Butaleja Runs Short of Rabies Vaccines as Dog Bite Cases Rise

By Ambrose Wanagoli.

The Butaleja District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jackson Twebaze Ndahayo has raised concern over the shortage of dog rabies vaccines in Butaleja District and neighbouring areas, warning that the situation poses a serious risk of rabies outbreaks amidst increasing cases of dog bites.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Ndahayo said the district has operated without government-supplied rabies vaccines for nearly two years.

He noted that veterinary services have largely depended on support from partners such as Vetconekt, AFROHUN, and other organizations.

He urged dog owners to purchase rabies vaccines from private veterinary pharmacies and ensure their dogs are vaccinated as they wait for the government to procure and distribute more vaccines.

According to Dr. Ndahayo, the district vaccinated 1,500 dogs and carried out surgery on 45 dogs last year with support from Vetconekt and AFROHUN in 2025.

Current district statistics indicate that about 3,000 dogs are kept domestically, while an estimated 2,000 stray dogs roam across Butaleja District.

The veterinary officer also revealed that 20 dog bite cases have been recorded in the district over the last three months.

He appealed to the public to avoid provoking dogs in order to reduce bite incidents and advised victims of dog bites to seek immediate medical attention to prevent possible rabies infections.