15000 CATTLE DIE IN NTOROKO DISTRICT DUE TO EXCESSIVE DROUGHT

By Okoodi Deo

in Ntoroko-Western Uganda—

Over 15.000 herds of cattle have starved to death due to prolonged drought in Ntoroko district.

The animals fail to walk as they lose energy before collapsing and later die because of lacking pasture and water.

Dr Bagonza Patrick Businge the district Veterinary officer said the area started experiencing serious drought since March which badly affected the life stock which people in Ntoroko district depend on for all basics of life.

Mzee Mpaka Wilson who lost the entire herd of cattle says his children have now developed diarrhea as a result of feasting of the meat of the dead cows which practice the veterinary officer faulted to the respective culture of the area.

Mujungu Charles chairman of Butuku cattle marketing society says the prevailing situation is so hostile to them and requested government to intervene before they start losing human beings to the disaster adding that the price of cattle has gone down completely because their animals are weak

Muhumuza Patrick a business man dealing in buying and selling of cows products said he is now buying each cow at 50.000- and is forced to first dry its meat before taking it in the market for sale.

Christopher Mujungu the Ntoroko town council chairperson said that his council has far lost 40 percent in revenue because of few animals being sold in the market where they depend to collect revenue and this has since created a negative environment at the council offices