Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF Receives Second Batch Of Foot And Mouth Disease Vaccines From Egypt
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Government of Uganda has announced a nationwide campaign to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), one of the most devastating livestock diseases affecting farmers and the economy.
The initiative, launched by the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Lt Col (Rtd) Dr Bright Rwamirama, marks a major policy shift from occasional vaccination efforts to a systematic, nationwide biannual vaccination programme.
Uganda’s livestock sector supports over 70% of rural households, with an estimated 15.5 million cattle, 17.4 million goats, 4.4 million sheep, and 7.1 million pigs — totaling about 44.5 million animals susceptible to FMD. The disease, which is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals, has long tormented Ugandan farmers, causing movement restrictions, trade disruptions, and significant losses in milk and meat production.
“The Government is taking decisive action to protect Uganda’s livestock sector and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on it,” Dr Rwamirama said. “This new approach is comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable.”
Persistent Threat to Livestock
Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus that spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, and even wind-borne aerosols. Affected animals suffer painful mouth ulcers, lameness, loss of appetite, decreased milk yield, abortions, and sometimes death in young calves and piglets.
Uganda remains an FMD-endemic country, meaning outbreaks occur regularly. In 2023 alone, more than 40 districts were affected, prompting government-imposed quarantines and bans on cattle movements. Although these restrictions have been gradually lifted in previously affected districts, the disease continues to threaten animal health and agricultural trade.
In May 2024, the government launched a massive vaccination campaign covering 136 districts, but sporadic vaccine supply and logistical challenges hindered sustained progress. Now, authorities are taking a more strategic and self-sustaining path.
Emergency Response
Under the new plan, Cabinet has approved a nationwide mass vaccination strategy targeting all susceptible livestock twice a year — an estimated 88 million doses annually. The government will cover costs related to logistics, vaccinators, cold-chain storage, and oversight, while farmers will contribute only the vaccine costs: Shs 8,000 per head of cattle and Shs 4,000 per goat, sheep, or pig.
Vaccine payments will be made through Post Bank Uganda and Housing Finance Bank, either via mobile money, agent banking, or direct deposits. The two banks will manage collections and channel funds to a Revolving Fund supervised by the Bank of Uganda to ensure continuous vaccine availability.
“This model guarantees sustainability,” explained Dr Rwamirama. “Farmers will pay only for the vaccines, while the government handles all other operational expenses. We are moving from a donor-dependent system to one where Ugandans take ownership of their animal health.”
Farmer Registration and Tracking
To ensure transparency and efficiency, all livestock farmers will register through District Veterinary Officers (DVOs). Each will receive a Unique Farmer Identifier (UFI) linked to their payment and vaccination records. Farmers will present proof of payment during vaccination, and each herd will be issued a vaccination certificate — a document that will soon be mandatory for livestock movement and sale.
The Ministry will also deploy a digital monitoring system linking district offices, banks, and central stores. This will help track vaccine distribution, cold chain management, and coverage in real time.
Animal Diseases on the Rise
Besides FMD, Uganda’s livestock sector has also been grappling with other animal diseases such as African Swine Fever, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and East Coast Fever (ECF). Outbreaks of African Swine Fever, in particular, have devastated pig populations in central and eastern Uganda, while tick-borne diseases continue to cause losses among cattle keepers.
Dr Rwamirama said the fight against FMD is part of a broader strategy to build resilience against all major animal diseases. “Our goal is to create healthy herds, improve productivity, and open up access to lucrative regional and international markets for Ugandan livestock products,” he said.
Community Role and Stakeholder Collaboration
The success of the vaccination drive, according to the minister, depends on strong collaboration between farmers, district authorities, and private sector partners. Local governments, cultural and religious leaders, and the media have been called upon to mobilise farmers and spread accurate information in local languages.
At the operational level, District Veterinary Officers will identify vaccination sites, coordinate schedules, and maintain vaccine integrity. Livestock markets and processors will only accept animals from vaccinated herds, while transporters must disinfect vehicles and carry vaccination certificates for all livestock in transit.
Looking Ahead
The first vaccination cycle is set to begin in January–February 2026, and the government aims to achieve 100% coverage across all susceptible species. Where coverage falls short, targeted mop-up campaigns will be conducted.
Said Dr Rwamirama: “To every farmer across Uganda — register, pay, and present your animals for vaccination. Together, we can build the herd immunity Uganda needs to protect livelihoods, open markets, and build a stronger, disease-free livestock sector.”
With sustained effort, Uganda hopes to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease as a recurring threat, strengthening food security and restoring confidence in its livestock industry — a key driver of rural prosperity and national development
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