f) veterinary practitioners registered tempo~arily; and (g) any other category as the Council may deem fit. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (3) Notwithstanding sections 62, 63, 641and 65, the Minister may make regulations prescribing the form of the register, the making of entries in the register and the removal of entri~ and, in particular- 1 (a) prescribing a fee to be charged for the entry of a name in the register or restoration of an entry; ' (b) prescribing a fee to be charged in respect of the retention in the register of the name of a person in any year subsequent to the year in which he or she was first registered; and ( c) authorising the secretary to the Coun~il to refuse to make or restore to the register any entry until the fee prescribed by regulations under this section has been paid. 62. Removal of name from register ( 1) The Council shall cause to be removed from the register- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) , a person who requests in writing that his or her name be removed from the register; ' the name of a licensee or veterinary1 practitioner who is convicted of an offence under section167; I the name of a licensee or veterinary practitioner who leaves Uganda and does not return within t\telve months unless he or she has notified the Council an~ has requested that his or her name is retained on the reglster, and continues, during the period of his or her absence~ to pay the retention fees as required under section 64; the name of a person registered under: section 8, upon the expiry of the registration period; • the name of a veterinary practitioner, a licensee or a veterinary practice establishment w~ose certificate of registration is cancelled; and 1 Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 1 I 2023 I (f) the name of a veterinary practitioner or a licensee who is deceased and it comes to the knowledge of the Council that the veterinary practitioner or licensee is deceased. I (2) Where a deceased veterinary practition~r was managing a veterinary practice establishment, the Council may 1 cause the closure of the veterinary practice establishment except where the veterinary practice establishment was registered under a partnelrship with another licensed veterinary practitioner. 1 (3) Where the name of a veterinary practi~ioner is removed from the register for any reason other than death, the registration of the veterinary practice establishment under the names of the veterinary practitioner, shall also lapse, unless the veterinary practice establishment is registered in partnership with ap.other veterinary practitioner, or until such time that another veteri~ practitioner is registered in respect of that veterinary practice establishment. 63. Restoration of name on register ( 1) The Council may, on its own motion or oq the application of a veterinary practitioner or licensee whose name has ~en removed from the register, and after holding an inquiry as the Council may consider appropriate, cause the name of a veterinary practitioner or licensee to be reinstated in the register, upon payment of a prescribcli fee. I I (2) Where the name of a person is reinstated, under subsection ( 1 ), the Council may restore the certificate of registration of the veterinary practice establishment that may have !lapsed and may impose a period of supervision or any other condition that Council I deems fit. , 64. Annual retention fees 1 (1) Every registered veterinary practitionet and a licensee shall pay to the Council an annual retention fee in1 such amount as prescribed by regulations. : Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (2) The retention fee for the subsequent ~ear shall be paid before 31st of December of the calendar year preceding the subsequent year. ! I (3) The Council shall remove from the regi~ter the name of a veterinary practitioner or a licensee who contravents subsections (1) and (2). I (4) The Council may reinstate on the regi~ter the names of a veterinary practitioner or a licensee removed und~r subsection (3), upon payment of the prescribed fees and any penalty 1 prescribed by the Council, with the approval of the Minister. 65. Correction of errors 1 ( 1) The secretary to the Council may witli the approval of the Council, from time to time make any necessdry alterations or corrections in the register. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of sliibsection (1 ), the secretary to the Council may alter or make a correct~on in the register to correct clerical or editorial errors. (3) Every veterinary practitioner or license¢ shall notify the secretary to the Council, within reasonable time in any case, not exceeding thirty days from the date of occurrence, of any change in his or her particulars entered in the register. I (4) The notification referred to in subsectiob. (3) shall be in a prescribed form and shall be accompanied by c~rtified copies of documents attesting to the intended change. ( 5) A veterinary practitioner or licensee who fails or neglects to notify the secretary to the Council as required undFr subsection (3) shall pay a civil penalty for the failure or neglect, as the Minister may prescribe. I Act Veterinary Practitioners JAct 2023 66. Publication (1) The Chief Executive Officer sqall, after the 1st day of January and not later than the 31st day of March of every year, cause to be published in the Gazette or any nJwspaper of nationwide circulation the names of all veterinary practitioners, licensees and veterinary practice establishments appearing I in the register of that particular year. . (2) The Chief Executive Officer shall, after every three months, publish in the Gazette or in a daily n~wspaper of nationwide circulation the names of all veterinary practitioners, licensees and veterinary practice establishments entered on or removed from the register. (3) The publications referred to in Jubsections (1) and (2) shall be prima facie evidence that- ( a) a person whose name appears iln the register, is duly registered or licensed under this Abt; (b) the veterinary practice establish.