The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has lifted the quarantine restrictions imposed on Kalangala District following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
The directive, which took effect on August 20, 2026, restores the movement and trade of pigs and pig products across the district after four months of severe restrictions that left local farmers and traders counting heavy financial losses.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contact with contaminated swill or equipment, and transmission vectors such as soft ticks.
In an August 12, 2026 letter addressed to the Kalangala District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, the Commissioner for Animal Husbandry and Health, confirmed that containment efforts had yielded positive results.
‘The animal movement restrictions that have been in force, coupled with increased community awareness about ASF and strategic ring vaccinations carried out in the affected areas, have confirmed that the disease has been brought under control,’ Dr. Ademun wrote, adding that all quarantine measures across the district had consequently been revoked.
The quarantine originally affected Mugoye and Bujumba sub-counties, alongside Kalangala Town Council. Imposed under the Animal Diseases Act (Cap 38), it strictly prohibited the movement of pigs and pig products into, out of, through, and within the designated zones.
Origins of the outbreak
The outbreak was traced back to an emergency restocking drive under the National Oil Palm Programme (NOPP), intended to support households not involved in oil palm cultivation.
According to records from the Kalangala District Veterinary Office, at least 266 out of 372 pigs distributed to residents on March 13, 2026, died shortly after delivery. The virus subsequently spilled over to neighboring farms, killing an additional 148 pigs through secondary exposure.
The four-month ban hit local livelihoods hard, particularly for community members who had transitioned to livestock rearing following increased government operations against illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
Patrick Sekanyike, a butcher at the Mweena landing site, noted that the restrictions severely disrupted household incomes.
‘After the government intensified the crackdown on illegal fishing, many people turned to piggery. But since the quarantine was imposed, parents have been left in tears-some could not even raise school fees for their children this term,’ Mr. Sekanyike said.
Strict guidelines for reopening
Although trade is resuming, local authorities have warned that compliance with biosecurity protocols will be strictly enforced.
Dr. Cedrick Mulindwa, the Kalangala District Veterinary Officer, stated that traders and abattoirs must meet rigorous health standards before resuming full operations.
‘All pigs must be moved with valid movement permits. Transport vehicles entering the district must undergo disinfection at the Bukakkata and Entebbe entry points, and all animals intended for slaughter must undergo pre-slaughter inspection by a qualified veterinary officer,’ Dr. Mulindwa said.
He added that meat vendors must possess up-to-date operating licences and maintain elevated hygiene standards at butchery premises.
Reinforcing the directive, Mr. Robert Lugambiso, the Kalangala District Vice Chairperson, urged operators to protect the island district’s tourism brand.
‘We need you to maintain high standards and quality meat. Kalangala is a primary tourist destination, and many visitors will be frequenting your establishments. You represent the image of Kalangala,’ Mr. Lugambiso said.