Farmers in Namisindwa district are in a dire situation due to the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. This viral ailment, primarily affecting cattle, is transmitted by blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes and ticks. It manifests as fever, and skin nodules, and can even lead to death, especially in animals not previously exposed to the virus.
David Mityelo, the acting Namisindwa District Production Officer told URN in a phone interview that several sub-counties are severely affected. Bumbo town and Bukokho, Lwakhakha town council, and Tsekululu, and Mukoto sub-counties are among the hardest-hit areas.
He noted that they have recorded 50 cases from August to this month and urged farmers to remain vigilant, reporting any suspected cases to sub-county veterinary officers. Mityelo emphasized that the district lacks the necessary resources to combat the disease effectively. He urged farmers to take proactive measures by vaccinating their animals to prevent further spread.
Julie Namara, the Namisindwa Deputy Resident District Commissioner encouraged farmers to engage with their sub-county veterinary officers and request vaccinations for their animals. Samuel Nandokho and Stephen Wandabwa, both affected farmers from Lwakhakha town council, pleaded with the district and the government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, to provide free vaccines to farmers.
They highlighted the financial constraints they face and stressed that containing the disease within Namisindwa would be more manageable than allowing it to spread to neighboring districts, which could pose a greater challenge for the government to combat.
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