Kabarole rolls out FMD vaccination drive
He explained that the exercise will be conducted every six months over a three-year period, with the aim of eradicating the disease and strengthening Uganda’s livestock sector.
Kabarole: Kabarole District has stepped up efforts to combat livestock diseases following the rollout of a nationwide compulsory vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), targeting farmers keeping cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday at the district headquarters in Kitumba, the Principal Veterinary Officer, Dr. Dean Kusiimakwe, said the government directive requires all districts to mobilise farmers for registration and vaccination of their animals. He explained that the exercise will be conducted every six months over a three-year period, with the aim of eradicating the disease and strengthening Uganda’s livestock sector.
Dr. Kusiimakwe emphasized that controlling FMD is crucial not only for improving animal health but also for enhancing the country’s export potential. He noted that disease-free livestock will open access to international markets, increasing national revenue and boosting household incomes.
“This is a compulsory exercise for every livestock farmer,” he stressed, adding that success will depend on coordinated efforts among local leaders and technical staff.
He called on town clerks, sub-county chiefs, parish chiefs, and extension workers to work collectively in mobilising farmers and ensuring smooth implementation of the programme.
According to district projections, Kabarole is targeting approximately 190,000 ruminants and pigs for vaccination every six months. Dr. Kusiimakwe expressed confidence that consistent achievement of these targets over the three-year period will lead to the elimination of FMD in the district.
To ensure transparency and accountability, farmers will be required to pay UGX 8,000 per head of cattle or pig and UGX 4,000 per goat or sheep. Payments will be made through formal channels including PostBank Uganda, Housing Finance Bank, and mobile money platforms. Dr. Kusiimakwe cautioned that no government officer is permitted to handle cash directly, urging farmers to strictly use the designated payment systems.
Meanwhile, the District Production Officer, Dr. Henry Mulondo, highlighted the critical role of parish chiefs and agricultural extension workers in the campaign. He tasked them with leading grassroots mobilisation, sensitising farmers on the importance of vaccination, and monitoring progress at the parish level.
The engagement brought together local leaders and technical officers, who pledged their support toward the exercise as part of wider efforts to strengthen livestock production, protect farmer livelihoods, and position Kabarole as a disease-free zone within Uganda’s agricultural sector.
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