By Spy Uganda
Kampala: In a bid to combat the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, Uganda has received a second consignment of 3 million doses of vaccine from Egypt.
This latest batch arrives just three months after the first shipment of 3 million doses in May.
The vaccines were received by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, at Entebbe International Airport.
He was accompanied by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF); Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry; Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, MAAIF Permanent Secretary; and other senior officials.
”Glad to receive another 3m consignment of FMD vaccines from Egypt under our Govt to Govt cooperation. We also received lab equipments that are intended to build our country capacity at NARO & pave way for in country manufacturing as agreed upon between our two countries. This collaboration was Initiated by our CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba through his military relations with the government of Egypt. With this consignment of 3m we shall be able to cover a reasonable number of animals at risk in the most highly affected and transit districts.” Minister Tumwebaze said after receiving the consignment.
The FMD outbreak has led to a quarantine in 32 districts across Uganda, causing significant distress in the cattle corridor. The affected districts include Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule, among others. To curb the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture has banned the movement of livestock and livestock products into, out of, or through these districts.
Uganda’s total susceptible animal herd requires 44 million doses of FMD vaccine annually, necessitating a bi-annual vaccination program costing $176 million per year. The recent vaccine shipments from Egypt will play a crucial role in supporting this effort.
The swift delivery of the vaccines is a result of the CDF’s engagement with Egyptian authorities, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to combat FMD.
