Kyegegwa vet department scale-up prevention measure against FMD, amid raising cases

22 May 2026, 7:28 pm

By Kyalisima Asuman

Veterinary officials in Kyegegwa district, have imposed a two weeks’ local quarantine on Thursday Rwensasi livestock market in Ruyonza subcounty, following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in some parts of the district.

The development was declared on Thursday 21^st of May 2026, by the Principal Veterinary Officer Kyegegwa Anna Mary Kahunde, during a press briefing at the district headquarters.

Kahunde who personally visited the market and vividly observed the conducts of farmers, roared that the local quarantine, is intended to contain the further spread of the disease and also pave way for the vaccination exercise, that is expected to be completed within 10 days after the date of its commencement which was on 22^nd of May.

She also revealed that the market will be re-opened when at least 75% of the animals including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs have been vaccinated, adding that they have already received 30,000 dozes of high-potency quadrivalent FMD vaccines.

Annah also revealed that under this arrangement (cost-recovery), the policy guides that farmers will contribute Ugx 8,000 per dose for cattle and pigs, and Ugx 4,000 per dose for goats and sheep and are required to pay through Pearl Bank and Housing Finance Bank only.

 She however, also appealed to the farmers to provide accurate information about their animals while paying to the bank.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an infectious disease that affects cloven-hoofed or divided hoofed animals.