Farmers in Kyabwemi, Kagugu, and Kabingo in Isingiro District are counting heavy losses as an unidentified livestock disease continues to wipe out goats, raising fears of economic crisis in the largely farming-dependent district.
The outbreak, which farmers say has persisted for the past three months, is reported to have killed more than 1,000 goats, with symptoms including thick mucus mixed with blood blocking the nose, persistent dry cough, and diarrhea.
Nyasio Tibesigwa, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyabwemi, while speaking on media on 28th August 2025, stated, that the unchecked disease was crippling the livelihoods of households who depend on goats for income.
“This disease is killing our goats in big numbers, we request the government and the veterinary department to come and investigate before we lose everything,” Tibesigwa said.
Farmers like Robert Kagame, who had hoped to expand his herd to 1,000 goats, says his stock has been reduced from 500 to 46 in weeks.
“When we report the problem, the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) shows no concern. I have been left hopeless after losing nearly all my goats,” Kagame said.
Farmers accuse the District Veterinary Officer of negligence, alleging that their reports have been ignored despite the growing threat to livestock farming.
However, when contacted, the Isingiro District Veterinary Officer admitted awareness of the outbreak but only stated that “the matter had been reported to higher authorities,” without providing clear details.
With goat rearing being a backbone of household income in Isingiro, farmers now fear that if the outbreak is not urgently investigated and controlled, it could spread further and cripple the district’s livestock economy.
