IBANDA AUTHORITIES RESTRICT ANIMAL SLAUGHTERING TO PREVENT SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS

By Felix Twinomugisha
www.mknewslink.com
In Ibanda

Authorities in Ibanda district have restricted the slaughter of animals and selling of meat from ungazetted places to stop the spread of Coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Ordinarily, villagers contribute money and buy animals mostly cattle, for days like Easter and Christmas that they slaughter from home of one of the contributors.
However, health and political leaders as well as government officials in Ibanda say the exercise exposes the community to Covid-19 and need strict supervision and control.
Vincent Mugisha, the district health surveillance coordinator said only few people will be allowed to slaughter a cow as the other contributing members or buyers wait at a recommended distance for their shares.
“We know that meat is a sensitive issue, but we must strict and deploy police to ensure only five people are involved in the slaughter and distribution of communally bought cows,” said Mugisha.
He added that meat traders must also follow health ministry guidelines while slaughtering and selling meat.
District chairman Melechiades Kajwengye had earlier suggested that people should only be allowed to slaughter animals in trading centres gazetted by the authorities.
“With Covid-19, we have to regulate the exercise and ensure that people don’t form crowds while slaughtering, buying or sharing meat for the communally bought animals,” he said.
Joseph Bataringaya, the Ibanda OWC coordinator, said clear and strict guidelines on animal slaughter are required, adding that meat sellers need to observe social distancing during the exercise.
Ibanda DISO Charles Muhanguzi, blamed the practice of slaughtering animals from ungazetted areas on lack of control by town clerks, municipality leaders and vets.
He said animals should be slaughtered under the strict supervision of vets and the Police to ensure they observe health ministry guidelines and presidential directives.
Aloysious Kasingye, who represented the CAO, ordered all veterinary officers at sub-counties to be on duty to supervise the slaughter and sell of meat that day.
However, some members called for limiting of celebrations and slaughter of animals during Easter, saying the current situation does warrant merry-making.

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