By Norbert Mao
The government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) on Wednesday commissioned a UGX 64M Gulu Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology Center to enhance the capacity for early detection, diagnosis, and control of animal diseases in the region.
The Regional center is a vital part of Uganda’s efforts to maintain healthy animal populations, protect public health, and support the agricultural sector.
Omara Emmanuel, the Acting Production and Marketing Officer, Gulu District, said the regional center was opened to provide rapid and accurate disease diagnosis, allowing for prompt implementation of control measures.
According to Omara, for a long time, samples from the region were being taken for diagnosis at Entebbe which was time consuming.
Gulu district has allocated UGX 22M in its budget to ensure the smooth operation and functionality of the center.
Maxwell Otim, Commissioner Entomology at the MAAIF in his statement said about 75% of diseases both affect animals and humans therefore, with the animal diagnostic center in Gulu, animal health and disease outbreaks will be attended easily and effectively, cutting costs of travelling long distances to carry out research.
Dr. Anna Rose Okurut, Commissioner in charge of Animal Health at MAAIF asked the local leaders to advocate to the farmers and local communities to protect and make the best use of this Government project.
