The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched a foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination cost recovery scheme in Nakaseke District, home to approximately 480,000 cattle reared across sub-counties, including Ngoma, Kinyogogga, Kinoni, and Wakyato.
In previous years, pastoralists in the district have suffered significant losses due to repeated quarantines imposed following FMD outbreaks. In 2014 alone, Nakaseke lost an estimated UGX 21 billion after a six-month quarantine.
Dr. Ben Ssenkeera, Senior Veterinary Officer and FMD control focal person at MAAIF, explained that government-provided vaccines have historically been insufficient, covering only 10% of Uganda’s 14.5 million cattle.
Speaking to pastoralists in Ngoma and Kinoni over the weekend, Dr. Ssenkeera said the new scheme will provide adequate vaccines for cattle, with farmers contributing UGX 8,000 per cow.
He emphasized that the contribution is minimal compared to treatment costs once an animal is infected.Some pastoralists welcomed the initiative but appealed for reduced contributions.
John Magaite and Nathan Bainomugisha from Kinoni Sub-county argued that high costs may leave some animals unvaccinated, undermining the program’s objectives.Derrick Mutegeki, the District Veterinary Officer, defended the scheme’s affordability and pledged to intensify awareness campaigns among pastoralists.
Under the scheme, farmers will contribute UGX 4,000 per goat or sheep and UGX 8,000 per pig, for vaccinations administered every six months. Contributions will be remitted through designated banks to support government procurement and storage of vaccines and veterinary drugs.
MAAIF has already established cold chain storage at Nakaseke District headquarters to ensure the FMD vaccines are properly maintained. URN