Phoebe Namulindwa, the Luweero Resident District Commissioner says that a joint enforcement committee comprising off slaughter officers, Police and local leaders has been formed to ensure compliance with the guidelines ahead of the Christmas season.
Luweero District Security Committee and the Halal Office at
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council have issued guidelines aimed improving meat
handling and stem the increasing livestock theft ahead of Christmas season.
At least five cases of animal thefts are recorded each week in Luweero district.
Kikyusa and Zirobwe sub counties have been identified among others as the gateway
for animal thieves.
As result, Luweero District Security Committee
and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council have issued guidelines to stem the thefts. The guidelines restrict the movement and
their products beyond 7pm.
They
also restrict the slaughter of animals before 6am and at only at gazetted
abattoirs. Other guidelines include the registration and accreditation
of slaughter officers to easily monitor their
work.
Phoebe Namulindwa, the Luweero Resident District Commissioner
says that a joint enforcement committee comprising off slaughter officers,
Police and local leaders has been formed to ensure compliance with the
guidelines ahead of the Christmas season.
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Luganda Byte
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Sheikh Ramadhan Mulindwa Nsanja, the Acting Kadhi Luweero Muslim
District Kadhi, says the Halal office in the district have also introduced tags
for easy identification of all accredited slaughter officers for easy
identification.
He says the accreditation process is intended to get rid of fake
slaughter officers who connive with thieves.
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Dr. Aloysious Lumbuye,
the Luweero District Veterinary Officer, says that apart from ensuring that all
cattle traders have movement permits, Police must all ensure they respect
animal rights.
Lumbuye explained that under the guidelines, trucks are
expected to transport between 18-22 heads of cattle, directing that those who
violate the guidelines be arrested.
Ahmed Musakana, the Luweero District Police Commander, says pledged
their support to the Joint Enforcement Committee to ensure that animal thefts
are averted during the season.
Cattle traders and butchers have welcomed
the guidelines but asked Police to respond in time to cases of animal theft.
Musa Ssempagama, a cattle trader in Luweero town says the
guidelines are timely. He blames traders who move animals at night for
conniving with animals thieves.
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Some cattle traders expressed skepticism on the enforcement
of the guidelines, citing rampant corruption at local police stations.
