agriculture 16 September 2026 Nile Post
Nakasongola Imposes Strict Measures to Combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
Nakasongola District has enacted a one-month ban on livestock movement and meat sales following a significant outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has resulted in over 50 animal deaths and infected approximately 1,300 others. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/371016/nakasongola-bans-livestock-movement-meat-sales-over-foot-and-mouth-disease
Authorities in Nakasongola District have implemented a month-long prohibition on the movement and sale of livestock and meat in an effort to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). The outbreak, first detected last month, has rapidly spread through key areas including Wabinyonyi, Kakooge, Nakitoma, Nabiswera, and Lwampanga.
Over 50 animals have succumbed to the disease, with an additional 1,300 confirmed infections. District officials acknowledge the economic impact of these measures on farmers but emphasize their necessity to protect the local economy.
The ban encompasses all livestock markets, which are now closed, and prohibits the movement of cattle, goats, and sheep both within and beyond the district. Dr. Samuel Eswaggu, the District Veterinary Officer, stressed the importance of farm disinfection and advised milk businesses to verify vaccination certificates from their suppliers.
Livestock farmers are strongly urged to vaccinate their animals. Nakasongola District Chairperson Rogers Semanda Kulaba encouraged farmers in Nakasongola and neighboring districts like Masindi and Kiryandongo to participate in vaccination drives. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has provided 470,000 vaccine doses, with vaccination teams administering 1,500 to 2,000 doses daily.
Farmers are cautioned against purchasing fake vaccines and are instructed to obtain government-approved vaccines through official channels. Payments for vaccines are set at Shs8,000 per cow and Shs4,000 per goat or sheep, and should be made via bank transfer or mobile money, not cash.
Task forces are being established at the sub-county level to support FMD containment efforts, ensuring disinfectants are available at checkpoints and farms. Milk traders are advised to purchase only from farmers with valid vaccination certificates to minimize disease transmission risks.
District authorities are appealing for cooperation from all stakeholders, noting that the current restrictions are causing an estimated loss of over Shs30 million in monthly revenue from livestock activities but are deemed crucial to prevent greater economic damage.
Source: Nile Post