The Animal Production Society of Uganda (APSU) has elected a new executive council to steer the organization’s future and strengthen efforts to access new technological innovations in the animal production sector.
The new leadership was unveiled on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during the Society’s 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Ndeeba. The event, themed “Innovations in the Animal Industry: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability,” attracted over 200 professionals who discussed strategies to tackle current challenges and advance the society’s goals.
Kaija John was elected as the new President, replacing Kibirige Ponsiano, while Asekeny Patricia Lydia, a Senior Animal Technician at NARO was chosen as Vice President. Other elected members include Mugema Paul (General Secretary), Kyambadde Ernest Senyonga (Treasurer), and Kasango Emmanuel (Publicity Secretary).
Regional coordinators were also appointed: Ongom Isaac for the Eastern region, Ocira Joel for Northern, Walulya Josephat for Central, and Ruberenga Wilson for Western Uganda. Their role will be to strengthen membership mobilization and ensure effective participation in the national agenda of the Society.
Representing the government, Denis Maholo Mulongo, the Assistant Commissioner for Animal Nutrition at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), commended the Society for its contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector. He urged members to continue offering professional services that promote animal productivity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
Responding to members’ calls for formal recognition of their profession within the public service structure, Mulongo assured delegates that the ministry would collaborate with APSU to pursue policy frameworks that support their inclusion.
“As government, we acknowledge your concerns and commitment to have animal production professionals fully recognized within the public service structures. We shall work with your Society to achieve that goal,” Mulongo said.
He further revealed that India has extended training opportunities to 50 professionals, of which 30 slots will be allocated to APSU members.
Both the outgoing President, Kibirige Ponsiano, and the incoming leader, Kaija John, emphasized the need for government recognition of the Society as a key contributor to national development through animal production and productivity.
The Society’s Patron and former Principal of Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Daud Kabasa, who was the chief guest, urged members to be innovative and to seize opportunities in the private sector. He emphasized the importance of organization, professionalism, and alignment with government policy frameworks to drive sustainable growth in the animal production industry.
“We challenge you to build a strong and visible Society whose impact is felt by the farmers and consumers you serve,” Prof. Kabasa noted.
Delegates also appointed a new Advisory Council chaired by Prof. Kabasa, with members Dr. Patrick Samanya, Prof. Donald Kugonza, and Rev. Sandra Mwebaza, among others. The council will provide technical, policy, and professional guidance to help APSU achieve its strategic objectives.
The Animal Production Society of Uganda serves as a professional association that organizes symposia and annual meetings to advance animal production in Uganda. It operates independently of the government’s Department of Animal Production, which focuses on national policy, strategy, and technical support for livestock development, including dairy and meat production.
