MUGABE R
Butchers of Buyanja Town Council, Rukungiri District, have today, Monday, 13th January 2025, protested the hike in Muslim/Halal fees and suspended Halal services until disagreements are resolved.
Butcheries have been paying 3,000/= for Halal services to the authorities of Buyanja Mosque. However, effective this year, they received a new Muslim official from Kebisoni Town Council, deployed by the District Kadhi, who elevated the Halal fees from 3,000/= to 10,000/= for a cow, 5,000/= for a goat, and 200/= for a hen.
Enock Bindeeba Kashaaki, the chairperson of the Butchers’ Association, clarified that they protested against the unaffordable fees, arguing that they receive no benefits in return.
Juma Magambo, the proprietor of Friends Butchery, attributed the protest to the transfer of Halal services from Buyanja Mosque to Rukungiri Main Mosque with increased fees among other charges. He advocated for the reversal of the service to Buyanja Mosque.
Deus Muhabuzi, the veterinary officer (VET) of Buyanja Town Council, confirmed the antemortem and postmortem inspection of the two cows and three goats that were slaughtered without Halal certification, emphasizing their health status for consumption.
Anthony Nshoborokirwe, the Speaker of Buyanja Town Council, expressed concern over the protest and criticized the Muslim leadership for the increased Halal fees. He emphasized adherence to Muslim standards and assured efforts to resolve the disagreements.
Muzamiru Kagwa and Sheik Abdul Nazir Issa, the Halal service providers, lamented the implementation of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Rukungiri directive to charge 10,000/= for a cow, 5,000/= for a goat, and 200/= for a hen without any bargaining power.
Two cows and three goats were slaughtered without Halal certification and displayed in butcheries, with a call for Muslims to boycott them.
