Nakasongola District is grappling with a severe agricultural crisis as the government enforces a comprehensive ban on animal movement and trade in animal products due to a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. The quarantine, implemented on Tuesday, has led to the closure of all butchers, cattle markets, and a prohibition on the trade of animal products within the district until the FMD is under control.
Farmers in Nakasongola, especially those heavily reliant on the livestock industry, are facing significant challenges. Mr. Sam Kigula, the district chairperson, expressed concern over the impact on the farming population, noting that approximately 75% of Nakasongola’s residents derive their livelihoods from the livestock sector. This restriction comes at a crucial time when parents are mobilizing funds for their children’s school fees.
Local authorities, including Mr. Rogers Sunday Bwanga, the Nakasongola District council speaker, urged residents to adhere to the guidelines, emphasizing the importance of controlling the disease’s spread. Mr. Emmanuel Katungi, a livestock farmer, called on the government to boost the vaccination campaign, citing the financial constraints faced by many farmers in accessing vaccines.
Dr. Sam Eswagu, Nakasongola District Veterinary Officer, confirmed the quarantine and stated that the first FMD cases were detected in Kazwama Town Council on January 11. The ban has resulted in the closure of cattle markets and butchers to monitor and control the disease’s spread.
The Commissioner for Animal Health, Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, advised farmers and leaders to follow the guidelines for effective outbreak management. Mr. Saleh Kamba, the Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner, acknowledged the significance of the FMD disease restrictions in controlling its spread, recognizing Nakasongola’s vibrant livestock sector.
The FMD outbreak in Nakasongola comes at a challenging time for farmers dealing with the repercussions of a dry spell, forcing them to move animals over long distances in search of water and pasture. Farmers, such as Mr. Edward Ssemakula, emphasized the need for guidance from leaders as they navigate the difficulties posed by the quarantine and work towards obtaining vaccines.
Nakasongola joins other districts in the central region, including Gomba, Lyantonde, Ssembabule, and Lwengo, currently facing quarantine restrictions due to FMD outbreaks. Nakasongola, with an estimated 269,000 head of cattle, is a significant hub in the livestock sector, and sub-counties like Nakitoma, Nabiswera, Lwampanga, and Wabinyonyi are particularly affected.
