Livestock traders in the West Nile sub-region are protesting what they describe as excessive restrictions, interference and illegal charges that are preventing them from transporting animals into the region. Members of the West Nile Livestock Traders Association say traders who buy cattle, goats, sheep and pigs from districts including Lira, Apac, Masindi, Hoima and Kyenjojo are increasingly being blocked from moving livestock to West Nile.
They also accuse technical officers and security personnel at ferry crossings on Lake Albert in Buliisa and Pakwach of frustrating especially pig traders through unnecessary restrictions and charges.
Felix Aniku, a livestock dealer from Maracha District, said pigs’ animals worth more than 17 million shillings that he bought in Hoima remain stranded because he has been denied clearance to transport them to West Nile.
He says he continues to incur daily expenses on feed and caretakers. Another trader, Alfred Amaku Odua from Odramacaku in Ayivu West, Arua City, said the restrictions have crippled traders’ incomes, making it difficult for many families to pay school fees or service business loans.
Joyce Bako, who has traded livestock for the past five years, said the business is her only source of income, and the restrictions are threatening her livelihood.
The Chairperson of the West Nile Livestock Traders Association, Patrick Okiror Rosea, said the association has petitioned the Commander of the Fourth Infantry Division seeking intervention to allow the free movement of livestock into the region. He also condemned fees allegedly being collected from traders on both sides of the Panyimur ferry crossing, describing them as illegal.
Richard Andama Criss, Executive Director of the West Nile Compensation Advocacy Network (WE-CAN), which advises livestock traders in the region, said the organisation has formally appealed against the movement restrictions, arguing that they are hurting legitimate businesses and livelihoods.
Traders say lifting the restrictions would revive livestock trade in West Nile, create jobs for transporters, brokers and market workers, and boost household incomes across the region. They are now awaiting a response from the relevant security and veterinary authorities regarding their appeal-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
