BY AGGREY TWESIGYE
Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Bright Rwamirama has warned livestock farmers in Mbarara City who have failed to embrace the government’s compulsory Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme, threatening to restrict them from selling animals or supplying milk to collection centres.
Rwamirama issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing farmers and local leaders at Mbarara City Council offices, saying only livestock with valid vaccination certificates will be allowed into markets and milk collection centres.
Mbarara City Veterinary Officer Dr Moses Amanyire said the city has approximately 65,000 livestock, but only 4,511 have so far been vaccinated, attributing the low coverage to understaffing in the veterinary department.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City South Division Gerald Tukamuhebwa called on local leaders to intensify farmer mobilisation, while Deputy Mayor Ronald Taremwa cited staff shortages and inadequate vehicles as major challenges affecting vaccination sensitisation and agricultural extension services.
