By KT Reporter
Cattle traders in Hoima City on Thursday staged a protest over what they described as exorbitant slaughter fees at the newly constructed modern abattoir in Bulera Cell, Hoima East Division.
The butchers, who previously paid 2,000 Shillings per animal, say the contractor recently hiked the fee to 5,000 Shillings without consultation. When they resisted, the contractor locked the facility and deployed police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers, insisting that no animal would be slaughtered unless traders complied with the new charges.
Norman Kimara, the Chairperson of the Hoima Butchers Association, said they were shocked to find the gates locked and security forces stationed at the entrance. He said that they were never consulted about this increment, yet they were equally blocked from accessing the facility.
His deputy, Milton Ahuura, noted that since relocating to the new abattoir, the traders have faced persistent challenges, including unexpected costs and unclear management decisions.
Butchers such as Mustapher Khalifani described the increment as unfair and unacceptable. He demanded that the contractor’s contract be terminated immediately. Another trader, Julius Ayesiga, revealed that besides the 5,000 Shilling slaughter fee, Hoima City authorities also collect an additional 10,000 Shillings per animal.
Sheikh Rajab Mugenyi, the Bunyoro District Kadhi, faulted the contractor for overstepping his contractual obligations. He adds that the contract clearly states that only 2,000 Shillings should be collected per animal, and charging 5,000 is a violation.
The standoff prompted the intervention of city authorities led by Principal Assistant Town Clerk, Solomon Businge, who distanced the city from the alleged 10,000 Shilling collection. He explained that the city has never instructed anyone to collect such fees and that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
The contractor, Abdul Swamadu Wamani, declined to comment on the matter. The modern abattoir slaughters between 70 and 100 animals daily. Traders were relocated to the facility in September after Hoima City authorities condemned the old Kiryatete slaughterhouse, which had long been criticised for poor hygiene, cracked slabs, and unsanitary conditions that posed health risks to consumers.
Built for 5 billion Shillings and completed last year, the state-of-the-art abattoir boasts modern features rarely found in local facilities. These include a specialised slaughter hall, meat preservation unit, waste treatment plant, hide and skin room, lairage with isolation pens, and offices for meat inspectors.
It also has reliable electricity, running water, and proper drainage, features designed to guarantee a hygienic meat supply to thousands of consumers. Initially, butchers resisted moving to the new facility, arguing that its location, five kilometres from the city centre, was too far from their customer base.
The city later entered into an understanding with the Bunyoro Muslim District Council, which contracted Wamani to manage slaughter operations. Now, however, the dispute over fees threatens to disrupt the very purpose of the modern abattoir: ensuring affordable, safe, and hygienic meat for Hoima City residents.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
