KAMPALA-Following the earlier directive from the Ministry of Agriculture suspending the business of selling meat in Kampala as result of foot and mouth disease outbreak, government has issued another clarification on the same.
Meat in one of the Butcheries. (Courtesy photo)
In the letter dated 11th March 2024 by Rtd Lt col Bright Rwamirama , the state Minsiter for Agriculture , Animal Industry and Fisheries addressed to Hon Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala, clarified that the quarantine applies only in areas with affected animals.
“Accordingly, the guidelines for safe trade in animal and animal products in Non-affected areas issued on 2nd February 2024 shall apply to Kampala City i.e. Abattoirs operating in non-affected areas/ sub counties, shall continue operating to receive non-affected animals, as long as they do not come from or through affected areas.” Reads part of the statement
The Minister also added that the restriction was based on a report of a sick animal in one zero grazing unit in Rubaga Division on 28th February 2024.
“The technical team has since established that the disease is localized, the sick herd has been treated and put under strict surveillance.”
The letter has been copied to Rt. Hon. Prime Minister , the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries, the Minister of Local Government, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and the Executive Director Kampala City Council Authority.
In an earlier letter which was issued by Dr. Anna Rose Ademun , the Commissioner Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture, the ban of selling of meat in Kampala was imposed based on Animal Diseases Act, cap 38 as a result of foot and mouth disease out break in Kabowa, Rubaga Division , Kampala district.
This therefore led to closure of Livestock markets, slaughter places, including butcheries, loading grounds and animal shows in the entire district.
However this action was seen as unfair to people in the business and thus asked all concerned stakeholders to join hands and fight for their rights thus causing the intervention of the Minister for Kampala.
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