µlent appearing in the register is duly registered under t1's Act; and ( c) the absence of the name of a veterinary practitioner, licensee or veterinary practice . establishment from a publication shall be prima facie evi~ence that the veterinary practitioner, licensee or veterinary practice establishment is not so registered or licensed. ( 4) The registers or any copy or extract from the registers certified under the hand of the secretary to the Council shall be admissible as evidence in all courts of law. 67. Offences and penalties ( 1) A person who- ( a) false~y. uses any name or title purpprting to be a veterinary pract1t1oner; • Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act I 2023 (b) not being registered, licensed or otherwise authorised under this Act, holds himself or herself O[Ut as a veterinary practitioner, whether openly or covertly; I ( c) willfully procures or attempts to procure himself or herself to be registered under this Act by false or fraudulent representation either verbally or in writitjg; ( d) aids or abets another person to hold himself or herself out or to procure registration or licensing ·iusing fraudulent means; or ( e) contravenes any other provision of this Act for which no offence and punishment are prescribed; . commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a dne not exceeding three hundred and fifty currency points, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding fl ve years, or both. (2) Any person, institution or organisation which engages a person holding out to be a veterinary practitioner ot a licensee shall be taken to have abetted or aided that person to engage in veterinary practice in Uganda in contravention of this Act. (3) A person, institution or organisationl referred to m subsection (2) commits an offence under subsection (1 ). 68. Power to exempt certain treatments from operation of Act The Council may declare that veterinary practice shall not be deemed to include any specified treatment, test or operation, either generally or in respect of any specified species of animals, and so long 48 that declaration remains in force, this Act shall not apply to any petson performing, carrying out or giving that specified treatment, test or operation. Act I Veterinary Practitioners 'Act I 2023 69. Immunity of officials (1) A veterinary practitioner or a licensk shall not be held personally liable to any person in respect of an a(iverse drug effect to an animal or death of an. animal in consequence pf any act he or she does bonafide in the performance of his or her duties unless it is shown that the act was done illegally or with gross negligence. I (2) A suit, prosecution or other legal pro<reedings may not be brought against a member of the Council, the Chief Executive Officer, a member of staff of the secretariat, or a veterinary inspector, in his or her personal capacity for anything done in good f,ith in the discharge of his or her functions under this Act or regulations made under this Act. I 70. Regulations (1) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Council, by statutory instrument, make regulations geneptlly for the better carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality I of subsection (1 ), regulations made under this section may- (a) (b) (c) (d) prescribe the Code of professional copduct and ethics of veterinary practitioners; I prescribe procedures for engagement of community-based organisations and non-governmental drganisations whose activities relate to veterinary services or animal health services; prescribe the procedure for inspecti~n, monitoring and supervision of veterinary practice establishments; I provide for procedures for the registqltion and licensing of veterinary practitioners and veterinary practice establishments; I Act (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) {j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) Veterinary Practitionerk 'Act 2023 I provide procedures for conducti~ an inquiry; prescribe any form to be used 1in connection with any matter under this Act; I prescribe any fee to be charged under this Act; regulate advertisement of s~rvices by veterinary practitioners; prescribe the process ofrecognitidn of training institutions; regulate the scale of fees to bd charged by veterinary practitioners; 1 prescribe guidelines for licensing 9f veterinary laboratories; prescribe times for appeals and n~tifications; prescribe the conduct of c?ntinuous professional development; provide for internship for veterinary surgeons and veterinary para-professionals; anq prescribe any other regulations as1the Council deems fit. 71. Amendment of Schedules The Minister may, on the recommendation of tjhe Council, by statutory instrument, amend the Schedules to this Act. 1 72. Repeal and savings (1) Section 12(2) (c) of the Animal 1 Breeding Act, 2001 is repealed. I (2) The Veterinary Surgeons Act, Cap 1 277 is repealed. (3) Notwithstanding the repeal referrej<l to in subsection (2)--­ (a) the registration or licensing of alperson as a veterinary practitioner under the repealed A~t shall not, so long as Act Veterinary Practitioners • Act 2023 that registration or license is in force at d¥: commencement of this Act, be affected by the repeal; abd that veterinary practitioner shall be deemed to be regi~tered or licensed under this Act, except that that veterin~ practitioner shall within twelve months after the commencement of this Act, lodge an application with the Council fdr registration and licensing under this Act; (b) any reference to the repealed Act in any enactment immediately before the commencement! of this Act shall be construed as a reference to this Act; ( c) all assets vested or held in trust by virttie of the repealed Act immediately before the commenceljllent of this Act, shall, upon the commencement of this I Act, be deemed to be vested or held in trust by the Council on the same terms and conditions existing immedi~tely before the commencement of this Act; ( d) any regulations and instruments made Jider the repealed Act, shall remain valid and binding, and 1 shall be deemed to be made under this Act, until they are revoked by a statutory instrument made under this Actf ( e) any decisions, agreements or contracts made under the repealed Act, shall in so far as they are1 not inconsistent with this Act, remain valid and binding in: accordance with the terms under which they were made; 3jlld (f) any action, arbitration, proceedings or cause of action which, immediately before the commencement of this Act, is pending or existing, by, against or in favour of the Council before the commencement of t~1is Act, may be continued, enforced or prosecuted by, against or in favour of the Council without amendment of flllY pleading or other document. Act I Veterinary Practitionerf 'Act SCHEDULE 1 CURRENCY POINT A currency point is equivalent to twenty thousand shillings. 