Milk Shortage Hits Mbarara as Drought, Anthrax Cut Production

What the report says

Mbarara City in western Uganda is facing a severe milk shortage after prolonged drought and livestock disease outbreaks sharply reduced production, according to Nile Post. The report says milk collection has dropped from about 20,000 litres a day to between 5,000 and 8,000 litres, with anthrax-related quarantines in some neighbouring districts also disrupting supply.

Dr. Moses Amanyire, the city production officer, said the decline is being driven by depleted pasture, scarce water and reduced animal feed, which have forced herds to travel farther for grazing. The shortage has also affected dairy operations in the city, with some milk collection centres and processing facilities shortening their hours as supplies run low.

Consumers are paying much more for milk, with retail prices reported to have risen from about Shs1,200 to as high as Shs2,500 per litre. Traders said sourcing milk has become increasingly difficult, while dairies reported lower intake and concerns about quality as dry conditions affect the raw product. Some farmers have also been accused of diluting milk to stretch volumes, adding pressure to the market.

The situation is significant because Mbarara is a key dairy hub for western Uganda. Amanyire urged farmers to adopt more climate-resilient practices, including feed storage and water harvesting, to better withstand future weather shocks. As reported by Nile Post, the crisis reflects broader risks facing livestock production in drought-prone areas.