Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned chicken and meat traders at Natete Market against neglecting hygiene standards after inspectors found the market’s butchery and slaughterhouse in a poor state.
The warning was issued by Benon Moses Kigenyi, the deputy executive director of KCCA, during a clean-up exercise at the market. Kigenyi, who was accompanied by the director of public health and environment, Dr Sarah Zalwango, said the conditions posed a serious risk to public health.
Kigenyi told Bbeg Media that traders operating in the chicken butchery and cattle slaughterhouse would face immediate action if they failed to comply with city health regulations.
“As our clean-ups continue in different city markets, we are warning traders working in chicken butcheries and cattle slaughterhouses to comply with our health precautions or else we shall take immediate action against them. You need to be responsible because what you sell directly affects the health of your customers,” Kigenyi said.
He explained that inspectors found drainage channels within the market blocked with blood and other waste from the slaughterhouse and butchery, a situation he described as a violation of KCCA operating standards.
“The drainage system was clogged with blood and waste, which is unacceptable. Such practices compromise sanitation and endanger both traders and consumers,” he said.
Following the inspection, vendors were ordered to clean the affected facilities immediately, a directive they complied with.
Dr Zalwango urged traders to take responsibility for sanitation instead of waiting for KCCA intervention teams to act.
“We are calling upon vendors to maintain proper sanitation before enforcement teams are deployed. Work with 7Hills Community SACCO to sort garbage, collect waste and clean drainage channels. If you do not comply and cooperate with us, we shall close your stalls,” Zalwango said.
Natete Market, located in Lubaga, hosts about 4,000 vendors dealing in agricultural produce, fish, poultry, beef, pottery, retail goods and hardware, as well as services such as microfinance.
