RUBIRIZI, Uganda — Residents of Nyakasharu 2 Cell in Kasarara Ward, Rubirizi Town Council, have protested the operation of a pig slaughterhouse located in the middle of residential homes, accusing its operators of poor waste management and producing a strong foul smell that has made life unbearable.
The residents say the stench from the slaughterhouse, coupled with what they describe as poor disposal of animal waste, has raised concerns about their health and the possibility of disease outbreaks in the area.
Led by residents including Arinitwe Maxensia and Tumwekwase Edwin, the affected community members are calling on Rubirizi Town Council and the government to intervene and address the situation.
They want the facility either properly managed to meet required health and environmental standards or relocated away from residential homes.
Residents say they have endured the bad smell and poor sanitation for a long time and fear that continued exposure to waste from the slaughterhouse could put their health at risk.
The LC1 Chairperson of Nyakasharu 2, Ndyanabo Vincent Karikwita, said the residents have genuine concerns, arguing that the slaughterhouse was constructed in the middle of homes without adequate consultation with the surrounding community.
Karikwita called on the authorities to urgently address the residents’ complaints and ensure that the facility does not continue affecting people living nearby.
Meanwhile, Rubirizi District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mugayi Henry, has asked the residents to remain calm, saying authorities have received their concerns and will work to address them.
Dr. Mugayi said the health team will inspect the slaughterhouse to establish whether it meets the required health and environmental standards. He added that authorities will also assess waste disposal practices and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect residents from potential health risks.
The residents are now waiting for the authorities’ intervention, insisting that the slaughterhouse should either improve its waste management systems or be relocated away from residential homes.
