Ntungamo council cites irregularities in containing FMD outbreak
He said a district task force was immediately formed to coordinate containment efforts.
Ntungamo: Tension has emerged between district councillors and veterinary authorities in Ntungamo District over the handling of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected several parts of the district.
During a council sitting held recently, at the district council hall, councillors accused some veterinary officials of failing to effectively manage the outbreak and allegedly exploiting farmers and cattle traders under the guise of enforcing disease control measures.
Councillors noted that many farmers depend entirely on livestock for their livelihoods and to support their families, warning that irregularities in enforcement and alleged extortion could further worsen their economic situation.
Tensions have been particularly high in Itojo Sub-county, where some large-scale livestock keepers have reportedly refused to vaccinate their animals against the disease.
District Councillor Denis Muhumuza Savimbi warned that certain farmers owning more than 200 animals have declined vaccination and are allegedly threatening the district veterinary officer.
“There must be penalties for those refusing to vaccinate. They are like other farmers who are complying with the vaccination program,” he said.
The District Veterinary Officer, Yake Basulira, explained that the outbreak was first detected toward the end of last year in Nyakyera Sub-county. Samples were collected and sent to the Ministry for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease.
He said a district task force was immediately formed to coordinate containment efforts. However, Nyakyera Sub-county and Rushenyi County remain high-risk areas.
Dr. Basulira further revealed that the disease spread to Rushenyi County, particularly in Rukiri I, Rukiri II, and Kaina in Rwentobo–Rwahi Town Council. Additional samples were collected and submitted to the Ministry’s National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC) laboratories for confirmation.
In response to the outbreak, district authorities suspended cattle markets and established quarantine checkpoints to curb further spread of the disease.
Dr. Basulira maintained that containment measures were implemented immediately after the outbreak was confirmed, emphasizing that cooperation from all livestock keepers is critical in preventing further transmission.
The council resolved to closely monitor the implementation of control measures to ensure transparency and fairness while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
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