Kamwenge Keeps Cattle Markets Closed Until All Livestock Are Vaccinated Against FMD Business and finance

Livestock farmers and cattle traders in Kamwenge District will have to wait longer before cattle markets reopen after district authorities resolved to keep them closed until all eligible animals are vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The decision was reached on Tuesday during a meeting of the district FMD Task Force chaired by Resident District Commissioner Africano Aharikundira as authorities stepped up measures to prevent the disease from spreading into the district.

Aharikundira said the move is intended to support the government’s ongoing nationwide mandatory vaccination campaign targeting more than 44.5 million animals. Kamwenge first imposed FMD control measures on June 10 by closing all livestock markets for one month after outbreaks were confirmed in the neighbouring districts of Kazo and Kyegegwa.

District authorities cited the porous borders shared with the affected districts and the high risk of disease transmission. They also banned the entry of livestock and animal products, including milk and meat, from the affected areas. The district veterinary department has since begun preparations for the vaccination exercise, starting with community sensitisation before embarking on the registration of livestock farmers and their animals.

Kamwenge District Veterinary Officer Dr. Paul Mbago said the registration exercise will enable authorities to determine the exact number of animals to be vaccinated and ensure the campaign is implemented efficiently. He urged farmers to cooperate with veterinary teams, noting that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect livestock, prevent disease outbreaks and improve animal productivity.

Aharikundira said cattle markets will only reopen after veterinary authorities confirm that all animals have been vaccinated. He added that livestock farmers will contribute Shs8,000 per animal towards the vaccination exercise. The RDC also warned livestock traders against transporting cattle from neighbouring districts into Kamwenge, saying security agencies have been directed to strictly enforce movement restrictions to prevent the introduction and spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

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