28 Cattle Farmers in Kiruhura Face Arrest For Spreading FMD

Twenty-eight cattle farmers in Kiruhura district are in trouble on allegations of fueling the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease-FMD. The farmers have been summoned to appear and record statements at Kiruhura central police stations.   

The affected farmers graze their cattle in the government farm of Nshara farm in Nyakashashara Sub County. They include among others Geoffrey Koyoffa, Fred Etuuha, Sande Wilber, Fred Engumya, Mushabe, Wilson Nareeba, Benon Kahirwa, Kagambirwa, Mesach Nisiima and Allen Kangume. 

Bright Nuwamanya, the Nyakashashara Sub County chief, says despite registering FMD outbreak in their farms, the farmers freely move around their cattle in contravention of the quarantine.

//Cue in: “kigiire aha record…   

Cue out: …have their names.”//

Nuwamanya said that dairy farmers and the FMD task force resolved that all FMD cases are reported immediately and errant farmers arrested.

//Cue in: “omu kiragiro omuntu…   

Cue out: …ababa bakabura kureportinga.”//

Aminadabu Muhindo, the Kiruhura Resident District Commissioner and FMD Task Chairperson, has directed the District Police Commander to arrest and prosecute the implicated farmers.

//Cue in: “segregate and those…    

Cue out: …those people charged.”//

Kiruhura LC V Chairperson, Rev Samuel Katugunda blames the escalation of FMD infection in the district on the sale of milk and beef in violation of the quarantine.

//Cue in: “ekigambo kya maate…   

Cue out: …egi mbeera yatukabya.”//

At least five districts including Kazo, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Mbarara City and Sheema are under quarantine to contain the spread of FMD. The quarantine has fueled the smuggling of livestock and their products especially under the cover of darkness. 

FMD is a highly infectious disease that spread through the products of an infected animal. An infected animal presents with blisters on the mouth and foot, loss of appetite, fever and a drop in milk production.