Uganda is embarking on a monumental journey to secure its agricultural future by launching an unprecedented nationwide vaccination drive. This strategic initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, aims to protect a staggering 46.3 million animals from the devastating impact of Foot and Mouth Disease. By taking this bold step, the government is not just treating animals; it is shielding the livelihoods of millions of hardworking farmers and ensuring the long term stability of the national economy.
Dr. David Nelson Okello, a leading veterinary authority in Northern Uganda, has confirmed that all logistical preparations are complete for this massive operation to begin this month. The campaign targets a diverse range of cloven-hoofed animals that are vital to rural prosperity, including 16.5 million cattle, 17.4 million goats, 4.4 million sheep, and approximately 8 million pigs. Because this viral disease is so highly contagious and destructive, the government has recognized that a proactive, comprehensive approach is the only way to break the cycle of infection and stop the economic paralysis caused by district-wide quarantines and trade bans.
To ensure the program is handled with the highest level of integrity and efficiency, a clear and secure payment system has been established. Farmers are encouraged to contribute a fee of 8,000 Uganda Shillings per animal, which must be paid directly through PostBank Uganda or Housing Finance Bank. This transparent process is specifically designed to eliminate the risks of corruption and ensure that every cent contributes directly to the health of the nation’s herds. Dr. Okello has issued a firm reminder that no cash should be handed to individual veterinary officers, reinforcing a culture of total accountability and trust.
While some regions, such as the Lango sub-region, are currently free of the disease, experts like Dr. Goreti Atim emphasize that prevention is the most powerful tool available to the nation. The government’s vision is as ambitious as it is necessary: the total elimination of Foot and Mouth Disease across all borders by the year 2040. Veterinary teams are already active on the ground, working hand-in-hand with local communities to raise awareness and ensure that every livestock owner is prepared to participate in this transformative effort. This campaign is more than a medical intervention; it is a collective investment in a prosperous, disease-free future for the entire Ugandan agricultural sector.