The Government of Uganda has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a recurring livestock epidemic that has long crippled the country’s meat and dairy industries.
The campaign, unveiled in Kampala by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), will be implemented in partnership with Housing Finance Bank and Pearl Bank to create a sustainable, nationwide livestock vaccination system.
State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama said the government will use a quadrivalent vaccine that protects animals against multiple FMD strains.
“We have adopted a structured and continuous vaccination approach that covers all districts, not just those with active outbreaks,” Rwamirama said.
“Each animal will be vaccinated at a fee of Shs 8,000, and the exercise will be conducted every six months.”
Under the new system, livestock owners must register their animals and make payments through mobile money or at designated Housing Finance and Pearl Bank branches.
Vaccination compliance will be mandatory, and unvaccinated animals will not be allowed into markets or granted movement permits.
“This is not to punish farmers, but to protect everyone from the costly effects of future outbreaks,” Rwamirama emphasized. “We must protect our farmers and the integrity of our livestock industry.”
Officials from the partnering banks hailed the initiative as a major step in integrating financial inclusion into agricultural health management.
“We are proud to support farmers in safeguarding their animals,” said Michael Opiira of Housing Finance Bank. “Digital payment options ensure transparency and convenience while strengthening record-keeping for the Ministry.”
Pearl Bank’s representative, Semanda Moses, said the collaboration marks a milestone in agricultural modernization.
“For the first time, we are seeing structured cooperation between financial institutions and veterinary services to achieve sustainable animal health management,” he said.
Background on Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. It causes blisters on the mouth and hooves, fever, and lameness, often leading to death or reduced productivity.
In Uganda, FMD has repeatedly struck districts such as Isingiro, Sembabule, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola, forcing quarantines and market closures that devastate smallholder farmers and restrict trade.
Rwamirama said the government’s new vaccination drive reflects a shift from crisis response to long-term disease control. “We can no longer afford to deal with FMD as an emergency. This campaign will secure farmers’ livelihoods and boost Uganda’s livestock exports,” he said.
The Ministry projects that once full vaccination coverage is achieved, Uganda will qualify to certify its meat and dairy exports, marking a major step toward becoming FMD-free in the coming years.