By Charles Katabalwa,
Agriculture
Violators of Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) quarantine laws in Uganda will now face up to 7 years of imprisonment, according to Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama.
The country is currently experiencing a renewed outbreak of FMD in the districts of Lyantonde, Mubende, and Gomba, causing concern among local cattle keepers. The government is taking decisive actions to eliminate FMD, as farmers who have deliberately ignored quarantine laws are exacerbating the problem.
Rwamirama stated that if farmers fail to comply with the existing regulations, stricter laws will be implemented. The government is also carrying out regular vaccinations to mitigate the spread of FMD.
On a positive note, the annual report of the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) shows that the dairy sector in Uganda has been growing steadily, with milk production increasing by 37% from FY 2020/21 to FY 2022/23. Despite the challenges posed by drought in some areas, the export value of milk and milk products has also risen significantly.
Rwamirama also encouraged Ugandans to view livestock farming as a profitable business and emphasized the importance of focusing on animal health and nutrition to increase productivity and access to markets. The dairy industry is a vital contributor to Uganda’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people and contributing to food security and nutrition. It accounts for 6.5% of the country’s GDP and has attracted foreign direct investment due to the favorable investment climate.
