ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL
Introduction
Formal regulation of the Veterinary profession in Tanzania started in 1956.The Veterinary Surgeons Ordinance
(Cap. 376) provided for the establishment of the Tanzania Veterinary Board (TVB), that registered and
regulated the conduct of Veterinary Surgeons only and general animal health delivery in Tanzania. The Director
of Veterinary Services was the Chairman of the Board.
Major changes in the macro and sector policies in the wake of the economic liberalization in the 1980s,
necessitated the Veterinary Board’s mandate to change, so as to cope with demands for increased efficiency
needed in a competitive economy.
Enactment of the Veterinary Act Cap 319
In year 2003 the Parliament enacted a new law, the Veterinary Act No. 16, 2003 (Cap 319); and that provides
for the establishment of the Veterinary Council of Tanzania. This is a body corporate under the Ministry of
Livestock and Fisheries development, independent from the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
Establishment of the Council
The establishment of the Council is provided for in Section 3 of the Veterinary Act No 16, 2003. It consists of 9
members who are appointment by the Minister responsible for Livestock Development as provided for in a
section 4. Members represent:
1. Two representatives from veterinary department;
2. A representative from faculties of Veterinary Medicine who is a registered
Veterinarian nominated by Dean;
3. A representative of registered private veterinarians who shall be nominated
from amongst registered veterinarians in private practice;
4. A representative of the Tanzania Veterinary Association;
5. A representative of paraprofessionals nominated from amongst themselves;
6. A registered Veterinarian who is a representative of the veterinary
Pharmaceutical industry; and
7. A senior legal officer employed in the Attorney-General's Chambers to be
nominated by the Attorney-General; and a
8. Chairman who shall be a Veterinarian of outstanding experience in
Veterinary matters;
Members are appointed to the hold office for three years; whereas the Chairman is appointed after each 4 years.
The Law allows them to be re-appointed and serve for 2 terms.
Enforcement of Council decisions
The Council Secretariat, which consists of Government employees under the Ministry, has the responsibility of
organizing meetings and implementing Council decisions. The Secretariat Section is headed by the Registrar.
Assistant Registrar, who are largely District Veterinary Officers, assist in implementing Council decisions in
areas of their jurisdiction. Under Section 11 of the Act, the Minister appoints veterinary inspectors in the
districts, regions and zones, to carry out specific inspectorate duties for enforcement of the Act.
The Act provides for the Council to meet four times per year, to deliberate on issues related to regulation of the
profession including registration, enrolment, enlistment and licensing of practitioners and facilities. The Council
also receives reports on implementation of its directives from the Registrar.
Duties of assistant registrars, inspectors and the Council committees are geared towards enforcing the Act. They
are linked and report to the Council through the Registrar.
Out gone and Current Members of the Veterinary Council
First Council (2004-2007): In October 2004 the Minister for Water and Livestock Development by then,
Honorable Edward Lowassa (MP) appointed the first Council members. The Council was officially inaugurated
on 26th October, 2004
Member were:
Name
Position in the
Credentials
Council
Prof D M Kambarage
Chairperson
Dr H Mbwille,
Vice Chairpesron,
Prof M N Mgasa
Veterinarian and professor in
Veterinary Medicine
Representative of veterinary
pharmaceuticals industry
Member, Dean of Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine in Sokoine
University of Agriculture
Dr S. Y. Sinare
Member,
Private
veterinarian
a
representative of registered
veterinarians
Representative of Tanzania
Veterinary Association
Attorney General’s Chamber
designate member
Veterinary
Department
designate
Dr F. Akarro
Member,
Mr J. Mallaba,
Member
Dr A. A Hayghaimo
Member,
Director of Veterinary
Services
Member
Represent Directorate of
Veterinary Services
Mr J. Chiwaligo,
Member,
Representative
Paraprofessionals
of
Second Council: (2007-2010): In November 2007 the Minister for Livestock Development by then Honorable
Anthony N. Diallo (MP) appointed the second Council members.
The Council was officially inaugurated on 18th April, 2008 in Dodoma by the Minister for Livestock
Development and Fisheries Honorable Dr. John Pombe Magufuli (MP). In his speech, the Minister directed the
Council to strengthen the enforcement of the Veterinary Act by taking serious measures to professional and
paraprofessionals who breach professional ethics, as well as lay persons who engage themselves in providing
animal health services. He urged the represented Institutions to promote networking amongst them and other
stakeholders for improvement of veterinary practice in the country.
Members were:
Name
Position
Council
in
the Credentials
1
Prof. D. M. Kambarage
Chairman
A Professor in Veterinary Medicine
and currently Deputy Vice Chancellor,
Academics Sokoine University of
Agriculture.
2
Dr H Mbwille,
Vice Chairman
Private practitioner dealing with
veterinary
pharmaceuticals
and
biologicals. A representative of
veterinary pharmaceuticals industry
3
Prof P.N. Wambura
Member
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Sokoine University of Agriculture, a
representative
of
Faculties
of
Veterinary Medicine
4
Dr. W. C.Mleche,
Member
Director of Veterinary Services,
Ministry of Livestock Development
and Fisheries, a representative from
Veterinary Department
5
Dr J.M. Igungu
Member
A Private veterinary practitioner
representing
registered
private
veterinarians.
6
Dr F. Akarro
Member
A representative of the Tanzania
Veterinary Association
7
Mr J. Mallaba
Member
Attorney General’s Chamber
8
Dr A. A Hayghaimo
Member
Veterinary
member
9
Mr J. Chiwaligo
Member
A
representative
of
Veterinary Paraprofessional
Third Council 2010 -2013:
Department
designate
Tanzania