Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has instructed the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, to investigate the delay in lifting the quarantine in Ntugamo District. This comes after reports suggested that the district is now free of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), yet the quarantine remains in place.
Nabbanja stated that she had received information indicating that some officials might be profiting from the ongoing restrictions. She urged Minister Tumwebaze to address the issue, ensuring that residents’ incomes are not negatively impacted by unnecessary delays.
The issue was brought to Parliament’s attention by Hon. Naome Kabasharira, the Member of Parliament for Rushenyi County, during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Kabasharira noted that although the district had successfully contained the disease, cattle markets have remained closed for nine months since the government imposed the quarantine.
Kabasharira pointed out that the government had already provided vaccines, and all animals in the district had been vaccinated. She questioned why the people of Ntugamo are still prohibited from selling their livestock despite the district being declared free of FMD.
In response, Minister Tumwebaze explained that the Ministry had already communicated with District Veterinary Officers and Chief Administrative Officers in the affected areas, instructing them to confirm that the disease had been eradicated and that they were ready for the quarantine to be lifted. However, Ntugamo District has not yet submitted the required confirmation.
The quarantine situation in Ntugamo reflects a broader concern about the handling of Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks across Uganda. The containment of the disease and the timely lifting of quarantines are vital to protect both livestock health and local economies.
Table: Quarantine Status in Ntugamo
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| Disease Containment | FMD contained, animals vaccinated |
| Quarantine Duration | 9 months |
| Quarantine Status | Awaiting district confirmation |
In a related development, Minister Tumwebaze informed Parliament that the Uganda Coffee Development Agency (UCDA) has initiated the registration of coffee farmers nationwide. This process is in line with European Union (EU) regulations on coffee traceability. The registration aims to meet international standards and improve market access for Ugandan coffee.
According to Tumwebaze, UCDA has been allocated UGX 13 billion to support the traceability initiative. He acknowledged that more funding will be required and has already communicated this need to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The registration project began recently and is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Uganda’s coffee export capabilities.
The matter was raised in Parliament by Hon. Abed Bwanika, the Member of Parliament for Kimaanya-Kabonero Division. Bwanika expressed concern over delays in the registration process, emphasizing the importance of meeting the EU’s requirements to protect Uganda’s coffee industry. He pointed out that UCDA is still awaiting the release of funds allocated for the project in this year’s budget.
