Uganda-Egypt Partnership to Lower Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Costs

Livestock farmers in Uganda can anticipate substantial savings on vaccinations thanks to an upcoming local manufacturing plant for the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine. The Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, announced that this joint venture between the Ugandan and Egyptian governments will dramatically decrease the expenses farmers currently incur.

“With the foot and mouth vaccines that we have in stock, we are vaccinating the four-hoofed animals. Cows are vaccinated at Shs8,000 and goats at Shs4,000. But when the factory is here, the price will drop substantially. We are in high gear and have just signed the partnership,” stated Minister Tumwebaze. He made these remarks in response to concerns raised by Hon. Richard Ongorok regarding the cost recovery scheme for FMD vaccinations, noting that public awareness about the payment policy needs to be enhanced.

Minister Tumwebaze also clarified the payment process, emphasizing that farmers are expected to pay online. He assured that disciplinary actions would be taken against any veterinary officers demanding cash payments. To ensure widespread understanding, announcements regarding vaccination acquisition will be intensified in all local languages.

Additionally, the Minister addressed a separate issue concerning agricultural inputs. He informed the House that government-provided free maize and coffee seedlings are no longer available. Farmers will now need to access funding for seedlings through the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja encouraged Members of Parliament to actively monitor the effectiveness of government-funded programs, including PDM, Emyooga, and the Grow Project, urging them to address repayment challenges to ensure the sustainability of these revolving funds. She also specifically highlighted the need for follow-up on the Shs5 million restocking program for households in the Lango, Teso, and Acholi sub-regions.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4573/fmd-factory-cut-vaccine-prices-minister