2 April 2019

2 minute read

Africa

Initially, livestock farmers, especially at Mutukula and Bugango border posts in Kyotera and Isingiro districts respectively, were freely crossing on either side in search for water, pasture and cattle markets.

But due to continuous outbreak of animal diseases, government placed many cattle corridor districts under quarantine last year.

"We have been wondering whether it was political rhetoric or government officials meant what they were saying," Fred Kalangira, a livestock farmer from Kamuli Village Mutukula border, said yesterday.

Amon Kanyomwabazyo, another pastoralist in Lwambajjo Village, Rakai District, said some farmers occasionally cross to Tanzania due to lack of enough pasture and water.

"Some rich cattle dealers continue to bring herds of cattle to Uganda even after government slapped a ban on cross-border cattle movement. Some farmers have also resumed taking their animals to Tanzania because [since they do not see] anyone enforcing the ban," he said.

Steven Ssebunya, the Kakuuto Sub-county chairperson, said his office has registered numerous complaints from livestock farmers about the porous borders.

"I have been submitting their complaints to concerned authorities, but unfortunately, we have not received any help," Mr Ssebunya said.

However, Joy Kabatsi, the State minister for Animal Industry, said the ministry has partially lifted the ban after districts near the border were declared disease free.

"Following an outcry from cattle dealers from both countries, we took a decision as ministry to allow cattle from Tanzania to cross into Uganda. But this happens on condition that they [cattle] are checked by veterinary officers and confirm that they are disease free. Of course, those that are smuggled, are impounded on sight as soon as they enter the country," Ms Kabatsi said.

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Source: AllAfrica.com

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