2023 Section 2 Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Akt 2023 SCHEDULEl OATHS I Sections 5(4) and 7(3) I THE VETERINARY SURGEON'S! OAffl SOLEMN OATH FOR VETERINARY SURGEOlf S To be declared on admission to the membership of the veterinary profession. I.. .............................................. , in as mudh as the privilege of membership of the veterinary profession is about to ~e conferred upon me, solemnly swear/affirm that I shall abide in all due ldyalty to the veterinary profession and will do all in my power to maintain and 11>romote the interests of the veterinary profession. I shall promote animal health and welfare, prevent, and relieve animal suffering, the conservation of anim~l resources, protect the health of the public and the environment, and advance comparative medical knowledge. I shall practice my profession conscieptiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept the obligation to the continual improvement of my profe~sional knowledge and competence. All this I solemnly promise to do. So help me God I Name: ....................................... Signature: ............................. . I Date .................................................................................. . I qhief Executive Officer Uganda Veterinary Council" I Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 VETERINARY PARA-PROFESSIONAL'~ OAm. t~~~~~~;; ·p~~~p;~f~~~i~~~i: • ~~i~~~i;· ~~~~/~::~:lt 1~~:dde;~a: myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellept care and services for animals, I shall promote animal health and welfare, prevent and relieve animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, promote public health, and protect the environment. I accept my obligation to practice my profession conscientiously, with sensitivity, adhering to the para-profession's Code of Ethics and in keeping with the principles of yeterinary medical ethics. I accept the obligation to furthering my knowledge and competence through commitment to lifelong learning. All this I solenrly promise to do. So help me God I Name: .......................................... Signature: .......................... . i Date ................................................................................. . • • • • • • ·ciz,i &~~~~iv~. Offi~~; Uganda Veterinary Council" I Act Veterinary Practitione~ 'Act 2023 SCHEDULE3 Section 20(4) SERVICES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO PRACTICE BY VETERINARY PARA-PROFEfSIONALS PART I-SERVICES TO BE OFFERED BY VETERINARY PARA­ PROFESSIONALS I 1. ( 1) A veterinary para-professional may perfonn the following (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) services-- implementation of parasite control programmes in animals; meat inspection and other related dulies; delegated duties pertaining to ~gulated animal diseases, including the various eradication schemes; extension services including trainingloffarmers and community members; I the collection, capturing and evaluation of data and the compiling of reports while assisting! with epidemiological and research projects; the collection of samples, including I blood smears, impression smears, skin scrapings, and wool scr~pings, and faecal samples, other than the collection of samples 11,y biopsy; the examination and analysis of $amples, including blood smears, skin and wool scrapings, urine analysis and fecal samples and elementary clinical cherhistry; artificial insemination provided that tJr.e licence of the veterinary para-professional indicates that he • or she is registered and licensed as an inseminator; 1 carry out therapeutic services when guided or delegated by a registered veterinary surgeon or vetefuiary specialist; and any other functions as the Councill may from time to time detennine. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (2) A veterinary para-professional shall perform ~e services referred to in paragraph (1) only during the course of delegated responsibility- ( a) as an employee of Government; or (b) under the supervision of a registered ve~rinary surgeon or specialist. I PART 2-PROCEDURES TO BE UNDERTAKEN ~y VETERINARY PARA-PROFESSIONALS 2 ( 1) A veterinary para-professional may underfake the following procedures- 1 (a) closed castration of cattle under six months of age; (b) closed castration of sheep and goats under iliree months of age; ( c) open castration of pigs up to thirty days of ake; ( d) dehorning of immature cattle, sheep and I goats under four months of age; ( e) tail docking of sheep under twelve months of age by using the open method; (f) hooftrimming; (g) taking samples; and I {h) cany out curative or therapeutic and relief actions on all animal species as prescribed by Council. I I (2) A veterinary para-professional may perform the following procedures under the supervision or direction of a veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist- (a) lancing of abscesses; (b) treatment of septic wounds; and ( c) administration of injections, vaccines and m~dicines. