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By Cinderella Atenyo
Uganda will join the rest of the world on September 28 to commemorate World Rabies Day, with the country reporting 190 human deaths linked to rabies between 2021 and 2024.
The national commemoration will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Kasana-Kosovo in Luwero District, under the theme “Stronger Together – Animal, Human and Environmental Sectors Working Together to Eliminate Rabies.” Activities for World Rabies Week are running from September 21 to 26. The 2026 global campaign also emphasizes stronger cooperation between communities, veterinary services and human-health authorities.
According to Uganda’s National Rabies Elimination Strategy, 190 human deaths and 67,393 suspected animal-bite cases were recorded between 2021 and 2024. The strategy also cautions that reported figures may underestimate the actual burden because rabies surveillance remains limited.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries says rabies is preventable through vaccination of dogs and other susceptible animals, prompt wound care and timely post-exposure treatment. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal, making early action after a suspected exposure critical.
Planned activities during the national campaign include free mass vaccination of dogs and cats, spaying and castration, community sensitization through radio and television, school outreaches and community service by Makerere University veterinary students.
The Ministry is urging the public to vaccinate pets, report suspected rabies cases and seek medical attention immediately after an animal bite. Bite wounds should be thoroughly washed with soap and running water for about 15 minutes before the victim proceeds to a health facility for further assessment and treatment.
