Members of Parliament (MPs) have demanded the immediate closure of the abattoir in Hoima City, citing serious hygiene issues that pose health risks to consumers of beef and goat meat. The abattoir in Kiryateete East, Hoima City, was condemned in 2006, but the MPs on the Health Committee were shocked to find that it is still in use despite its terrible condition.
The MPs discovered this during an oversight visit to various abattoirs and slaughterhouses in Western Uganda on May 13 and 14, 2024. The Vice Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Samuel Opio, was particularly concerned and recommended finding a temporary space in the nearly completed new abattoir in Kyentale Ward, Hoima West Division. This new facility is 85% complete.
“What we have seen is unacceptable. Moving to the new abattoir is necessary, but the current state of the condemned slaughterhouse leaves no room for delay,” Opio stated.
Swaleh Kajuma, the Hoima City Production Officer, explained that the new abattoir cannot be used without an operation permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). “MAAIF officials say we cannot use the facility until all work is finished. As soon as we get the permit, we will move,” Kajuma said.
Hoima City Mayor, Brian Kabuya, asked the MPs to help expedite the issuance of a temporary operation permit and to ensure that funds totaling Shs1 billion are allocated to complete the abattoir. “We request your support to ask MAAIF for a temporary permit because the main reason we can’t move is lack of funding. The contractor has been waiting for funds since January, and our budget is depleted,” he explained.
In addition to Hoima, MPs also recommended the closure of the government-owned abattoir in Kyenkombe, Mbarara City, due to inadequate infrastructure. Hon. Nicholas Kamara urged the Mbarara City Veterinary Officer, Dr. Moses Amanyire, to keep the facility closed until it meets acceptable standards. “It is totally unhygienic; flies are everywhere, and the floor is covered in stagnant blood. We have recommended that it remains closed until hygienic conditions are restored,” Kamara said.
Dr. Amanyire acknowledged the poor state of the slaughterhouse, blaming it on insufficient funds for renovations and maintenance. “When we have a broken floor and a leaking roof, it affects the operations of the abattoir,” he noted.
Contrastingly, MPs were impressed with the privately owned abattoir in Mbarara City, praising its infrastructure and management. However, Dr. Amanyire urged the MPs to advocate for improvements to government-owned abattoirs, as private owners often threaten to close due to low revenues. “We need to think seriously about better government-owned city abattoirs because private owners complain and threaten to close, and we do not have alternatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, MPs expressed their disappointment with the poor drainage system, lack of electricity, shortage of running water, and a non-functional cold room at the Masaka City abattoir in Kirumba. Masaka City Meat Inspector, Peter Ssenabulya, reported that despite the facility generating Shs2.3 million monthly, no funds are allocated for its improvement. The abattoir has not received any upgrades since its construction in 1959. “The cold storage room is non-functional because the ceiling has collapsed. The facility was originally designed to slaughter fewer animals, but now the numbers have increased, leading to poor drainage. We requested solar lighting but in vain, and now we use torches,” Ssenabulya explained.
On a positive note, Fort Portal City authorities were praised for meeting most of the requirements for operating a slaughterhouse at Kibimba. “The drainage is good, and we are happy to see the staff in uniform and proper work gear. There is enough running water, and the infrastructure inside the slaughterhouse is well-maintained,” Opio said.
However, Dr. Stanley Busingye, the City Veterinary Officer of Fort Portal, raised concerns about inadequate staffing in the veterinary department, affecting the inspection of slaughterhouses and abattoirs. “We have only one Veterinary Officer who doubles as an inspector, yet we have four facilities. We need at least 13 staff in the city,” Busingye said.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, tasked the Health Committee to investigate the state of abattoirs in cities across the country during a House sitting on February 13, 2024.
