Oyam, Uganda | The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has directed Oyam District to implement Uganda’s new cost-recovery vaccination programme against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a major policy shift aimed at ending recurrent outbreaks that have crippled livestock farmers.
Under the scheme, farmers will contribute to the cost of vaccines, while the government will provide logistics, cold-chain storage, quality assurance, and disease surveillance. The District Veterinary Department will lead the mobilization, registration, and supervision of vaccination campaigns across sub-counties, parishes, and villages.
Dr. Tom Ogwal, Head of the Oyam District Veterinary Department, said the programme is founded on shared responsibility and sustainability. He noted that achieving 80% vaccination coverage twice a year could eliminate FMD outbreaks within three to four years.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Francis Behangana, popularly known as “UPE Product,” stressed that compliance is mandatory under the Animal Diseases Act. He warned that farmers who fail to vaccinate their animals will not be allowed to access markets, adding that the programme is vital for protecting livelihoods and strengthening Oyam District’s economy.
Local farmer Oscar Wire welcomed the initiative, saying it offers hope for healthier herds and more stable markets. He acknowledged that although paying for vaccines presents a challenge, it is a necessary investment to safeguard livestock and improve household incomes.
Under the programme, farmers will pay UGX 8,000 per cow or pig and UGX 4,000 per goat or sheep during each vaccination cycle. Payments will be made through designated banks, after which registered farmers will receive a unique Farmer Identifier (UFI) to facilitate the tracking of vaccination records.
District leaders have been tasked with conducting sensitization campaigns through radio talk shows, farmer groups, and parish meetings to explain the benefits of the cost-sharing arrangement and reduce resistance among farmers.
As part of the enforcement measures, the movement of unvaccinated animals will be restricted, ensuring that only vaccinated livestock can be traded in local and national markets.