October 16, 2020

Uganda invests in $40M livestock infra buildup

The Ugandan government has embarked on a livestock infrastructure buildup program worth 140 billion Ugandan shilling (almost US$40 million).

The project involves the construction of, among others, valley dams, livestock marketing and production infrastructure, slaughter sheds, animal holding grounds, quarantine stations, cattle markets and valley taps, New Vision reports.

The infrastructure projects will be built in the districts of Amudat, Abim, Amuria, Bukedea, Kaabong, Kotidi, Katakwi, Kumi, Kween, Moroto, Napak and Nakapiripirit, all in Karamoja region.

"Due to drought and conflicts related to accessing natural assets, the project is aimed at increasing access to sustainably manage water and land resources for pastoral and agro pastoral communities", State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama was quoted as saying during the commissioning of the livestock production and marketing infrastructure in Kaabong district recently.

He added that it would also encourage livestock keepers to intensify trade in order to attain better income and contribute to the national economy.

Rwamirama also said the ministry is in the process of formulating management and cattle policies aimed at addressing administrative, social, economic, political and technological factors that impact negatively on livestock keepers.

He suggested, for example, that "instead of loading many cows on the truck and spending millions on transport, you can slaughter from here (the district) and have a contract with refrigerated trucks which can take meat to Kenya, Kampala, Jinja and Mbale".

To intensify export trade, Rwamirama also advised the local people to take advantage of the East African Common markets like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan.