Staff Reporter
The quarantine implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Bushenyi District due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak could potentially have adverse effects on the local economy.
Richard Byaruhanga, the Mayor of Bushenyi Ishaka municipality, expressed concern about the impact on their budget and anticipated disruptions to local revenue streams. He highlighted areas such as the Kabagarama pork market and municipal abattoirs in Nyakabirizi and Ishaka as significant sources of local revenue that may suffer as a result of the quarantine measures.
Although acknowledging the necessity of the quarantine for disease control, Bushenyi District RDC Robert Atuhairwe issued a warning to those disregarding quarantine guidelines, emphasizing the enforcement of penalties for violations.
He recognized the economic hardships the quarantine may bring but stressed the importance of eradicating the disease from the district while minimizing its spread to neighboring areas.
On Thursday evening, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry officially declared the quarantine in Bushenyi District through a letter to the local government, imposing restrictions on the movement of livestock and related products within and outside the district.
