Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Bardege-Layibi Division MP claims that Government is deliberately frustrating cattle restocking efforts in Acholi by allowing the pastoralists to move freely with their animals despite outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the country.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states have finally endorsed the implementation roadmap for the IGAD transhumance protocol that will allow cross border pastoralism.
George Obia, the Lira District Police Commander says that the ban is to aide security attempts to reduce increasing theft of livestock.According to Obia, all animal traders are required to only transport their livestock between 7 am and 6 pm.
The ban was announced last year after 138 head of cattle tested positive for Foot and Mouth Disease FMD, a severe and highly contagious viral livestock infection. The disease affects cattle and swine as well as sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
The dairy sector has strong exposure to the effects of climate change, especially during the dry season when in some parts of Uganda lack of water and animal feed results into diary stock deaths.
Swizin Bukenya, the Nyakatonzi Sub county LC III chairperson who also doubles as a livestock dealer explained to URN how the disease is almost eating away their entire livestock. According to Bukenya, the disease has claimed more than 200 goats in Nyakatonzi Sub County alone.
Tumukunde says he has been feeding his animals on banana peelings he collects from peoples homes, but he can no longer find them because the bananas are out of season.
Section of residents lead by James Mubiru a resident of Nyimbwa Sub County complain that the cattle that were intended to uplift the poor people were instead given to local councilors and local leaders who already rich.
The foot and mouth disease epidemic that started in Uganda in February has now spread to eight more districts. Livestock farmers are warning of tough times ahead.
