The government of Egypt has donated a significant consignment of vaccines to help Uganda combat foot and mouth disease (FMD) in animals. The donation, valued at approximately USD 70,000 (about 2.5 billion Ugandan shillings), was handed over to Brig. Gen. Dan Kakono.
The donation includes 1.5 million doses of the FMD vaccine, bringing Egypt’s total contribution to 10 million doses. However, Uganda requires about 40 million doses annually to effectively control the disease, which costs the country an estimated USD 176 million per year.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Fred Kyakulaga, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its importance in controlling the recent FMD outbreak. This outbreak has led to animal quarantines in 32 districts, including Luweero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Ssembabule.
The vaccine donation follows high-level talks between Uganda’s Army Chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. In October, the CDF met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors. These discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in agriculture and livestock development.
Additionally, the Egyptian government has previously donated equipment to support the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in enhancing local vaccine production.
The Egyptian government’s pledge of continued support gives hope to Uganda’s efforts to eliminate the disease, safeguarding livestock and the livelihoods of millions of Ugandans dependent on farming.
