Uganda government has begun registering livestock farmers across the country as it prepares to implement a nationwide, bi-annual vaccination programme against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), marking a major policy shift in the fight against the livestock epidemic.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Bright Rwamirama told media in Kampala that the exercise is the first step in establishing a structured national vaccination system.
Rwamirama said the campaign is essential to safeguarding Uganda’s livestock industry, which remains a key economic backbone for millions of households.
“Government is launching a decisive nationwide vaccination campaign to protect Uganda’s 44.5 million livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD),” he said.
Uganda’s livestock population includes 11 million cattle, 17.4 million goats and 7.1 million pigs, all vulnerable to FMD outbreaks which, according to the ministry, affected more than 40 districts in 2023, crippling livestock markets, reducing productivity and straining household incomes.
“FMD continues to threaten over 70% of Ugandan households whose livelihoods depend on livestock, a situation this new campaign seeks to change,” Rwamirama added.
For years, government-led FMD vaccination efforts were limited and largely reactive, often covering only 10% of the animal population and failing to prevent repeated outbreaks.
“Uganda is shifting from small, reactive FMD vaccinations to a systematic, biannual, nationwide programme,” he said.
The Cabinet-approved plan will officially roll out in January–February 2026 and aims to achieve national herd immunity. It will require approximately 88 million doses annually.
To ensure sustainability, government has introduced a cost-recovery model. Farmers will pay for vaccines Shs 8,000 per cow and Shs 4,000 for goats, sheep and pigs, while government covers logistics including vaccinators, storage, surveillance and oversight.
Payments will be made through Post Bank Uganda and Housing Finance Bank into a dedicated revolving fund at the Bank of Uganda to guarantee steady funding and vaccine availability.
The farmer onboarding exercise now underway, requires all livestock owners to register once through their District Veterinary Officers in partnership with the designated banks.
Registered farmers will be issued Unique Farmer Identifiers (UFIs) and will choose their preferred payment channel, including mobile money, direct bank deposits or agent banking. They will also be assigned a payment reference via SMS or receipt.
The minister noted that the registration will provide accurate livestock data to guide vaccine distribution and ensure accountability.