Aimable Mbarushimana, Chairman of the Uganda Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association (UGAFMA), has been recognised by the African Union–Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for his efforts to promote sustainable feed and fodder systems in Africa. The recognition, awarded on June 30, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, acknowledges Mbarushimana's contributions to strengthening local feed manufacturing and advancing private-sector participation in the livestock value chain. This achievement highlights Mbarushimana's dedication to improving livestock production across Africa.
Mbarushimana officially received the award on October 26, 2026, during a presentation in Uganda by Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Uganda's Chief Veterinary Officer and Commissioner for Animal Health, and Dr. Denis Mulongo Maholo, Assistant Commissioner for Animal Nutrition. The recognition marks a significant milestone in Mbarushimana's professional journey, which has involved working with government institutions, industry players, and development partners to strengthen Uganda's animal feed industry. His efforts have contributed to broader initiatives to improve livestock production across Africa.
The recognition is linked to Mbarushimana's participation in the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, an initiative implemented by AU-IBAR with support from the Gates Foundation and the African Union Commission. The project, which ran from December 2022 to June 2026, sought to strengthen feed and fodder systems in six African countries, including Uganda. The initiative aimed to address challenges such as climate shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and disruptions to global supply chains, which had exposed vulnerabilities in livestock production.
Mbarushimana contributed Uganda's private-sector perspective to the RAFFS initiative, advocating for stronger domestic feed manufacturing, agricultural value addition, improved quality standards, and increased investment in the industry. His involvement reflected the need to bring together policymakers, feed manufacturers, farmers, and development partners to address structural challenges affecting livestock feed production and distribution. The recognition underscores the importance of private-sector participation in shaping policies and programmes that support the development of Africa's livestock industry.
Between 2023 and 2026, Mbarushimana served as Secretary General of the Uganda Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP), where he worked with government institutions, industry leaders, and development partners to strengthen coordination and promote sustainable sector development. The platform provides an avenue for stakeholders to engage on policy issues, identify investment opportunities, and work towards solutions to common industry challenges. During his tenure, Mbarushimana supported efforts to strengthen public-private dialogue and promote a coordinated approach to developing Uganda's feed and fodder industry.
Mbarushimana acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including Mr. Aga Sekalala Jr., Chairman of the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP, Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, and Dr. Denis Mulongo Maholo, whose leadership and technical contributions supported the sector's development. He also recognised David Maina, Business Development Expert at AU-IBAR, and Dr. Sarah Ashanut Ossiya, Project Coordinator for the RAFFS initiative, for their technical guidance and coordination. The collective efforts of these stakeholders have helped position the Uganda Feed and Fodder MSP as a key platform for policy advocacy, collaboration, and investment promotion.
As Uganda seeks to strengthen its livestock sector, Mbarushimana believes the country has significant potential to turn locally produced agricultural commodities into high-quality animal feeds. Maize, soybeans, sunflower, cottonseed, and other crops can be utilised to produce nutritious feeds, improving livestock productivity and supporting the livelihoods of farmers. A stronger feed and fodder industry can also create opportunities for manufacturers, traders, farmers, and other businesses involved in producing, processing, and distributing feed ingredients.
Key points
- Aimable Mbarushimana recognised by African Union for contributions to Africa's livestock feed and fodder sector.
- Recognition awarded for efforts to promote sustainable feed and fodder systems, strengthen local feed manufacturing, and advance private-sector participation.
- Mbarushimana's achievement highlights the importance of private-sector participation in shaping policies and programmes that support the development of Africa's livestock industry.
