Kabarole mandatory FMD vaccination to boost livestock health, exports

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Kabarole district has intensified efforts to combat livestock diseases following the rollout of a nationwide compulsory vaccination campaign against foot and mouth disease (FMD), targeting all farmers keeping cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on April 8, 2026, 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 period of three years, with the goal of completely eradicating the disease and boosting Uganda’s livestock sector.

Dr Kusiimakwe noted that controlling FMD is critical not only for improving animal health but also for enhancing the country’s export potential. He emphasised that disease-free livestock would open up international markets, thereby increasing national revenue and improving household incomes for farmers.

“This is a compulsory exercise for every livestock farmer,” he stressed, adding that success will depend heavily on coordinated efforts among local leaders and technical staff.

He called upon town clerks, sub-county chiefs, parish chiefs, and extension workers to work as a unified team in mobilising farmers and ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme.

According to district projections, Kabarole is targeting a total of 190,000 ruminants and pigs for vaccination every six months. Dr Kusiimakwe expressed confidence that if the targets are met consistently over the three years, the district will be able to eliminate FMD entirely.

To facilitate transparency and accountability, farmers will be required to pay sh8,000 per head of cattle or pig and sh4,000 per goat or sheep.

Payments will be made through formal channels, including PostBank Uganda (Pearl Bank), Housing Finance Bank, and mobile money platforms. He cautioned that no government officer is permitted to handle cash directly, urging farmers to strictly use the designated systems.

Meanwhile, the district production officer, Dr Henry Mulondo, highlighted the pivotal role of parish chiefs and agricultural extension workers in ensuring the success of the campaign.

Dr Mulondo tasked them with spearheading grassroots mobilisation, sensitising farmers on the importance of vaccination, and monitoring progress at the parish level.

The stakeholder engagement brought together local leaders and technical officers, who pledged to support the exercise as part of broader efforts to strengthen livestock production, safeguard farmer livelihoods, and position Kabarole as a disease-free zone in Uganda’s agricultural landscape.