MUGABE R
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) for Rukungiri District, Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, has warned that authorities will arrest anyone found transporting livestock without permits or selling uninspected meat without official stamps as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease recently reported in neighbouring districts.
Ongom issued the warning on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, while commissioning a septic tank worth Shs27 million at Kagogo slaughter slab and a two-stance toilet valued at Shs18 million at Karangaro Health Centre II in Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
He said the district is on high alert following reports of Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in Ntungamo District and cautioned veterinary officers against corruption and negligence while enforcing livestock movement regulations. Ongom urged officials to ensure that all animals transported into the district have valid permits and that meat sold to the public is properly inspected and stamped to safeguard public health.
Western Division LCIII Chairperson Sylivia Twinomugisha Katimbira said the newly constructed septic tank will improve sanitation and hygiene standards at the slaughter facility. She called on butchers to use the facility responsibly in order to maintain the supply of safe and disease-free meat to residents.
Senior Assistant Town Clerk for Western Division John Kwesiga commended the government for funding the projects and pledged continued collaboration with health inspectors and butchers to improve hygiene and sanitation standards in the municipality.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Health Unit Management Committee at Karangaro Health Centre II, Rekabo Beria, appealed to the government to upgrade the facility to Health Centre III status. Beria noted that the health centre currently handles more than 850 patients every month despite limited services and lacks a maternity ward to adequately serve the growing population in the area.
