Leaders and veterinary experts in Kazo District have intensified campaigns against the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) following the rollout of a new national cost-sharing vaccination programme introduced by the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Uganda experienced multiple outbreaks of the highly contagious viral disease in 2023 and 2024, affecting cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. The disease has remained a major threat to livestock production and household incomes across cattle-keeping districts.

Previously, government fully financed FMD vaccination by providing free vaccines and covering administration and management costs on behalf of farmers. However, authorities have now shifted to a national mass vaccination programme funded through a cost-recovery mechanism aimed at ensuring sustainability and continuous vaccine supply.

Under the new arrangement, government will continue covering logistics such as cold chain management, vaccine distribution, surveillance, supervision and vaccination equipment, while farmers contribute towards the vaccine costs.

Farmers will now pay UGX 8,000 per cow or pig and UGX 4,000 per goat or sheep during every vaccination cycle. Authorities say the charges may be revised depending on vaccine costs, and all farmers must pay before their animals are vaccinated.

Speaking during the district-level FMD prevention and cost-recovery campaign meeting held at Compassion Hall in Kazo town council, the District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Nabimanya Alfred, revealed that MAAIF has already supplied 137,500 doses of FMD vaccines to the district.

Dr. Nabimanya said registration of farmers is ongoing alongside sensitization campaigns aimed at helping livestock keepers understand the new cost-sharing model.

“We are sensitizing farmers on the new cost-sharing approach because it will help prevent FMD from disturbing Kazo district again,” he said.

He urged farmers to embrace the new policy, noting that it is critical in the fight against the disease and in protecting livestock production.

The District Production Officer, Tumwesigye Zephline, described the programme as a new government strategy intended to permanently control FMD outbreaks in the country.

He called upon farmers to cooperate with veterinary officers during the vaccination exercise to ensure the programme succeeds.

“If farmers cooperate with government veterinary teams under this new strategy, Uganda will eventually be free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease,” Tumwesigye said.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ben Ssenkeera, Senior Veterinary Officer at MAAIF, who led discussions on strengthening vaccination, surveillance, community compliance and implementation of the cost-recovery programme.
Kazo District Chairperson, Rev. Samuel Katugunda, commended MAAIF for supporting livestock farmers and pledged the district’s full commitment towards eliminating the disease.

“I want to encourage all participants to take back the message to farmers and urge them to cooperate with the Ministry guidelines for the betterment of Kazo District,” Katugunda said.

In the same spirit, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kazo district, Mugisha Paddy also applauded government interventions, saying the renewed efforts are restoring hope among livestock farmers and contributing to the district’s economic recovery.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a severe viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and deer. It causes fever, painful blisters, and ulcers on the feet, mouth, and teats, leading to significant production losses, although it rarely kills adult animals and poses no threat to human health.

The Writer is Tinyefuza Naboth -Communications officer for Kazo district local government