news 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ntungamo and Rukiga Districts Quarantine Animal Markets Amid FMD Outbreak
Authorities in Ntungamo and Rukiga districts have imposed a strict quarantine banning the movement and sale of animals and their products due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Ntungamo's Ngoma Sub-county. The measures, effective until May 27, aim to prevent wider spread and include closing markets, slaughter slabs, and butcheries. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ntungamo-rukiga-shut-animal-markets-over-fmd-outbreak-5441526
Security and veterinary teams in Ntungamo District have halted all animal markets and restricted movement of livestock and products following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Ngoma Sub-county.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Marriam Kagaiga Mugisha, chairing the disease surveillance committee, announced the temporary quarantine affecting cows, goats, pigs, sheep, milk, and related products. No sales, slaughter, or transport within or outside the district is permitted.
The measures extend to neighboring Rukiga District due to traced contacts. District Veterinary Officer Dr. Yaake Basulira highlighted Ngoma’s high livestock population and proximity to Rwanda as risk factors, urging swift containment to avoid national spread.
Slaughter slabs, butcheries, dairies, milk coolers, and meat roasting spots face closure, with hotels prohibited from serving affected meats until May 27, 2026. Road patrols and checkpoints will enforce compliance.
This follows recurring disease issues in the Ankole region, including past outbreaks of anthrax and lumpy skin disease. Local traders like John Mary Bitariho lament the economic blow, especially as many rely on animal sales for school fees and recovery from prior trade disruptions.
Consumers may turn to vegetarian options, fish, or poultry, while those with meat from outside areas must show movement permits.
Source: Daily Monitor