Uganda's Minister of Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, has pointed to the failure of top district officials to update the Ministry on the status of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as the reason for the delayed lifting of animal quarantine in several districts.

This explanation came in response to concerns raised by Naome Kabasharira, the MP for Rushenyi County, who questioned why Ntungamo district remains under animal quarantine despite all animals being vaccinated and no current cases of FMD.

"It's coming to 9 months now since the government put an animal quarantine because of the Foot and Mouth Disease in Ntungamo district," Kabasharira said.

"I thank the government for giving us the vaccines, and they have vaccinated all the animals. I walked all over my constituency because people depend on animals; there is no Foot and Mouth Disease, but the markets have been closed completely. People can't sell their animals; they have to pay school fees; they literally depend on animals."

Minister Tumwebaze clarified that the FMD quarantine is handled on a district-by-district basis, with vaccines distributed to affected areas.

"We have clearly written to the District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) and the Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs); it is up to them to confirm that they have vaccinated the areas, to confirm that the disease has been dissolved, to confirm that they are ready to lift the quarantine. When they report that to us, the Commissioner immediately lifts it." Minister Tumwebaze said