Gov’t introduces cost-sharing policy for FMD vaccination

ISINGIRO, March 19, 2026 — The government has introduced a new cost-sharing policy requiring farmers to contribute financially towards vaccinating livestock against foot-and-mouth disease [ FMD ], in a move aimed at making the National Disease Control Programme more sustainable and curbing recurring outbreaks that have repeatedly disrupted livestock markets across the country.

The new programme was unveiled days ago during the Annual General Meeting of Nyamisindo Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Isingiro District, where it received support from agricultural officials, farmers and other delegates.

Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] will lead the national vaccination exercise, while farmers will meet part of the cost of vaccines for their animals.

Previously, the government fully funded the vaccination exercise. However, officials said the arrangement had become financially unsustainable and had failed to eliminate the disease, which continues to affect livestock production in several parts of the country.

Dr Ben Ssenkera, the national coordinator of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control Programme, described the policy as a major turning point in Uganda’s veterinary strategy.

“This is a new shift in the control and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease. Before, we would vaccinate livestock but the disease would still not be eradicated. But with this new approach, we are confident we will come out on top of this disease,” Ssenkera said.

Under the policy, farmers will pay an annual fee of Shs 16,000 for each cow and pig, and Shs 8,000 for each goat or sheep. The funds will be remitted through designated banks to support government procurement and stocking of vaccines and other essential veterinary drugs.

Dr Bruhan Kasozi, the Isingiro District Veterinary Officer [DVO], said the contributions were vital to maintaining a reliable supply chain.

“In this new policy, farmers will be required to pay an annual Shs 16,000 for each cow and pig and Shs 8,000 for each goat and sheep. This money will help government procure and stock drugs so that we no longer face shortages,” he said.

To ensure full compliance, the ministry has launched a nationwide sensitisation and training campaign. Farmers are now expected to vaccinate their entire herds twice a year. Authorities have also warned that non-compliance could deny farmers access to lucrative livestock markets and dairy supply chains.

Erickson Nabimanya, chairperson of Nyamisindo Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society, said cooperatives would serve as frontline enforcers of the new regulations.

“This is government policy and we are going to be strict about it. As Nyamisindo Cooperative, we will start giving our farmers advances so that they can pay this money, and failure to vaccinate their cows will mean we cannot accept their milk,” Nabimanya said.

The programme will initially focus on high-density livestock districts in south-western Uganda, including Sheema, Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Rakai, Kazo and Sembabule. These areas are considered high-risk because of their large cattle populations and frequent cross-border movements.

In a bid to address the regional nature of the virus, Uganda recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Tanzania to coordinate vaccination and surveillance along their shared border.

Ssenkera said the agreement was crucial for synchronised action.

“We entered into an MoU with Tanzania to ensure that together we fight FMD. As we vaccinate our cows, we also expect them to vaccinate theirs,” he said.

He added that the government was also planning to establish a major holding centre where cattle entering Uganda would be tested before being allowed into the country.

Through this joint effort between the government and the private sector, officials expect approximately 44.5 million head of livestock to be vaccinated every six months.

By reducing unnecessary animal movement and ensuring a steady vaccine supply, authorities believe the cost-sharing model could provide a lasting solution to a disease that has long threatened the livelihoods of Ugandan farmers.

https://thecooperator.news/maaif-to-vaccinate-44mln-animals-in-january-to-curb-spread-of-fmd/

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