Written By | BK Mugizi
Jonas Mbamanyire an Anthrax patient admitted at Kashozi Health Centre III
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SHEEMA
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has imposed an immediate quarantine on Sheema District following an anthrax outbreak in Kashozi Division, Sheema Municipality. The move has halted livestock trade and forced the closure of slaughter facilities and butcheries across the district.
The quarantine follows an earlier decision by the Sheema District Anthrax Response Task Force, headed by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sam Orikunda, to close Kagango Animal Market and suspend livestock trading in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.
Last week, six people died after eating meat from a cow suspected to have died of anthrax in Nshungyezi Cell, Kashozi Division, Sheema Municipality. Nine other people who also consumed the suspected contaminated meat survived and are currently admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition, where they are receiving treatment.
In a letter dated July 20, 2026, addressed to the Sheema Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner for Animal Production and Health, Dr Anna Rose Ademun, directed the immediate suspension of the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their meat within, into and out of Sheema District until further notice.
The directive also ordered the closure of all cattle, goat, sheep and pig slaughter facilities, including slaughter slabs and butcheries, to minimise the risk of further transmission.
Officials Welcome Quarantine
Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sam Orikunda welcomed the ministry's intervention, saying it strengthens the district's efforts to contain the outbreak.
"The district task force had already closed Kagango Animal Market as a precautionary measure. The quarantine reinforces the measures we had already put in place to stop the movement of livestock and protect the public from further infections," Orikunda said.
He said health, veterinary and security teams continue to trace people who may have handled or consumed the suspected contaminated meat while monitoring affected communities.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Joseph Amanya urged residents to cooperate with authorities.
"We appeal to the public not to slaughter animals that die suddenly or consume such meat. Any unexplained livestock death should be reported immediately to veterinary authorities so that samples can be collected and the animal disposed of safely," Amanya said.
Farmers Count Losses
The quarantine has disrupted livestock trade, with farmers, traders and butchers counting losses following the closure of Kagango Animal Market and slaughter facilities.
Godwin Twinomujuni, the General Secretary of the Sheema District Dairy Farmers Cooperative Union, said although the quarantine is necessary to protect lives, it has dealt a heavy blow to livestock farmers.
"Many farmers had prepared animals for sale and depend on livestock markets for their daily income. We support the government's efforts to contain anthrax, but we also hope the quarantine is lifted as soon as it is safe because farmers are already feeling the financial strain," Twinomujuni said.
The ministry warned that anyone who violates the quarantine measures will face legal action under the Animal Diseases Act, Cap. 38 (2000), its amendments and related regulations.
MAAIF appealed to farmers, veterinary personnel, police, local council leaders, slaughterhouse managers, butchery operators, traders, transporters and consumers to comply with the restrictions until the quarantine is lifted.
About Anthrax
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that mainly affects animals but can also infect humans.
Humans can contract anthrax through handling infected animals, coming into contact with contaminated animal products, or eating meat from infected animals that has not been inspected or properly cooked.
In humans, anthrax may present with symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing and skin sores that can develop into black-coloured wounds. Without early treatment, severe cases can lead to death.
