Highlights:
- Butchers Take a Stand Against Hiked Slaughtering Charges
- Upset Over Sudden Fee Hike
- Challenge Raised Slaughter Costs
Butchers in Rwamucucu sub-county, located in Rukiga district, are expressing their dissatisfaction with recent increases in slaughtering fees. Previously, they had been paying 2,000 Ugandan shillings for each goat or pig slaughtered and 5,000 shillings for a cow.
However, the veterinary department issued a new directive last week, stipulating that they must now pay 5,000 shillings for each goat or pig and 10,000 shillings per cow that is slaughtered. Amon Rutare Naturinda, the Chairperson of the Rwamucucu Traders Association, expressed surprise on behalf of the butchers, as the authorities did not provide any explanation for this fee adjustment.
Naturinda also mentioned that what particularly angered the butchers was the presence of armed police officers when collecting the new fees. Rutare alleged that they have received information suggesting that one of the veterinary officers in the district is responsible for awarding the contract to collect the slaughtering fees.
Gerald Kamanina, Dalton Kahakyiteme, and Charity Kahemura Kamazooma have joined the protest, asserting that the increased fees are both excessive and unjustifiable. They report that veterinary authorities are using the threat of arrest against any butcher who hesitates to pay.
Eddie Mugisha, the LC3 Chairman of Rwamucucu sub-county, accuses the district authorities of raising the slaughtering fees without prior notification to the butchers or the sub-county leadership. According to Mugisha, he has written to district authorities, requesting a review of the fees to ensure the continued operation of the butchers’ businesses.
Godfrey Bukoosi, the Rukiga district veterinary officer, declined to comment on the matter, stating that he does not speak for the entire district. Meanwhile, Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, the Rukiga District LC5 Chairperson, has pledged to investigate the issue further and provide a comprehensive statement in due course.
