Farmers plead with gov’t to reopen livestock markets

Hoima, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Livestock farmers in Bunyoro sub region have asked government to reopen livestock markets to allow them sell off some animals to sustain their livelihood.

President Yoweri Museveni closed the livestock markets in March this year as part of the control measures against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Livestock farmers say life has become unbearable for them since they can no longer provide for their families due to lack of income.

James Akandwanaho, a herdsman in Bugoigo in Buliisa district says this is the most difficult time he has ever experienced in his lifetime.

He calls on government to listen to their pleas and reopen livestock markets to allow them sell some animals to provide for their families.

Stephen Vatiri, a cattle farmer in Buseruka sub county in Hoima district says the lockdown has plunged them in poverty.

He also says their animals are on the verge of dying because they don’t have money to buy drugs to treat them.

Godfrey Kahiiga, a livestock farmer in Kikuube district asks government to reopen the livestock markets under tight Covid-19 prevention guidelines saying they are ready to comply.

Zabuloni Rwobwitizo, another herdsman is worried that some of their family members could succumb to hunger since they don’t have money to buy them food.

During his nationwide address on Monday evening, President Yoweri Museveni maintained the suspension on livestock markets saying they attract people from different parts of the country a thing he says could further facilitate the rapid spread of the disease in the country.

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