Nakasongola bans livestock movement as foot-and-mouth disease spreads, 55 cattle die
DISEASE
Nakasongola, Uganda | September 17, 2026: Authorities in Nakasongola District have imposed a district-wide restriction on the movement and sale of livestock following a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) that has killed at least 55 cattle and affected about 1,300 animals.
The latest measures, announced on Tuesday, September 15, were issued by the District Security Committee and Veterinary Department through Resident District Commissioner Festus Bandeeba. The restriction expands an earlier measure that had targeted Wabinyonyi Sub-county from September 2.
According to reports by and , the affected areas include Wabinyonyi, Kakooge, Nakitoma, Nabiswera and Lwampanga.
Under the restrictions, the movement of cattle, goats and sheep both within and outside Nakasongola has been prohibited, while livestock markets have been closed. The sale of livestock and meat has also been suspended as authorities intensify efforts to contain the disease.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Samuel Eswaggu said the restrictions are expected to remain in force for one month. Farmers have also been directed to disinfect their farms and livestock facilities, while milk businesses have been advised to obtain milk only from farmers whose animals have been vaccinated and who can provide valid vaccination certificates.
The district has also established measures at checkpoints and milk collection centres to reduce the risk of the disease spreading through animal movement and livestock products.
vaccination exercise intensified
Authorities are simultaneously carrying out a vaccination campaign across the district. According to the latest reports, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has supplied 470,000 vaccine doses, with vaccination teams administering between 1,500 and 2,000 doses per day.
RDC Bandeeba has warned farmers against individuals selling fake vaccines, urging them to obtain vaccines through authorised channels. Farmers have reportedly been advised to pay the prescribed vaccination fees through official banking or mobile-money channels rather than handing cash to individuals claiming to represent the government.
District Chairperson Rogers Semanda Kulaba has appealed to farmers in Nakasongola and neighbouring districts, including Masindi and Kiryandongo, to vaccinate their livestock and cooperate with veterinary and security teams.
economic impact
The restrictions are expected to affect thousands of farmers and traders who depend on livestock sales for household income.
District officials estimate that Nakasongola is losing more than Shs30 million every month in revenue associated with livestock-related activities because of the restrictions.
The district has, however, maintained that the measures are intended to be temporary and are aimed at preventing the outbreak from spreading further and causing greater economic losses.
Nakasongola has experienced repeated FMD outbreaks in recent years. A livestock quarantine imposed in 2024 was only lifted in January 2025 after a prolonged period of restrictions, highlighting the recurring challenge faced by farmers in the cattle corridor.
Authorities are now urging farmers to avoid moving animals without veterinary clearance, report suspected cases promptly, maintain proper farm hygiene and comply with vaccination requirements as the district works to contain the latest outbreak.
