Ntungamo Extends Cattle Quarantine By Two Weeks Despite Significant Progress in FMD Control

Veterinary authorities in Ntungamo District, Uganda, have extended the cattle quarantine by two weeks, pushing the planned lifting date beyond May 27, 2026. This decision aims to allow a joint task force from Ntungamo and Rukiga districts to thoroughly assess the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and ensure its complete suppression.

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From the basis of the updates from the field, we realised the situation is gradually improving with the involvement of multi-stakeholders.

The extension was decided during a stakeholders' meeting on May 29, 2026, where field reports indicated significant progress in controlling the disease. Dr. Yake Basulira, the Ntungamo District Veterinary Officer, confirmed the gradual improvement, attributing it to coordinated multi-stakeholder efforts. However, he stated that the quarantine remains necessary to monitor progress and determine the next steps.

During the extended two-week period, authorities will intensify sensitization campaigns and conduct mass vaccination exercises in affected areas, including Ruhaama, Kafunjo-Mirama, Kakukuru, Rwenanura, Nyarutuntu, Rwentobo, and Rwahi. Plans also include mapping recently healed animals and compiling progress reports to better understand disease transmission and recovery trends.

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There is an extension of two weeks to evaluate the positive progress on ground and if it continues another dimension will be taken.

While some livestock farmers have expressed concerns about the high cost of vaccination, veterinary officials are cautioning against delaying preventive measures, emphasizing that the potential losses from an outbreak far outweigh vaccination costs. Areas that have not registered any FMD cases may be allowed to resume normal livestock activities following further assessment.

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During these two weeks it was proposed that there be massive sensitization and awareness of all stakeholders. We shall also do massive vaccination among Ruhaama, Kafunjo Mirama, Kakukuru, Rwenanura, Nyarutuntu, Rwentobo, Rwahi, among others.