Makerere University vet gears up aproject to fight Rabbies

Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and other stakeholders have launched a four-year project geared towards eliminating rabies in Uganda.

The project, launched on Tuesday, involves vaccinating dogs, and creating awareness, among others.
Prof Umar Kakumba, the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academic affairs at Makerere University, said the project is geared towards addressing public health challenges by “accelerating Uganda’s efforts to control and eliminate rabies.”

The project, he said, will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal (3) of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Mr Kakumba said the project aims at eliminating dog-mediated human deaths and reducing the burden of disease on families, communities, and healthcare systems.

Dr Hannington Katumba, a veterinarian at Kampala Capital City Council Authority (KCCA), said they record between 15 and 20 dog bites monthly. To stop stray dogs from multiplying, he said KCCA is removing reproductive parts of stray dogs within the city. But he said not every dog bite carries rabies.