The Ministry of Agriculture is requesting a supplementary budget of approximately Shs76 billion ($20 million) to procure 10 million doses of vaccines to combat the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in more than 30 districts. Minister Frank Tumwebaze stated that the funds would also support district veterinary officials with disease surveillance tools, resources, motorcycles, facilitation, and enabling infrastructure.
As the outbreak has affected 36 districts, the ministry aims to cover all affected and high-risk areas. Mr. Tumwebaze discussed the matter with officials at the Ministry of Finance ahead of a Cabinet meeting. The quarantine measures, including a ban on the movement of animals and closure of cattle markets and animal product sales, remain in place until the vaccines are purchased, distributed, and vaccinations are completed.
Last week, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed Mr. Tumwebaze to provide details on the duration of the quarantine and measures in place to address the outbreak’s impact on farmers and households.
The affected districts include Sembabule, Mubende, Gomba, Kyotera, Fort Portal City, Rakai, Ngora, Kibuku, and Mbarara City. Neighboring districts are under strict surveillance due to their high risk.
Mr. Tumwebaze attributed the continued spread of FMD to collaboration between local political leaders, enforcement personnel, and veterinary officers to bypass measures. The ministry had purchased and disbursed 2.5 million doses, with an additional 2.3 million doses expected in a month or more.
Mr. Tumwebaze revealed that the ministry would need $176 million (Shs671b) to vaccinate the estimated 44 million animal herd twice a year, but only 1.1 percent of this budget is available. Cabinet is expected to discuss the possibility of cost-sharing between farmers and the government, allowing farmers to purchase vaccines directly if approved.
