news 7 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kigezi Launches Urgent Vaccination Campaign Against Deadly Goat Plague
Leaders in Kabale and Rubanda districts have initiated a vaccination drive to combat Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease that has killed over 200 goats and sheep in Katokye Parish alone. Farmers are urged to vaccinate their animals for a small fee to prevent further devastating losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kigezi-leaders-launch-vaccination-drive-to-combat-goat-plague-5416144
Authorities in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region, specifically Kabale and Rubanda districts, have rolled out a critical vaccination program targeting goats and sheep affected by Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), commonly called goat plague.
This viral disease, confirmed two months ago, spreads rapidly through contact and has already caused massive losses, wiping out dozens of livestock across the area.
In Kabale, Dr. Angella Anyongyeire, the district veterinary officer, confirmed that teams are actively vaccinating uninfected animals while radio announcements inform farmers of schedules and locations. The exercise aims to halt the outbreak’s spread.
Local leader Benjamin Atukunda, LCII chairman for Katokye Parish, highlighted the urgency, noting over 200 goats and sheep deaths there. He emphasized that the Shs2,000 vaccination fee per animal is minimal compared to losses, as a single goat now fetches Shs200,000 to Shs300,000.
“Past outbreaks could have been prevented with timely vaccinations,” Atukunda added, calling on farmers to act.
Rubanda’s veterinary officer, Dr. Dismus Baterana, reported receiving 15,000 vaccine doses, with vaccinations starting next Monday. He stressed focusing on healthy animals to curb transmission.
Farmers like Leo Tumwikirize from Kasiru village have suffered greatly, losing all nine goats that formed their livelihood. Market impacts are evident too, with Kabale abattoir slaughters dropping from 30 to 15 animals daily, potentially driving up meat prices, according to traders’ chairman Jackson Nasiima.
This story was originally reported by Daily Monitor (Uganda).