By Aimable Mbarushimana
Chairman, Uganda Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association (UGAFMA), Head, Advocacy Technical Working Group, Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP (2026–2027), Former Secretary General, Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP (2023–2026)
On 30 June 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, I was honoured to be recognised by the African Union–Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for my contribution to advancing livestock feed and fodder development in Africa.
Due to other commitments, I officially received the award on 26 October 2026, presented by Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Uganda’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Commissioner Animal Health, alongside Dr. Denis Mulongo Maholo, Assistant Commissioner–Animal Nutrition.
Chairman Aimable Mbarushimana receives his recognition award on 26th October 2026 from Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Chief Veterinary Officer and Commissioner Animal Health, Uganda.
This recognition marks an important milestone in a journey that began in Naivasha, Kenya, during the early engagements of the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, implemented by AU-IBAR with support from the Gates Foundation and the African Union Commission.
The project, implemented from December 2022 to June 2026 across six African countries, sought to strengthen feed and fodder systems affected by climate shocks, COVID-19 and global supply-chain disruptions.
As Chairman of UGAFMA, I contributed Uganda’s private-sector perspective, advocating for local feed manufacturing, agricultural value addition, improved quality standards and greater investment in the sector.
Chairman Aimable Mbarushimana receives his recognition award on 26th October 2026 from Dr. Denis Mulongo Maholo, Assistant Commissioner–Animal Nutrition, in recognition of his contribution to livestock feed and fodder development in Africa.
Strengthening Uganda’s Feed and Fodder Sector
Between 2023 and 2026, I had the privilege of serving as Secretary General of the Uganda Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP), working alongside government institutions, industry leaders and development partners to strengthen coordination and promote sustainable sector development.
I particularly acknowledge Mr. Aga Sekalala Jr., Chairman of the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP, together with Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun and Dr. Denis Mulongo Maholo, for their leadership and contributions.
My appreciation also goes to David Maina, Business Development Expert at AU-IBAR, and Dr. Sarah Ashanut Ossiya, whose technical guidance and coordination were instrumental throughout the RAFFS initiative.
Through collective efforts, the Uganda MSP has become an important platform for public-private dialogue, policy advocacy and investment opportunities in the feed and fodder sector.
From Recognition to Greater Responsibility
As I take on my new responsibility as Head of the Advocacy Technical Working Group of the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP (2026–2027), while continuing to serve as Chairman of UGAFMA, my commitment remains focused on strengthening Uganda’s domestic feed industry.
Uganda has enormous potential to transform locally produced maize, soybeans, sunflower, cottonseed and other agricultural commodities into high-quality animal feeds.
Achieving this requires stronger policies, investment in local manufacturing, improved quality assurance, affordable financing and greater collaboration between government and the private sector.
The RAFFS Project may have officially concluded in June 2026, but its achievements must provide a foundation for lasting transformation.
A Recognition Shared With Many
I sincerely thank AU-IBAR, the African Union Commission, the Gates Foundation, the leadership of the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP, UGAFMA members and all stakeholders who contributed to this journey.
This award is not mine alone. It represents the collective dedication of individuals and institutions committed to building a stronger African livestock industry.
From Naivasha to Nairobi, one conviction remains unchanged:
Africa’s livestock future depends not only on the animals we raise, but also on the systems we build to feed them.
To transform African livestock, we must first transform African feed and fodder systems.
About the Author
Aimable Mbarushimana is Head of the Advocacy Technical Working Group of the Uganda Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform for 2026–2027 and Chairman of the Uganda Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association (UGAFMA).
He previously served as Secretary General of the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP from 2023 to 2026.
