The Government of Uganda, in Liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Ministry of Health, Uganda Veterinary Association, are pursuing the elimination of dog-mediated rabies by 2030 under its National Rabies Elimination Strategy.
The State Minister for Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama said this during a presser held on September 23rd, 2026, in commemoration of World Rabies Day, observed every 28th September.
The minister said that interventions including mass dog and cat vaccination campaigns, public awareness events, school education programs, walks and runs, and media campaigns to mention but a few have been put in place to eliminate rabies.
“Key interventions include, Vaccination of dogs and cats particularly in high risk and hotspot areas to interrupt transmission from animal to people and livestock. There will be prevention of human anti rabies vaccine through health system for people exposed to suspected rabies animals, and Laboratory diagnosis supported by regional and district laboratories and trained personnel in the local government,” Rwamirama said.
Rwamirama further noted that Rabies still kills an estimated 59,000 people worldwide each year mostly in Asia and Africa, with children heavily affected, noting that safe vaccines for animals and humans, plus timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), make prevention highly effective.
He added that Rabies remain endemic in Uganda and has been reported from many parts of the country.
“Available ministry records indicate that between 2021-2025, 36 samples were confirmed positive from rabies at the National Animal Disease Diagnostic and Epidomology Center. Between 2022-2025, Ministry of Health records indicated 67393 suspected human bite cases, 190 human deaths with 336 suspected animal deaths were recorded,” Rwamirama added.
Rwamirama urged the public to vaccinate dogs and cats regularly, practice responsible pet ownership by controlling roaming, and reporting unusual animal behavior.
He mentioned that incase of bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply disinfectant, and seek medical care immediately for PEP assessment.
World Rabies Day is observed globally every year on September 28th, with the 2026 theme being “Stronger Together” emphasizing that rabies elimination requires collaboration across communities, veterinary professionals, healthcare workers, governments, educators, and international partners.
