BY JOACKIM KULE
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has stopped cattle traders from trekking (walking) their animals to the Democratic Republic of Congo via the Mpondwe border in Kasese district.
A letter dated July 5, 2024 written by Lt. Col. (Rtd) Dr. Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore, the State Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and addressed to the Kasese District Chairperson, indicates that trekking of animals increases the chances of disease spread.
Dr. Rwamirama also highlights in the same letter that the act is contrary to the guidelines o f the National and International Trade of Livestock and their products.
He quotes section 244 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 which requires that carriage of exports including animals be done using appropriate vehicles licensed to carry goods under customs control.
He has therefore guided the district leadership to stop henceforth the trekking of animals from Mpondwe across the border to the DRC.
Asked if directive has been implemented, Dr. Stephen Ngira, the Veterinary Inspector at Mpondwe told our reporter that he started implementing the directive today morning.
Mr. Fabisa Ambira, the Public Relations Officer for Cattle Trading Business at Mpondwe is skeptical that the decision by government would negatively affect their businesses.
He argues that exporting animals on vehicles puts them on risks of dying due to fatigue.
Mrs. Nusura Mbabazi Akiki, the Chairperson for the Cattle Traders in Kasese says as the business community, they would not go by the directive because, arguing that transporting animals on vehicles does not benefit the local community who earn a living from offloading and chasing the animals on foot to the DRC.
But the Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi says he didn’t receive the letter until today when someone sent it to him on WhatsApp. ENDS