The price of beef and pork could skyrocket in Kampala following government’s decision to impose a ban on the movement of cattle in the city after reported cases of foot and mouth disease. The wide-ranging ban also includes the closure of butcheries within the city as government tries to contain the spread of the disease.
In a letter dated March 1, 2024 written by Dr Anna Rose Ademun, the commissioner Animal Health ministry of Agriculture, it was noted that a case of foot and mouth disease had been reported in Lubaga division necessitating the ban. The ban also encompasses movement of goats and sheep.
“Movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their products and by products from, to, through and within Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala district is prohibited until further notice. Livestock markets, slaughter places including butcheries, loading grounds and animal shows in the entire district are hereby closed with immediate effect,” she wrote.
The move will certainly lead to a hike in prices of meat products. Currently beef prices range between Shs 15,000 and Shs 17,000 per kilogramme.
The ban could also lead to a collapse of some businesses that solely depend on meat products.
So far there is no indication to show that government is willing to enforce the ban. Butcheries in the city centre and St Balikuddembe market were operating normally on the morning of March 8.
