Government Launches Mandatory Livestock Vaccination Campaign Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease
By Kyeyune Ali
Kampala, Uganda — The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), has announced a compulsory livestock vaccination campaign aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across the country.
The vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place from July to August 2026, with a second phase planned for January to February 2027. Thereafter, vaccinations will be conducted every six months to ensure sustained immunity and effective control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease nationwide.
Under the program, farmers will contribute UGX 8,000 per dose for cattle and pigs, while goats and sheep will be vaccinated at a cost of UGX 4,000 per dose. The government will cover all additional expenses, including vaccine administration and transportation costs for veterinary personnel.
According to the ministry, the policy is intended to establish a sustainable system that guarantees continuous vaccine availability and strengthens disease prevention in Uganda’s livestock sector, thereby enhancing growth and competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama, emphasized the importance of compliance with the vaccination program.
“Only vaccinated animals will be issued movement permits, granted market access, and allowed to participate in livestock trade activities in Uganda,” he said.
He further noted that Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains one of the greatest threats to the development of Uganda’s livestock industry.
“I call upon all livestock farmers, traders, transporters, district leaders, veterinary personnel, and the general public to support this implementation so that together we can eliminate Foot-and-Mouth Disease from the country,” he added.
The government has also strengthened the country’s vaccine storage and distribution infrastructure to ensure that vaccines reach farmers in good condition and on time.
The nationwide campaign targets approximately 44.5 million animals, including:
15.5 million cattle
17.4 million goats
4.4 million sheep
7.1 million pigs
The objective is to progressively achieve and maintain vaccination coverage of at least 80 percent of all susceptible animals during every vaccination cycle.
To support the initiative, the government has secured 53.6 million doses of high-potency quadrivalent vaccines, designed to protect livestock against the major Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus strains circulating within the region.
Officials believe that the vaccination campaign will significantly reduce disease outbreaks, improve livestock productivity, and boost Uganda’s livestock trade both domestically and internationally.