Kampala Uganda.
The Parliament have passed the Animal Feeds Bill, 2023 to regulate production, ensure safety, and boost livestock industry.
The legislation establishes a dedicated committee responsible for overseeing various aspects of the production, storage, importation, exportation, and marketing of animal feeds.
The newly formed Animal Feeds Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Animal Production in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is tasked with issuing permits and ensuring compliance with safety standards within the industry.
The bill introduces a streamlined process for individuals or entities involved in the production, storage, and sale of animal feeds. According to the legislation, applicants must apply for a license, which will be considered within a reasonable timeframe of three months.
A similar procedure is outlined for those seeking permits for premises dedicated to the storage, sale, and production of animal feeds. This approach aims to establish a transparent and efficient system for managing the industry.
Safety and Compliance Measures
The Bill underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of animal feeds. The Secretary to the committee, in collaboration with local governments, is mandated to ensure that animal feeds are produced, stored, or sold in safe and suitable premises, adhering to the standards outlined in the second schedule of the Bill.
This provision states the commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the production and distribution of animal feeds.
Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, highlighted the significant impact of animal feeds on the overall production costs, citing that they account for 70 percent of the expenses.
According to Rwamirama, the connection between adequate animal nutrition and the overall performance of livestock points out that poor nutrition contributes to lower production levels and increased susceptibility to diseases.
The minister adds that the passing of this Bill is a strategic move to address these challenges and promote the growth of Uganda’s livestock industry.
Public Health Considerations
During the parliamentary session, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division MP, Abed Bwanika, emphasised the critical role of the legislation not only in safeguarding animal health but also in protecting human consumers of animal products.
Bwanika highlighted the potential risks associated with aflatoxins in animal feeds, which can find their way into human bodies through the consumption of milk and other animal products.
The Bill, therefore, serves as a protective measure for both animals and humans by establishing stringent standards and regulations.
Export, Import Facilitation
The newly formed Animal Feeds Committee has been granted the authority to issue export and import licenses within a concise period of 10 days from the date of application.
Abed Bwanika further defended this provision, stating that compliance with the standards set by the destination country is crucial for exportation.
Similarly, importers must adhere to local standards, and the expedited issuance of licenses ensures a seamless and efficient process for those involved in the international trade of animal feeds. The new law will now require exporters to get a cleanliness certificate approved by the committee.
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, stressed the importance of ensuring animal feeds are clean, as any contamination could harm Uganda’s exports of animal products.
Kiwanuka stressed that exporting poor-quality animal feeds could lead to animals consuming substandard feeds, jeopardising the quality of Uganda’s animal products in international markets. He highlighted the critical role of sanitation in maintaining the export quality of feeds.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, expressed satisfaction with the Bill’s provision for the agriculture minister to widely publish the list of approved animal feed control laboratories. This, she believes, will significantly enhance the quality of animal feeds.
The Bill mandates producers of animal feeds with laboratories to hire a chemist or animal nutritionist responsible for analysing and testing each batch of animal feeds. A certificate of analysis must be issued before the feeds are released for sale.
The new law aims to prevent contamination of animal feeds by prohibiting the use of contaminants and implementing safety measures for transportation. The minister will have discretionary powers to provide guidelines on transportation, following the removal of transportation licensing from the Bill.
In discussions, Hon. Aisha Kabanda emphasised that, unlike vaccines with expiry dates, animal feeds do not require licensing. However, she suggested that the minister could establish punitive measures for those who expose feeds to damage and contamination.
Expressing concern, the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, pointed out that the Bill’s certificate of financial implication only outlines government expenditures, lacking information on expected revenue.
Ssenyonyi highlighted that such shortcomings are often grounds for legal challenges against bills, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of both economic and social impacts.
Actual Benefits of the bill
The bill looks at the importance of sanitation in the production of animal feeds. In requiring exporters to obtain a sanitation certificate approved by the committee, the legislation ensures that animal feeds meet specified standards. This, in turn, assures the quality and safety of the feeds, which is crucial for the well-being of animals and the production of high-quality animal products.
It further upholds high standards for animal feeds and enhances Uganda’s reputation in the international market. Ensuring that exported animal products are derived from animals fed with quality feeds helps maintain and expand Uganda’s share in global trade. A positive reputation can attract more buyers and potentially open up new markets for Ugandan agricultural products.
The bill also focuses on quality control and sanitation in animal feed production benefits local consumers. With better quality feeds, the health and safety of animals are safeguarded, and the resulting animal products, such as meat and dairy, are more likely to meet or exceed health standards. This contributes to consumer confidence in the safety and nutritional value of locally produced food.
The requirement for approved animal feed control laboratories, as specified in the bill, creates opportunities for employment in the field of animal nutrition and laboratory analysis. This can contribute to the growth of skilled labour in Uganda, supporting both the agricultural and scientific sectors.
Environmental Protection is another factor the bill guards against the use of contaminants in animal feeds, addressing environmental concerns. Prohibiting contaminants and implementing safety measures for transportation contribute to environmental sustainability by preventing the introduction of harmful substances into ecosystems.
Regarding government revenue, the bill primarily focuses on government expenditures related to its implementation, it indirectly contributes to revenue generation.
In promoting the quality and safety of agricultural products, Uganda can potentially increase its export revenue through higher demand for its animal products in international markets.
ENDs
English 