Staff Reporter
Mbarara City has launched a vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has impacted the local economy. Livestock farmers are being urged to update their national identity cards to ensure accurate animal registration and accountability for vaccine doses.
The campaign was officially launched by Mbarara City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Col. James Mwesigye at Mr. Nuwagira Geoffrey’s farm in Kamatarisi Cell, Rwenjeru Ward, Mbarara City North Division.
In his address, Col. Mwesigye urged all stakeholders to oversee the campaign to ensure every cow in the city receives the vaccine and that all vaccines are used properly without diversion. He emphasized that, according to government policy, the vaccines are free, and no farmer should pay anything as the government has covered the cost of each dose, which is priced at Shs 200 to support the veterinary staff administering the vaccines.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabi Kakyebezi commended the government for providing free FMD vaccines to address the disease that has been causing significant economic difficulties for farmers, traders, and the local government. He urged all livestock farmers to participate fully in the campaign to ensure that all cattle are vaccinated and registered, which will aid in quality planning and budgeting for service delivery.
Dr. Amanyire reported that the city has an estimated 30,000 livestock, but only half of these animals will be vaccinated with the 15 doses provided by the government. He noted that the merging of the three divisions into one has led to a shortage of technical extension staff compared to other local governments, where the number of farmers and animals is growing.
Mayor Kyabwisho Gumisiriza of Mbarara City North Division advised livestock farmers that declaring all their cattle for vaccination would assist the government in eradicating FMD and help keep livestock markets operational, leading to better prices for animals.
The host farmer, Nuwagira Geoffrey, expressed gratitude to the government for the free FMD vaccines, which he believes will address the recurring challenge of the disease. His daughter, Daphine Kansiime, highlighted that livestock farming is crucial for paying school fees and that their family business involves children assisting in preparing animal feeds.
