23 Sep 2026
By Daniel Mugula
KAMPALA — The Government of Uganda has intensified efforts to prevent rabies after 67,393 suspected human bite cases and 190 human deaths were recorded between 2022 and 2025, according to Ministry of Health records.
Minister Bright Rwamirama
Minister of State for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama urged the public to avoid contact with roaming dogs and other animals that may be infected, stressing that early treatment after exposure can prevent rabies deaths.
Dogs remain the main source of human exposure to rabies in Uganda, with children considered particularly vulnerable because they frequently interact with dogs and may not immediately recognise the danger of a bite.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects both animals and humans. Once clinical symptoms develop, the disease is almost invariably fatal, making vaccination and prompt medical attention after exposure essential.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Rwamirama urged dog and cat owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated and advised people who are bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water before seeking medical care.
“Achieving and maintaining high dog vaccination coverage is fundamental to breaking transmission in communities,” Rwamirama said.
Ministry records show that 36 animal samples tested positive for rabies at the National Animal Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology Center (NADIC) between 2021 and 2025.
Officials, however, said the actual number of animal rabies cases is likely to be higher because reporting from communities remains incomplete.
The Ministry also recorded 336 suspected animal deaths between 2022 and 2025, underlining the continuing public health and economic impact of the disease.
Rabies has been reported in districts across Uganda’s eastern, central, western and northern regions. Authorities say the movement of roaming dogs and other animals across district boundaries makes nationwide coordination in surveillance and response essential.
The government is implementing a One Health approach, bringing together veterinary, public health and environmental authorities to strengthen rabies prevention and control.
Key measures include:
- Vaccinating dogs and cats, particularly in high-risk areas.
- Providing human anti-rabies vaccines to people exposed to suspected rabid animals.
- Strengthening laboratory diagnosis through NADIC and regional and district veterinary laboratories.
- Improving disease surveillance and reporting.
- Conducting public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and bite prevention.
- Training veterinary and other relevant personnel.
- Strengthening collaboration among veterinary, health and environmental authorities.
The government is also implementing the National Rabies Elimination Strategy 2025–2030, which provides a framework for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths.
The strategy focuses on mass dog vaccination, protecting people at occupational risk, public awareness, stronger surveillance and data systems, advocacy and resource mobilisation.
Rwamirama also addressed concerns about the government’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programme, saying the government has procured enough vaccines to cover the national herd.
He said farmers will pay only the cost of the vaccine through banks, while the government will meet the costs of cold storage and vaccination personnel.
Veterinary officers will vaccinate animals after farmers present proof of payment.
Rwamirama warned farmers against buying FMD vaccines from unauthorised individuals, stressing that the government is the only entity authorised to import the vaccine into Uganda.
He urged anyone approached by people selling government FMD vaccines to report them to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) or police.
Health authorities continue to emphasise that rabies deaths can be prevented when people receive appropriate medical care promptly after exposure.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical assessment for appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The government says sustained vaccination of dogs, early reporting, effective surveillance and rapid access to treatment remain central to reducing rabies infections and deaths in Uganda.
