By Davis Buyondo
Kampala-Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has put forth a new amendment to the Veterinary Practitioners Bill, 2023, aiming to gain control over the use of narcotic drugs in wildlife.
UWA, as a statutory body responsible for wildlife management and protection both within and outside protected areas, desires exclusive authority over the importation, storage, use, and disposal of narcotic drugs utilized in wildlife treatment.
They argue that these drugs are extremely hazardous to humans and require specialized handling.
Currently, the National Drug Authority (NDA) holds the mandate to regulate all drugs in the country, encompassing their manufacturing, importation, distribution, and licensing.
Dr. Patrick Atimnedi, Senior Manager of Veterinary Services at UWA, emphasized that the treatment of wildlife, particularly herbivores, heavily relies on a class of drugs known as “Opioids.”
These drugs possess a narcotic effect on the body and can be habit-forming and dangerous for humans.
According to Dr. Atimnedi, the use of such narcotic drugs in wildlife should fall under UWA’s jurisdiction, given that they possess professionals who fully comprehend the associated dangers and risks of even minor abuse.
Dr. Atimnedi presented UWA’s perspective on the Veterinary Practitioners Bill, 2023, to the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries on July 6, 2023.
The senior manager stated that even minute accidental exposure to these drugs could have lethal effects on humans, qualifying them as “dangerous drugs” that necessitate special licensing and fall under the international control of the International Narcotic Control Board.
He further noted that these drugs have been linked to a significant rise in rhino poaching, especially in Southern Africa.
According to a report from the African Rhino Specialist Group, between 2008 and 2015, a total of 5,170 rhinos were poached across Africa, with 1,299 poached in 2014 alone.
Dr. Atimnedi expressed concern that if not controlled, these drugs could potentially be exploited for criminal activities due to their potency and silent action.
Consequently, UWA proposes that, in collaboration with the NDA, they should regulate the importation, storage, use, and disposal of narcotic drugs for wildlife.
The Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Abed Bwanika, voiced dissent regarding the proposal, asserting that the NDA should retain the authority to regulate all drugs, including narcotics.
He suggested that when licensing drugs, particularly narcotics used for wildlife, consultation with UWA should be conducted.
Hon. Anthony Esenu, the Member of Parliament for Kapelebyong County, supported UWA’s proposal, deeming it wise for the authority to draft the proposed clause, including penalties, for the committee’s consideration.
The committee, led by Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, who is also the Abim District Woman MP, plans to engage with additional stakeholders to further enhance the Veterinary Practitioners Bill.
The bill aims to regulate veterinary practice by establishing provisions for training, registration, and licensing of veterinary professionals and para-professionals.
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