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 SCHEDULE4 Section 35(1) MEETINGS OF COUNCIL 1. Meetings of Council I ( 1) The chairperson of the Council shall convene every meeting of the Council at such time and place as the Council may. determine, and the Council shall meet for the discharge of business at least lonce in every three months. (2) The chairperson may, at any time, convene 4 special meeting of the Council within seven days, if requested to do so in writing by at least six members of the Council. (3) Notice of a meeting of the Council shall be given in writing to each member at least fourteen working days before the d~y of the meeting. ( 4) The chairperson shall preside at every meefing of the Council and in the absence of the chairperson, the members present shall appoint a member from among themselves to preside at the meeting. 2. Quorum (1) The quorum for a meeting of the Council is six members. I (2) All decisions at a meeting of the Council shall be by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting and in fase of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote. 3. Minutes of meetings (1) The Council shall cause to be recorded and kept, minutes of all meetings of the Council in a form approved by the Coun4il. (2) The minutes kept under subparagraph ( 1) ~hall be confirmed by the Council at the next meeting and signed by die chairperson of that meeting and the secretary to the Council. • Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 4. Decision by circulation of papers ( 1) Subject to subparagraph (2), the decisions of the Council may be made by the circulation of the relevant papers among the members and the expression of their views in writing, but any member is entitled to request that that decision be deferred until the matter is considered at a meeting of the Council. (2) A decision made by circulation of papers under this paragraph is not valid unless it is supported by not less than six members. S. Power to co-opt (1) The Council may co-opt any person who, in the opinion of the Council, has expert knowledge on any matter to be considered by the Council, to attend and take part in the proceedings of the Council. (2) A person co-opted under this paragraph may take part in any discussion at the meeting of the Council on which his or her advice is required but shall not have any right to vote at that meeting. 6. Validity of proceedings not affected by vacancy The validity of any proceedings of the Council shall not be affected by a vacancy in its membership or by any defect in the appointment or qualification of a member. 7. Disclosure of interest of members ( 1) A member of the Council who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a contract made or proposed to be made by the Council, or in any other matter which falls to be considered by the Council, shall disclose the nature of his or her interest at a meeting of the Council. (2) A disclosure made under subparagraph (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of that meeting. (3) A member who makes a disclosure under subparagraph ( 1) shall not- (a) be present during any deliberation of the Council with respect to that matter; or Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Act 2023 (b) I take part in any decision of the Cou~cil with respect to that matter. I (4) For purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, a member withdrawing from a meeting or who is not1taking part in a meeting under subparagraph (3) shall be treated as being present. 8. Council may regulate its procedure Subject to this Act, the Council may regulate its owp. procedure. Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Acf 2023 SCHEDULES Section 61 (2) REGISTER OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS, LICENSEES AND VETERINARY PRACTICE ESTABLISIIMt;NT 1. The register shall contain the following particulars in respect of registered veterinary practitioners- '. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (t) (g) (h) (i) G) (k) name; date registered; academic qualification( s ); I year in which the qualification was attaine~; name and address of institution where tJte qualification was obtained; permanent address; business address; including postal and ph)!sical address, phone contacts and email address; registration certificate number; additional qualifications; national identity card or passport number; and I area of competence. 2. The register shall contain the following particµlars in respect of licensed veterinary practitioners- ( a) name; (b) academic qualification(s); (c) license number and date of issue; Act Veterinary Practitioners 'Aqt 2023 ( d) pennanent address; (e) business address; including postal and physical address, email address and telephone numbers; (f) area of competence or specialty; and (g) date of registration. I 3. The register shall contain the following particulars in respect of licensed veterinary practice establishments- 1 I (a) name and address of the veterinary p~tice establishment; including physical location (village, p~sh, sub-county and district); (b) conditions, if any, attached to the licence;1 ( c) particulars of the veterinary practitioner or licensee supervising the veterinary practice establishment as required in paragraphs I and 2; 1 (d) particulars of the veterinary professiona~ in whose name the veterinary practice establishment is regi~tered as required in paragraphs I and 2. ( e) particulars of other veterinary practition~rs employed in the veterinary practice establishment; (f) number and qualification of staff in the institution; and I (g) the types of services to be rendered at the veterinary practice establishment. 1 .. I Act Veterinary Practitioners ',r4.ct Cross references Animal Breeding Act 2001, Act 11 of 2001 Evidence Act, Cap. 6 National Audit Act, 2008, Act 7 of 2008 Public Finance Management Act, 2015, Act 3 of 2015 2023 Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act~ 2001, Act 7 of 2001 THE R.EPUBUC OF UGANDA This printed impression has bejn carefully compared by me with the bill • which was passed by Parliament and found hr me to be a true copy of the bill. Clerk tol Parliament I I Date of authentication: ... 7.l'-7..l. .~.'!-.'!