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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Housing Finance Bank has Aug.7 reiterated its commitment to supporting Uganda’s agricultural sector by complementing the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries’ (MAAIF) ongoing livestock vaccination campaign, an initiative aimed at protecting farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening the country’s livestock value chain.
Livestock remains an important source of income for millions of Ugandan households, providing farmers with opportunities to earn, invest and support their families. However, disease outbreaks continue to pose a significant threat to livestock productivity, farmer incomes and the sustainability of agricultural enterprises.
The ongoing vaccination campaign in Kitgum, Pader and Gulu districts is making significant progress, having reached 23,078 farmers across 22,455 locations, with 662,146 livestock vaccinated so far. The intervention is helping farmers protect their animals, minimise losses associated with livestock diseases and contribute to national efforts to improve animal health.
While awareness about livestock vaccination continues to increase, access and affordability can determine whether farmers are able to vaccinate their animals on time. Recognising this challenge, Housing Finance Bank is supporting MAAIF’s efforts by providing convenient payment options that enable farmers to participate in the vaccination programme without disrupting their farming activities.
Through HFB VacciPay, farmers can register at MAAIF district offices, any Housing Finance Bank branch or through the Bank’s agent network. Payments can be made using USSD 22510# for farmers using feature phones or through Housing Finance Bank agents equipped with smart devices that support the Bank’s web-based payment platform.
The initiative provides farmers in different regions with access to payment channels that are convenient, accessible and familiar to them.
Speaking about the initiative, Acting Head of Business and Institutional Banking Joel Mastiko said preventing disease is often more affordable than recovering from an outbreak.
“The cost of preventing disease is almost always lower than the cost of recovering from an outbreak. Yet many farmers are forced to postpone essential vaccinations because the money is needed elsewhere. By making it easier for farmers to access financing and payment solutions for livestock vaccination, we are helping them protect an asset that supports their livelihoods, families and future investments,” Mastiko said.
He added: “Every healthy herd represents more than just livestock; it represents income, resilience and opportunity for farming communities. Supporting initiatives that strengthen animal health is part of our broader commitment to developing practical financial solutions that respond to the real needs of Ugandans.”
The vaccination campaign continues to expand across the region, with upcoming activations scheduled for Amuru on August 10, Nwoya on August 11, Zombo on August 12, Nebbi on August 13 and Pakwach on August 14.
The engagements are expected to extend access to vaccination services for more farmers while supporting broader efforts to protect livestock and strengthen agricultural communities.
Housing Finance Bank continues to promote financial inclusion by developing solutions that enable individuals, businesses and communities to participate in Uganda’s economic growth.
Through partnerships such as the MAAIF livestock vaccination campaign, the Bank is contributing to stronger agricultural value chains, improved farmer resilience and sustainable national development.
