MICHAEL N
Butchers and muchomo sellers in Nyamunuka Town Council, Kajara County, Ntungamo District, have raised concern over the continued ban on animal slaughter and milk sales due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) quarantine, saying it has left many people unemployed and struggling to provide for their families.
Residents say meat selling and muchomo businesses have been a major source of income for many households, helping families meet daily needs and pay school fees.
Faruk Kashaija, Chairperson of Butchers in Nyamunuka Town Council, said the FMD quarantine has greatly affected meat sellers and business operators, adding that Nyamunuka is well known for meat trade within Ntungamo District. He also noted that enforcement of the Trade Order Law has further worsened business conditions.
Ismail Muhwezi said unemployment has increased, with some youths allegedly resorting to theft due to lack of work opportunities caused by the restrictions.
Bashir Mugyenyi, a butcher in Nyamunuka, said families are finding it difficult to raise school fees and meet household needs as business activities remain affected.
Residents are now appealing to district authorities and the Ministry responsible for animal husbandry to allow areas not affected by FMD to resume normal business operations.
Nyamunuka Town Mayor-Elect, Yasin Byamukama Katafa, said the quarantine has also reduced local revenue collections, affecting town council operations. He urged residents to remain patient as leaders engage relevant authorities on possible interventions.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Miriam Mugisha Kagiga asked traders and residents to remain calm, saying authorities are working on measures to ease the burden caused by the quarantine. She also warned against illegal transportation of livestock, revealing that police recently impounded a truck carrying more than 20 cows at Rwashamaire Police Station.
