Butchers in Kabale municipality are raising concerns over the deteriorating conditions of the main abattoir where cattle, goats, and sheep are slaughtered and distributed to various butchers. The facility, located in Rushabya cell, Kirigime ward in the southern division of Kabale Municipality, has become a focal point of worry due to its unhygienic state.
In the early hours of the morning, we visited the facility and observed the ongoing slaughter of animals amidst a flow of animal waste and blood, with no proper collection point. To manage the waste, butchers have resorted to dumping it in a nearby forest.
Flex Murungi, chairman of Kabale abattoir, stated that prior to the construction of Kabale central market, they operated in a better facility. Since their relocation, there has been no improvement, and the current abattoir’s condition is alarming. He urged municipal council authorities to address the facility’s issues promptly.
Other butchers, including Budhul Bwekyaso and Ahmed Mungumwa, echoed Murungi’s concerns. They highlighted the lack of water and poor drainage as major challenges, stressing that the abattoir’s location is unsuitable. They called for the facility to be moved to a more appropriate and larger site, criticizing authorities for focusing solely on tax collection despite the substantial taxes and licenses they pay.
In response, Eric Sunday, the deputy town clerk, stated that Kabale municipal council has budgeted for abattoir improvements in the current financial year. He assured that the construction process has begun, and they aim to complete the project by the end of July, enhancing both the facility and its drainage system.
In January 2020, the municipal council relocated the butchers to the current abattoir to facilitate the construction of Kabale central market. However, the current state of the abattoir raises doubts about the municipal authorities’ commitment to building a better facility.
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