Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-10 13:33:43
The Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Ms Minsa Kabanda, recently announced that the ban on selling meat in Kampala, directed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), will not be enforced. This decision came after an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Kabowa, Rubaga Division, Kampala on February 28, 2024. In a letter dated March 1, 2024, the Commissioner Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, instructed all local authorities under Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to implement a quarantine restriction on the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, and their by-products within Kampala.
The letter stated that all livestock markets, slaughter places, butcheries, loading grounds, and animal shows in the entire Kampala district are to be closed with immediate effect. The aim of the ban was to prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health. However, Minister Kabanda revealed in an interview that the Prime Minister, Ms. Robinah Nabbanja, had suspended the implementation of the ban while the government evaluates the situation in the capital city.
Minister Kabanda explained that after consulting with the Prime Minister, the directive to enforce the ban was withdrawn until further notice. The government is currently assessing the impact of the disease in Kampala before making any further decisions. As a result, the ban on selling meat in Kampala has been put on hold. Minister Kabanda emphasized that people can continue to consume meat, but urged meat packers to ensure that animals are tested before being slaughtered to guarantee public safety.
The Minister emphasized the importance of following the guidelines set out by the Animal Diseases Act, Cap 38, and encouraged local government administrators, DVOs, LCs, chiefs, enforcement personnel, and the general public to adhere to quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. While the ban on selling meat in Kampala was initially intended to control the outbreak, the government decided to pause its implementation to gather more information on the situation.
Ms. Kabanda reassured the public that the government is actively monitoring the outbreak and will provide further guidance once a thorough assessment has been conducted. In the meantime, she urged residents to remain vigilant and follow any updates or instructions from the authorities regarding the handling and consumption of meat in Kampala. The priority is to protect public health and prevent the spread of the disease within the community.
Overall, the decision to temporarily halt the ban on selling meat in Kampala reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens while effectively addressing public health concerns. By taking a cautious and measured approach to the situation, the authorities can better assess the impact of the disease and implement appropriate measures to safeguard the health of the population.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
