Butchers protest hiked slaughtering fees

Rukiga, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Butchers in Rwamucucu sub-county in Rukiga district are protesting recently hiked slaughtering fees. The butchers have been paying sh2,000 for each goat or pig slaughtered and sh5000 for a cow.

However, last week, the veterinary department ordered them to start paying sh5,000 for each goat or pig and sh10,000 per cow slaughtered. Amon Rutare Naturinda, the Chairperson of Rwamucucu Traders Association, says that as butchers they were surprised by the revised slaughter fees. He explains that the authorities have not even bothered to give reasons behind the increment.

Naturinda says that what has angered the butchers is that the authorities are collecting the new fees with protection from armed police officers. Rutare alleged that they have received information that one of the veterinary officers in the district is the one behind a tender to collect slaughtering fees.

Gerald Kamanina, Dalton Kahakyiteme, and Charity Kahemura Kamazooma have protested the increment, saying that it is exorbitant and unjustifiable. They say that veterinary authorities are threatening to arrest any butcher who hesitates to pay.
Eddie Mugisha, the Rwamucucu sub-county LC3 Chairman accuses the district authorities of increasing the slaughtering fees without sensitizing the butchers and informing the sub-county leadership. According to Mugisha, he has written to district authorities demanding a revision of the fees to allow the butchers to remain in business.

Godfrey Bukoosi, the Rukiga district veterinary officer declined to comment on the matter when contacted by our reporter, saying that he does not speak on behalf of the district. Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, the Rukiga District LC5 Chairperson has promised to follow up on the matter and come up with a detailed statement later.

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