Ntungamo farmers are urged to embrace mass Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination.

By Anthony Kushaba
Ntungamo, Uganda

Farmers in Ntungamo District have been urged to actively participate in the ongoing mass vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to help eradicate the persistent outbreaks in the region.

The appeal was made today by Ntungamo District Chairperson, Samuel Muchunguzi, during a key stakeholders' meeting on FMD held at the district council hall. Muchunguzi expressed deep concern over the continued quarantine in the area, which has severely impacted farmers' livelihoods by restricting the sale and movement of livestock and animal products. He emphasized that embracing the vaccination campaign is crucial to protecting livestock from potential outbreaks and ultimately lifting the quarantine.

“We are urging all farmers to take this vaccination exercise seriously to safeguard their animals and livelihoods. The sooner we control the disease, the sooner we can resume normal trading activities,” said Muchunguzi.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Rosemary Atuhaire called on both civil servants and the local population to collaborate in ensuring the vaccination reaches every livestock farm in the district. She emphasized that a collective effort is necessary to successfully combat the disease.

Ntungamo Chief Administrative Officer, Mathias Ndifuna, highlighted the vital role of town clerks, sub-county chiefs, veterinary officers, and local council chairpersons in mobilizing and educating the community about the importance of the vaccination drive. He urged these leaders to intensify efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage.

“The participation of every stakeholder is critical. We need to mobilize our communities effectively so that all animals are vaccinated, which will help us lift the quarantine sooner,” Ndifuna stated.

Dr. Yaake Basulira, the District Veterinary Officer, reported that the vaccination exercise is well underway but stressed that it requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders to overcome the challenges posed by the quarantine and ongoing FMD threats.

The district leadership hopes that with full participation from farmers and the community, the region can soon overcome the challenges posed by foot-and-mouth disease, restoring normalcy to the agricultural sector.