By Norbert Mao
More than one thousand local farmers from across the Acholi sub-region have today converged in Gulu City for the 2025 Farmers Engagement event.
The two-day event, running from the 25th to the 26th of November, is being hosted at the Gulu Logistics Hub and organized by the Uganda Veterinary Association together with the Uganda Veterinary Paraprofessional Association (UVA).
UVA is a professional body for veterinarians in Uganda, focused on promoting and protecting the interests of its members and advancing animal welfare with a mission to foster socio-economic development, improve livelihoods, and optimize animal resources.
Several organizations have also set up exhibition stalls showcasing livestock products, farming technologies, veterinary supplies, and improved breeds to help farmers enhance production.
Throughout the event, farmers are accessing a wide range of services, including training sessions, free surgical camps for animals, vaccinations, and practical demonstrations.
Dr. Ruhinda Joseph Kagoro, a Committee Member and National Event Organizer at UVA who represented the Uganda Veterinary Association President revealed that the Farmers Engagement is part of the association’s annual community outreach program where last year, the team held a similar activity in Western Uganda, and next year they will take the engagement to Arua City as they continue rotating the initiative across different regions.
Dr. Ruhinda also revealed that Uganda now has about 1,500 veterinary graduates working alongside an estimated 18,000 para-veterinary professionals across the country.
Gulu City Lord Mayor Alfred Okwonga who presided over the official opening of the event, applauded the strong turnout and describing the engagement as a vital platform for improving animal health, boosting farm productivity, and strengthening the region’s agricultural sector.
