The quarantine was imposed in August 2021 in the sub-counties of Getom, Kapujan, Katakwi, and Okulonyo following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.
FMD is currently reported across five districts in Teso Sub Region, Katakwi being the worst hit with four sub-counties (Kapujan, Getom, Katakwi and Okulonyo). The other districts are Kapelebyong with two sub-counties (Okungur and Obalanga) while Ngora, Bukedea and Amuria have a sub-county each with reported cases of FMD.
Located at Pamba ward in Katakwi Town Council, the abattoir has two solar-powered boreholes, feeding troughs with fly-proof nets, incinerator, refuse pit, store, offices, four stance toilets, bathroom, meat rails and four holding grounds for cattle, goats and sheep.
Samson Ojune, another cattle trader wants the government to allow them continue operating because they have endured poverty since they depend on livestock as a source of income.
In September last year, the company supplied over 300 bags of cassava cuttings from Masindi district to farmers in Palam Sub County. The inputs have since remained wasted at the sub-county headquarters.
Moses Okello, a maize farmer in Toroma Sub County told URN on phone that he lost 4 acres of maize to water logging, something that shuttered his dreams of harvesting at least 60 bags of maize. Okello says he only harvested 10 bags yet he spent over Shillings 1.5 million on labor including opening the garden.
Walter Elakas Okiring, the Katakwi LC V chairperson, says they are using community meetings to conduct the campaign aimed at boosting food security in the area. Okiring warns residents against selling the little food available, saying the district is still food insecure.
Michael Ateria, the chairperson of Katakwi district forum for people living with HIV says whereas some of their members have since benefited from the program, several others are struggling despite being incapacitated by the virus.
Farmers in Katakwi district, eastern Uganda say that the system is tiring. Julius Odimoi, a farmer in Katakwi Sub County says the technology is only applicable to small scale farmers. He cited long distances from water sources as a key obstacle to the approach.
Viola Akurut, the Katakwi Woman MP, says the food relief will help the affected community as they wait to harvest the crops planted during the first rain.
Farmers in Katakwi district have asked government for fast growing and maturing seeds as they prepare to receive first rains after a long dry spell. Close to 8,000 households or 45 of the district population of 165,000 people are surviving on just a meal a day.
Filbert Ocailap, the Katakwi Resident District Commissioner, says they rejected the bean seeds because Equator Seed Limited Company supplied the wrong variety.
She says that Robert Akabwai, the Katakwi NRM youth Chairperson and Gabriel Ogwel, the LC1 chairperson Angopet cell are wanted for their involvement in an attack on MP Oboi.
