By Ritah Mukasa
Four young veterinarians are running Vetconekt, a joint company that helps to improve the productivity and management of livestock farmers in Uganda.
They offer knowledge and skills to farm owners through farm visits and assessments.
They charge a small operational fee.
The veterinarians also mentor young vet professionals, inspire them to love their profession and look beyond career, but aspire to be game changers who are innovative.
The founders include; Collin Ssekandi, the general manager, Martina Kia general secretary, Dickson Tayebwa operations manager and Kassim Njalira, the field service manager.
Ssekandi says, they train dog owners, livestock farmers and farm managers in animal behaviour and health management.
They also connect fellow veterinarians with clients in their communities as well building good relations and equipping the stakeholders with simple Do It Yourself (DIY) management skills.
“We do that through farm visits, workshops, consultations and Continuous Professional Developments (CPDs),” he says.
They started the company in 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Our profession is always under looked and this demoralizes veterinarians. This initiative helps improve professionalism, trust and confidence in the industry,” he explains.
“We have helped people to bond with their dogs, cats, goats and cattle. We simply show them how to do it. Many have also learnt to treat their animals,” he says.
Meanwhile, Tayebwa says many livestock farmers in Uganda are not benefitting from agribusiness because they lack knowledge.
They also use rudimentary farm practices while others opt for substandard alternatives that yield low-quality results.
“We work to close all those gaps and help Ugandans to enjoy farming,” he says.
The group currently works in Wakiso, Kapeeka, Semuto, Luweero, Bamunanika, Kayunga, Mukono, Namusera and Kampala.
