Mbarara city authorities have re-opened livestock market in Biharwe, Mbarara City North Division, in a move aimed at improving livestock trade, expanding market access for cattle farmers. The market is also a target for the city leadership to increase local revenue.
The market that was closed ten years ago after its land was encroached on and supposed land grabbing is expected to provide a convenient trading point for livestock in the Ankole cattle corridor and also become an additional source of revenue for the City Council.
Livestock traders have been travelling to the neighbouring Kyeshaama Cattle Market in Kiruhura District, and Mbarara District.
Vianney Byomuhangi, the division town clerk, said that they still have a budget to improve the market through constructing an improved Pit Latrine and concrete slab to better the standards.
Byomuhangi said they are optimistic the market will generate a moderate revenue for the city to improve on other services’ delivery.
Robinson Nabaasa, the Veterinary Officer for Mbarara City North Division, warned livestock traders and farmers against diseases, mostly anthrax, and foot-and-mouth disease.
Benon Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, the Mbarara City North Division Mayor, gave the livestock traders a one-month grace period to use the market without paying any cgarges.He asked the residents to improve the infrastructure to a standard of business development.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi said the market would help residents earn income and reduce the need to travel to distant livestock markets in Kiruhura and Ssembabule districts for trade.
Jackline Kankunda, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City North, said the City Security committee had strengthened efforts towards curbing livestock theft.
She said in the last one month seven people had been arrested in connection with livestock theft.
She said the reopening of the livestock market was to strengthen the third pillar of the parish development model. Currently Mbarara City Council collects between 250 and 300 million shillings from Cattle trade and slaughtering annually-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
